Ah.. February.. the month of love.. the month of hope.. the month of butterfly kisses from your loved ones..AND not to mention, the month of overpriced chocolates and roses.. you know I’m right!..

You know the saying.. “A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach..” Guess what you don’t know.. “A way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach too”…I know shocker! Like who doesn’t like a fancy meal.. with a glass of nice wine.. Now don’t get me wrong.. We women like (scratch that), LOVE jewelry too.. BUT with a side of lobster risotto, it’s just divine..  😉

So this Valentine’s day, I would like to give you a gift of love… aka homemade food..

Steak; 

Bourbon cocoa dry rub Dry onion powder – 1/2 tbsp Cocoa powder- 1 tbsp Salt Black pepper Smoked paprika Fresh garlic -1 clove smashed Mix all the above and rub over meat. Keep aside for 10 min. Grill according to your preference. (Medium preferred).

Right before serving, warm a tbsp of butter in a sauce pan till fully melted. Remove from stove and add a tbsp of your favorite borboun on the steak. Season with a bit of salt. .

Serve over the steak Cocoa and bourbon glazed filet with roasted veggies and brown sugar encrusted baked pear.

Swiss chard

Sautee pine nuts, garlic and raisins

Add chard and toss for a couple of minutes. Swiss chard with pine nuts and raisins!

Pork chops;

Dry rub for pork chops Salt. paprika, sumac, fresh garlic, dry thyme, dry mint leaves

Moroccan pork chops with couscous and swiss chard (with pine nuts and raisins)

Fish;

Poaching liquid prep for fish; Cilantro, basil, garlic, lemongrass , lemon and salt

Cover with enough water and bring to a boil.

Lower the fish in the pan and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes till the fish flakes easily. .

Cilantro and lemon poached snapper with  Cilantro jasmine rice and steamed asparagus.

Vegetarian;

Veggie pot pie with chives flavored cream sauce

Chopped chives

Roasted veggies including turnips, asparagus, carrots, shallots and garlic

1/4 cup of cream boiled with salt and chopped chives. Pour  over the veggies.

cover with puff pastry

Egg wash and chopped chives and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 10-11 minutes till it’s golden and AWESOME!!

Serve hot!

Chocolate;

Organic chocolate bark loaded with salted cashews, dry fruits , salt and paprika!

Double boiler (Water in the saucepan)

Melt chocolate over the simmering water

Whisk till smoooooooth !

Spread on parchment

Chopped dry fruits and nuts!