A way to a man’s heart

Photo by James Ransom

What’s the best way to a man’s heart? You guessed it, his stomach. Feed a man a home-cooked meal and he’s putty in your hands. This Valentine’s Day, stay in and cook a romantic dinner followed by…dot, dot, dot. You can use your imagination on that. If you really want to turn things up a notch, you can cook with an apron on and some sexy lingerie (shop this post) underneath. I’m pretty sure your man will be drooling but not for dinner. And if things get too heated in the kitchen, just make sure you don’t burn the food. I’ll share my favorite Italian dinner which is an easy and delicious 3-course meal to prepare this Valentine’s Day. Bon Appétit!

STARTER:

Strawberry, Basil, and Goat Cheese Bruschetta (Makes 4-6 servings)

1 cup sliced fresh strawrberries
1 nectarine
1/2 cup quartered grape tomatoes
1 tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
1 shallot, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Salt to taste
1 French Baguette
6 oz. softened goat cheese

1. Preheat over to 375 degrees. Stir together strawberries, nectarine, tomatoes, basil, shallot, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, black pepper and salt.

2. Slice the baguette on a diagonal about 1/2 inch thick slices. Coat one side of each slice with goat cheese. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

3. Remove from oven. Align the bread on a serving platter, goat cheese side up. Spoon the strawberry topping over the bread. Enjoy!

SALAD:

Tossed Italian Salad (Makes 2 servings)

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
3 oz. pecorino
1/4 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
Dressing:
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. honey
3/4 cup water
2 tsp. garlic, minced
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/8 tsp. dried oregano
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mustard, honey, water, garlic, vinegar and salt. Whisk until combined. Whisk in oil in a thin stream. Add pepper and oregano; whisk to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more honey or garlic if necessary.

2. Place lettuce, onion, cheese, olives, and tomatoes in a large bowl and toss.  Add enough dressing to coat leaves. toss and serve immediately. Enjoy!

MAIN COURSE:

Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce (Makes 2 servings)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. black pepper, divided
2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme
4 ounces pre-sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1. Place chicken breast halves in a shallow dish. Combine flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper, stirring well with a whisk. Sprinkle flour mixture over chicken; toss to coat.

2. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a larger nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; sauté 4 minutes or until browned. Remove chicken from pan.

3. Add remaining 1 tbsp. oil to pan. Add garlic, thyme, and mushrooms to pan; sauté for 3 minutes or until liquid evaporates and mushrooms darken.

4. Add white wine to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in broth, remaining salt and pepper; cook 1 minute or until slight thick, stirring frequently.

5. Return chicken to pan. Cover and simmer 2 minutes. Uncover; cook 1 minute until chicken is done. Add parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve and Enjoy!

DESSERT:

Chocolate covered strawberries….YUMMY!