On Valentine’s Day, prepare a delicious, home-cooked meal to warm your special someone’s heart. You can start planning this romantic dinner for two by selecting an appetizer, entrée, and dessert that incorporate foods known for evoking feelings of love and romance. (Want more ways to create romance by decorating?)
You can use these ingredients to prepare dishes like Prosciutto Wrapped Figs or Smoked Oysters as an appetizer, followed by an entrée of Baked Salmon with Pineapple Salsa (toss in a few hot chilies), or Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto. The possibilities are endless.
Chocolate, considered a natural aphrodisiac, is the perfect compliment to a Valentine’s Day dinner. Instead of purchasing a box of pre-made chocolates, why not whip up your own? Carroll Pellegrinelli, author of the About.com desserts and baking guide, offers a simple chocolate truffle recipe to delight your sweetheart’s palate.
Line two baking sheets with wax or parchment paper. Beat peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter until completely combined and smooth. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheet and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate. Using wooden toothpicks or skewers, dip balls into chocolate to coat completely. Either serve plain or roll in optional ingredients. Set truffles on prepared sheet and store in refrigerator. Makes about 4 dozen.
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner
By Brittany Morgan
On Valentine’s Day, prepare a delicious, home-cooked meal to warm your special someone’s heart. You can start planning this romantic dinner for two by selecting an appetizer, entrée, and dessert that incorporate foods known for evoking feelings of love and romance. (Want more ways to create romance by decorating?)
Popular love foods include:
You can use these ingredients to prepare dishes like Prosciutto Wrapped Figs or Smoked Oysters as an appetizer, followed by an entrée of Baked Salmon with Pineapple Salsa (toss in a few hot chilies), or Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto. The possibilities are endless.
Chocolate, considered a natural aphrodisiac, is the perfect compliment to a Valentine’s Day dinner. Instead of purchasing a box of pre-made chocolates, why not whip up your own? Carroll Pellegrinelli, author of the About.com desserts and baking guide, offers a simple chocolate truffle recipe to delight your sweetheart’s palate.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
16 ounces creamy peanut butter
12 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 pound package powdered sugar
Optional Rolling Ingredients:
Finely chopped peanut butter chips
Cocoa powder
Finely chopped peanuts
Chocolate Jimmies
Preparation:
Line two baking sheets with wax or parchment paper. Beat peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter until completely combined and smooth. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheet and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate. Using wooden toothpicks or skewers, dip balls into chocolate to coat completely. Either serve plain or roll in optional ingredients. Set truffles on prepared sheet and store in refrigerator. Makes about 4 dozen.