The Observer, February 10, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 16
Spice things up for Valentine's Day this year
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Going out for dinner on Valentine's Day is so passé. You have to remember to make reservations for some exorbitantly expensive (and obligatory) restaurant weeks in advance, and by the time you get there, chances are it'll be so crowded that all the romance is lost. This year, celebrate in private - make a homemade meal for your sweetie (or with him or her) and bring the romance, and peace, to you. Things could get very interesting in the kitchen, and out. Don't have a kitchen? Try to find one, otherwise cooking dinner could be a little bit tricky. Don't cook? Here are some basics that will make your Valentine's Day as smooth as your game:
Do as much in advance as possible. No one likes to be kept hungry and waiting, especially on a special occasion. Prepare foods in advance and keep them under wraps in the refrigerator, and heat them up before you serve. Remember not to leave your date alone for too long, or he or she might start snooping around for presents.
Don't forget the bubbly. Champagne goes hand in hand with celebration. Be careful when opening, though; letting the cork "pop" may be dramatic, but it can lead to inadvertent injury. It's not nice to give your significant other a black eye on Valentine's Day. Besides, letting the cork fly across the room also results in carbon dioxide loss, which means flat champagne. So here's what to do: place a cloth napkin over the cork, so if the cork pops it will go into the napkin. Twist the cap until you stop hearing a fizz, and then remove it completely. Fancy cocktails are also a great way to get in the mood, try making Passion Fruit Sangria to stir things up.
Decorate, or at the very least, clean. Stash your laundry somewhere inconspicuous, and turn the couch cushions over so the Chef Boyardee stains don't show. Arrange a simple center piece of flowers or candles or both, and make sure the silverware is clean. Putting some flowers on your date's plate may earn you some bonus points.
Remember that food can be an aphrodisiac. Or were you counting on this all along? Oysters, chocolate, chilies, and ginger are just some of the foods that have been cited as having "special" properties when it comes to getting in the mood in the kitchen. Don't use them all together in one recipe, but here are a few recipes that will have your date drooling for more: Raw Oysters with Ginger-Lime Relish, Beef with Tomatoes and Ginger, or Caribbean Pepper Pot with Chicken and Shrimp.
Get messy. Eat with your hands. Feed each other. Don't be embarrassed by your less-than perfect table manners, because getting a little messy while you eat will only lead to more fun after dinner… which leads to:
Don't forget dessert. There's no more perfect dessert for Valentine's Day dinner than Chocolate Fondue; it's sweet, it's interactive, and it gets all over. Dip whatever you want in the chocolate, that's the point.
This Valentine's Day, skip the traditional route and try impressing your date with your culinary acumen. If it doesn't work out, you can always go out to eat.
