Valentine's Day Celebrations

What are you doing for the Annual Holiday?

If I had the time, I would totally have planned a party. Along those lines, I have some ideas below:

Such a beautiful setting especially with the red wine glasses!

An easy centerpiece of red carnations & Hot Tamales :)

 

Generally fun decorations... but I love the Pink Flamingo decorations

To go along with some of these great ideas I have some great recipes I've found!

For Brunch:

Strawberry Mascarpone Crepes

• 8 Servings
• Prep: 45 min. + standing Cook: 20 min.

Ingredients

• 
  BATTER:
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 5 teaspoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 
  FILLING:
• 1 cup (8 ounces) Mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 3 to 4 teaspoons minced fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 
  STRAWBERRY TOPPING:
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon strawberry or vanilla extract
• Dash salt
• 4 teaspoons butter, divided

Directions

• In a blender, combine the batter ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, for filling, in a small bowl, combine the cheese, confectioners' sugar, basil and lemon juice. Gently fold in strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• For topping, in a small bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, orange juice, extract and salt. Let stand for 30 minutes.
• Melt 1 teaspoon butter in an 8-in. nonstick skillet over medium heat; pour about 1/4 cup batter into the center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels in between.
• Spoon filling over crepes; roll up. Serve with strawberry topping. Yield: 8 crepes.

Appetizer

Wonton Kisses Recipes

• 24 Servings
• Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients

• 24 milk chocolate kisses
• 24 wonton wrappers
• Oil for frying
• Confectioners' sugar

Directions

• Place a chocolate kiss in the center of a wonton wrapper. (Keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use.) Moisten edges with water; fold opposite corners together over candy kiss and press to seal. Repeat.
• In an electric skillet, heat 1 in. of oil to 375°. Fry wontons for 2-1/2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Yield: 2 dozen.

ENTREE

Apple-Cherry Pork Chops

• 2 Servings
• Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless pork loin chops (1/2 inch thick and 5 ounces each)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2/3 cup apple juice
• 1 small red apple, sliced
• 2 tablespoons dried cherries or cranberries
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Directions

• Sprinkle pork chops with thyme and salt. In a large skillet, cook pork in oil for 3-4 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove and keep warm.
• In the same skillet, combine the apple juice, apple, cherries and onion. Bring to a boil. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into skillet. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Spoon over pork chops. Yield: 2 servings.

I do have to admit though, that right now I have a bag of Heart shaped pasta from World Market and a bottle of Cupcake wine... I know... I'm getting older... but that doesn't mean my budget and time constrains allow for all these amazing dishes ;). Hopefully... one day...

XoXo