HI everyone

While my hubby and I don't buy into the whole commercialism of Valentines' Day - as far as we are concerned every day is special - I would however like to cook a special meal next Tuesday especially as my hubby is going away the next day.
For meat I think I will do chicken breasts stuffed with herb butter and wrapped in bacon/ pancetta. But special veges? Not sure about that...want to work with whatever is seasonal...maybe a special salad?? Any ideas?
For dessert I think I will make a tiramisu as have never made one before...
Is anyone else cooking special meals for next Tuesday?

I have got a meeting in the evening o fhte 14th, so we are having our special dinner on Saturday night (and we don';t buy into the commercial side of it either). we are having garlic flat bread and retro prawn cocktails, then bbqed hapuka with sauce vierge and a potato and basil salad and then raspberry and white chocolate parfait (like semi fredo).

Fiona, you could have a rocket and parmesan salad or maybe green beans tossed in lemon infused olive oil?

It is our 25th Wedding Anniversary on Feb 14. Certainly not planned that way. The commercialisation(wowl - is that word), wasn't that sigificant 25yrs ago - it just happpend to be the only weekend I had off in Feb when I was working full time at Masterton Hosp.

We will be going out for dinner on 15 as our youngest turns 19 the following day so we will combine it. Besides - we gave up years ago trying to do something on "our" day as it has become more and more "in one's face".

Fiona - you have the right attitude - every day IS special. I am sure whatever you make it will be with much love and received with much appreciation. Have you considered a picnic instead of a "at home - around the table". I have done this a few times and it has been a real hit. If possible go somewhere where you could watch the sunset.

Whatever you do - have a special and memorable time

Well I heard on the radio this morning that "small acts of random kindness" are wonderful so I immediately decided to make a slab brownie, cut it into triangles, pop a small pansy on the top of each one and bring them into my workmates on Valentines Day. I know that most of us there will not be taken out or have outrageously expensive roses sent so perhaps that might be a special treat to make the day a little different. And.......I'm going to wrap one up and leave it on my desk with a note for our office cleaner who comes that night!

Alison

I always used to do something special for Valentine's day starting, from when we were first going out (once I sent him about a dozen Valentine's cards all written using different pens and different handwriting!). However it has suffered a bit since our second son was born on Feb 15th 18 years ago. I do usually try to cook something a bit special (even if it has to be something the kids will eat as well) but at the moment I am thinking about Nicholas'18th birthday party this Saturday and his requested family dinner on the 15th so haven't got as far as a menu for the 14th.

You could also stuff your chicken with mozerella or camembert cheese or even brie for a change. I cooked halved apricots that were put into a bag & then added brown sugar, curry pwdr & a little oil & baked in the oven, delicious the recipe is in the very latest Foodtown mag pg 8.
For a sald a cubed mango with basil & chopped red onion is really nice& you could add feta cheese to it too.
I also have cooked the lamb in the lates FT mag on pg 6 & that was devine. Enjoy whatever you do.

Have you thought about a coffee and kahlua jelly topped with whiped cream? Easy to make in advance, as is a bit different.