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Happy-Gourmand

Valentine’s Day

Contributed - | Story: 15657
The season of love is upon us again…

The special day for lovers is a poignant one according to history, mourning a romantic hero who died, and so it seems to deserve special treatment. This year, try not to get caught up in the commercial side of things, but put your own special touch on any gift you give. Perhaps a flower a day for a week leading up the 14th would have more impact than one bouquet. And why buy roses when they are not in season?

Instead of fighting the crowds and paying top dollar for dinner out on a busy night, why not create a special meal at home just for the two of you? Chef Martin can make sure that when you give the secret sign he is ready to duck out the door (and the dishes will still be done when you get up the next morning!)

The menu
  • Beet and Prosciutto Salad in a Ginger Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Hearts of Prawn with a Citrus Beurre Blanc
  • Rack of Lamb and Caramelized Cipollini Onions with a Red Currant Wine Sauce
  • Dessert of your choice

    Chocolate Frenzy Cooking Class
    Whether you have a cooking class with all your single friends, or whether it’s just for you and your partner, chocolate has this amazing way to bring people together.

    Choose from a selection of great chocolate desserts for your next class in the comfort of your home… (these are also the dessert choices for the Valentine’s Day menu)

  • Chocolate Baileys Opera
  • Frosty Triple Chocolate Mousse
  • Chocolate Espresso Parfait
  • Chocolate Mint Tart with Crème Anglaise
  • Chocolate Éclairs
  • Hedgehog Hazelnut Cake
  • Chocolate Ganache Cake
  • Warm Chocolate Soufflé with Caramel Ice Cream
  • White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis

    WORDS on WINES
    Winter is about comfort food, but who says a bit of decadence is not comfortable?

    Try sparkling wine cocktails with brunch to put some sunlight into a dreary Sunday morning. Okanagan sparkling wines are a fun and affordable choice. Who says you have to wait till the end of the day? However if you do, here is my list of things to try for a cold night by the fire, or perhaps a romantic Valentine’s weekend…

  • Icewine is the perfect après-ski drink
  • Madeira is great for warming your heart and igniting the romantic in you
  • Try a bottle of Port with chocolate (a classic match) – or try white Port if you prefer nuts and cheese to finish the evening.

    This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

    • Open Associated File Chef Martin's January Newsletter

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    About the Author

    Kristin Peturson-Laprise is a customer experience specialist by trade, which means she is someone passionate about people having a good time. 

    Her company, Wow Service Mentor, helps businesses enhance their customer experience through hands-on training, service programs, and special event coordination.

    Kristin enjoys her own experiences too, and that is what she writes about in this column. She and her husband Martin Laprise (also known as Chef Martin, of The Chef Instead) love to share their passion for food and entertaining.  

    Kristin says:

    "Wikipedia lists a gourmand as a person who takes great pleasure in food. I have taken the concept of gourmandise, or enjoying something to the fullest, in all parts of my life. I love to grow and cook food, and I loved wine enough to become a Sommelier. I call a meal a success when I can convey that 'sense of place' from where the food has come . . . the French call that terroir, but I just call it the full experience. It might mean tasting the flavours of my own garden, or transporting everyone at the table to a faraway place, reminiscent of travels or dreams we have had."

     

    E-mail Kristin at:  [email protected]

    Check out her website here:  www.wowservicementor.com

     



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    The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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