Valentines....

Top 10 Aphrodisiac Foods

Avocado

The Aztecs are rumoured to be one of the first people to think of avocados as a love potion. It didn’t take long for the Spanish to catch-on that this fruity treat had a lot going for it. So widespread was its reputation, that for a time, Catholic priests banned their parishioners from eating this popular fruit.

Chocolate

The Aztecs referred to chocolate as Nourishment of the Gods, Chocolate contains chemicals though to effect neurotransmitters in the brain. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than red wine (cancer preventing enzymes) .. The secret for passion is to combine the two.

So powerful is its magnetic draw that a few monasteries banned it for being too much of a stimulant food

Chillies ....

....are believed to stimulate the endorphins – which are essentially pleasure hormones released in the brain… In Southern Italy some villages have chilli munching competitions…

Figs

In southern Europe, figs are often thrown at newly married couples as a token of well-being and fertility. Cleopatra couldn’t keep her hands off this sensuous fruit - and her love life was pretty dramatic!

Honey

The Egyptians use honey to make Love Potions and In England, during medieval times, newly married couples would share a cup of mead in the hope that their marriage would be a long and sweet one.

Oysters

Rumour has it that Casanova, perhaps the world’s best known lover, used to eat 50 raw oysters every day – his secret to securing a passionate love life.

Berries

Strawberries and raspberries they're especially great when combined with Champagne or chocolate.

Caviar

The Russians enjoy with a shot of vodka, caviar’s a luxury choice for indulging your partner. Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals its a stimulant and a taster of good things ahead…

Champagne

Nothing beats the sensual appeal of Champagne. Perhaps it’s the bubbles, the fresh flavour…

Also Coffee – Pinenuts – Bananas…

Valentine’s Indoor Picnic

We all have one of those friends who is a fantastic cook. If this is your loved one then here’s a way to surprise and add the wow factor but spend very little time in the kitchen.. create an indoor picnic, (coffee table, cloth, candles, cushions, music)

Mont d'Or

Swiss & French Vacheron Mont D’orVacheron Mont D’or is a beautiful soft, rich, seasonal cheese made from cow's-milk in Switzerland or France usually in villages of the Jura region (an origin that has been officially controlled since 1981. It is only produced between August 15 and March 15, and sold between September 10 and May 10. It is sold in round boxes of various diameters made of spruce and is so delicious served warm in its original packaging and eaten like a fondue.

Celebrate Valentines with a difference

Create An Indoor picnic !!

Cover a coffee table with a tablecloth, placemats, shimmery material, or even a single duvet cover

Dig out some outdoor candles, lanterns, tee lights, cushions etc. Pop on some romantic music....

Here’s The Menu….

Baked Vacheron Mont D’or

Served with a selection of

Grilled veggies, olives, salad , crusty bread & charcuterie

You will need....

1 box of Vacheron Mont D’or

(available from Sheridan’s Cheesemongers log on to www.sheridanscheesemongers.ie)

Alternative 1 box of camembert or brie

1 loaf of fresh crusty bread or fresh bread rolls

1 bowl of fresh rocket or baby leaf salad

Small bowl of marinated olives

2 grilled red peppers

Mixture of charcuterie, salami, coppa, Parma ham bressola etc.

1. Pop the cheese into a warmed oven of 180 for 10 mins

2. Pop the crusty bread into the oven for 5 mins

3. Toss the salad gently in a little balsamic

4. Pop the peppers on a little serving dish and also the olives.

5. Lay the charcuterie out on a wooden board or platter.

6. When cheese & bread are warmed pop on the wooden board or platter with spoons for scooping.

I love to have this with a sparkling wine or champagne as it works so well with the texture and smoothness of the cheese. Enjoy....

Sensational Chocolate Puddings...

Makes 6

These little puds need to be served straight from the oven.

Its really important to not overcook them so the best way is to either set the timer or really watch the time & bake for exactly 12 mins.. They should be moist & saucy in the centre..

Serve with a little bowl of whipped cream or icecream on the side...

They need to be chilled for a minimum of 4/5 hours, however you can make and chill for up to 2 days!!

You will be an absolute pudding God/Goddess when you produce these little delights!!!!

All you need is...

250g butter

5 eggs

75g caster sugar

250g chocolate.. 70% cocoa

50g plain flour

Preheat oven to 180

1. Whisk up the eggs until pale then add the sugar and whisk until well combined.

2. Half fill a medium pot with water, put the chocolate & butter into a heat proof bowl, and pop over the heat mixing slowly to combine.

1. When melted take off the heat and slowly add egg mixture beating until smooth.

1. Then gradually fold in the flour.. Pour into buttered little ovenproof dishes and chill for 4/5 hours /overnight or up to 2 days

1. When ready to have dessert…. Pop into the oven on a tray for exactly 12 mins @ 180

Chocolate Fondue with fresh berries & marshmallows

1 ½ bars of good quality dark chocolate

2 tbls of cold butter in little cubes

Zest of an orange (if you have it)

1 handful of fresh berries (your choice)

1 handful of marshmallows

Break the chocolate into squares and pop into a small bowl over simmering water. When the chocolate is melted add the butter cube by cube. The chocolate will take on a nice glossy shine.

Pop the bowl onto a plate surrounded by the berries and marshmallows with some cocktail sticks to pierce the berries and mallows…

This is a fab dessert as its so romantic to share and the mixture of flavours work really well..

If you happen to have a fondue set in your cupboard this is the perfect opportunity to use it!

Fillets of salmon with warm balsamic dressing

2 fillets of salmon

2 tbls of olive oil

2 tbls of balsamic vinegar

Extra olive oil for cooking

Snipped chives for garnish

Preheat the oven to 180 – place the salmon fillets on a baking tray drizzled with olive oil and cook for about 12 to 15 mins depending on the thickness of the fillet..

Meanwhile warm the olive oil and balsamic … do not boil… drizzle this dressing over the salmon and top with snipped chives…

Italian Baked potatoes

3 potatoes sliced thinly

2 ripe vine tomatoes sliced

10 fresh basil leaves

1 handful of grated Parmesan cheese

1 handful of breadcrumbs

½ cup of cream

salt & freshly ground black pepper

Build layers of the potato, tomato, basil & cheese (in a small ovenproof dish) sprinkling each layer with salt & pepper as you go.

Tip the cream into the mixture and cook in the oven @ 200/400f, Gas 6 for 30 mins checking to ensure the potatoes are cooked thru.

While the oven is on why not chop up 1 red pepper, 1 red onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 courgette and cook for 20 mins sprinkled with a little olive oil…

Pepper Crusted Fillet Steaks

2 x 8 oz Fillet Steaks

Coarse Salt & fresh cracked black pepper

Splash of olive oil

Drizzle the fillets with olive oil then season on both sides with Course Sea Salt, Cracked black Pepper & a drizzle of olive oil

Heat the oil in a small pan medium high heat. Cook fillets for 3 to 4 mins each side for medium rare

or more to your liking…

Red wine Jus

Its best to make the red wine jus first as you can leave it to rest.

1 cup of red wine

4 cubes of cold butter

Salt & Pepper

Place the wine in a small saucepan, boil until reduced by half, takes about 6 mins.

Remove from the heat and add the butter bit by bit until butter is melted and sauce is thickened. Season with salt & pepper.... and its ready to go!!!