Savor With Love

Sure, you can head out for a romantic dinner at a favorite local restaurant, but making a meal for your true love can be extra special, very intimate, and prepared to his or her liking. Here are two dinners — one for carnivores and one for vegetarians — including wine pairings. 

Starter: Caprese Skewers

• Ingredients:

  • Fresh mozzarella balls (8 ounces)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1 pint)
  • Fresh basil leaves (1 bunch)
  • Balsamic glaze (1/4 cup)

• Assemble the skewers by threading a tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball onto toothpicks. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Wine Pairing: Prosecco

• Enhance the flavors with a bubbly Prosecco. Its light and fruity notes complement the freshness of the Caprese skewers.

Main Course: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts (2, boneless and skinless)
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  • Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Butter (2 tablespoons)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Sauté chicken in butter until cooked. In the same pan, add minced garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

• Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

Wine Pairing: Chardonnay

• A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy texture of the garlic Parmesan sauce, creating a delightful harmony.

Side Dish: Roasted Asparagus

• Ingredients:

  • Fresh asparagus spears (1 bunch)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Toss asparagus in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until tender.

• Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc

• The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the roasted asparagus, balancing the meal.

Dessert: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• Ingredients:

  • Fresh strawberries (1 pound)
  • Dark chocolate (8 ounces)
  • White chocolate (4 ounces)

• Melt dark and white chocolate separately. Dip strawberries into the melted chocolate, alternating colors.

• Cooking Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes (plus cooling time).

Wine Pairing: Ruby Port

• The rich, sweet notes of Ruby Port complement the decadence of chocolate-covered strawberries, concluding your dinner on a sweet note.

Enjoy your delightful Valentine's Day dinner preparation! 

And for your vegetarian amore, give these a try!

Starter: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms

• Ingredients:

  • Large mushrooms (12)
  • Spinach (2 cups, chopped)
  • Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

• Mix chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and minced garlic. Stuff the mushroom caps, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until mushrooms are tender.

Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio

• A crisp and light Pinot Grigio complements the earthy flavors of the stuffed mushrooms.

Main Course: Eggplant Parmesan

• Ingredients:

  • Eggplants (2, sliced)
  • Marinara sauce (2 cups)
  • Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
  • Bread crumbs (1/2 cup)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

• Layer sliced eggplants with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Top with bread crumbs and bake until bubbly.

• Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes.

Wine Pairing: Merlot

• A medium-bodied Merlot complements the richness of the eggplant Parmesan.

Side Dish: Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

• Ingredients:

  • Quinoa (1 cup, cooked)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
  • Cucumber (1, diced)
  • Red bell pepper (1, diced)
  • Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
  • Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
  • Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

• Mix cooked quinoa with roasted vegetables and feta. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc

• The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc complements the freshness of the quinoa salad.

Dessert: Chocolate Avocado Mousse

• Ingredients:

  • Ripe avocados (2)
  • Cocoa powder (1/2 cup)
  • Maple syrup (1/3 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

• Blend avocados, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Chill before serving.

Wine Pairing: Late Harvest Riesling

• The sweetness of a Late Harvest Riesling pairs well with the rich chocolate avocado mousse.

Enjoy your delightful vegetarian Valentine's Day dinner!