“Cooking with Love in
Kitchen - Just in Time for Valentines Day" ♥ by Marybeth Gregg --------------------------------------- Remember when you made a homemade card for your first girlfriend or boy friend and they were so happy they couldn’t stop smiling? You couldn’t figure out what you did that was so great but as you got older you began to realize that giving is best when we give not just ‘things’, but when we give of ourselves. Valentine’s Day is a perfect holiday to give to others by doing something special. Even though you may not spend much time cooking in kitchen, wouldn’t you like to treat your love to an easy, delectable and romantic dinner? A special meal is not just about food- it is about effort and meaning that goes into it. These ideas will make it easy for you to create a memorable meal for Valentine’s Day, or any other time when you want to show someone your love.
Make it Easy on Yourself
o What kind of meal you want- brunch or dinner? Write down your menu and all ingredients from your recipes you’ll need in an organized way. List stores you need to shop at.
o What do you want to serve? Keep it simple – have 3 or 4 items, and not everything has to be homemade. Cook an easy recipe. Get a great dessert -go out and buy most decadent chocolate cake you can find, or find fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate from your local candy store.
o Choose food that your partner likes, not just what you like. This shows that you have put a lot of thought in to this and care, which is point, right?
o Be sure to start several days in advance. If you save everything for day of celebration, you’ll be frazzled and in not much of a mood to enjoy this time together.
Remember that this is about Love, not Technique.
o As with other activities associated with love, cooking does not have to be totally perfect. If something does not come out in time, or if it doesn’t look exactly like picture in cookbook, relax. Stay in mood you set out to create- being grumpy or upset defeats purpose. Laugh and have fun!
It’s Total Feeling – Ambiance Counts
o Setting your table is important in creating mood you want to set, which is romance. Use your nicest dishes, silverware and best, sparkling glasses or crystal you can get.
o Choose a color scheme. You may want to use a white tablecloth and add color with napkins and candles, or two beautiful place mats with matching or contrasting colors. For example, red or soft pink on a white background, with a small container of white flowers and lots of red votive candles looks beautiful.
