Description

Ted Allen teaches you all you need to know in order to host a perfectly romantic Valentine's Day dinner.

Transcript

Ted: It’s time to start thinking about that Valentine ’s Day meal. I’ve always believed there’s no better way to show your affection for someone that to cook them a delicious dinner. So romantic. But it can be a little stressful. So let me share a few tips on creating that special meal for that special someone. First of course, you have to have candles. The more the merrier. No cheaper or easier way to create a romantic atmosphere. Naturally, you want to have some fresh cut flowers and you want to set the table with some pretty stemware. Here’s a tip. A romantic dinner doesn’t have to be fussy. Sure, rack of lamb and a beatiful red wine is very elegant but sometimes, casual and low key can be even more appealing. I’m going to do fried chicken and a great bottle of champagne. I also try to prep in advance as much as I possibly can. Here I’ve got some green beans that I’ve already blanched and I’m just going to give them a little bit of a sauté in some butter and salt and serve them right up. I’m using beans instead of spinach because green stuff in your teeth is not very romantic. And our final touch before we go to the table is we want to do a little bit of a garnish. Now, here, I’m going to put a thyme sprig on top of each chicken breast and the garish should reflect a flavor that’s already in the dish. I use a little bit of thyme in my breading so it makes perfect sense. Next, think creatively about your presentations. This is a butternut squash and apple soup which is really great in the wintertime. Instead of just bringing steaming bowls to the table, start with a crouton toasted. Spread with a little goat cheese and some herbs. Put that in the dish and then pour the soup around it. This kind of tableside presentation is something you don’t normally do at home and really has a nice little hint style. Finally, if there’s one unbreakable rule about Valentine’s Day dinner is that it has to end with a decadent dessert. So I’m serving these beautiful, individual chocolate truffles. And there you go. Romance is what’s for dinner’ Sweetie, dinner’s ready.