A table for two

First Course

Velvety Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
Shared tasting from the spoon. Adjusted together.

Main Course

Pan-Seared Filet Mignon
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter
Cooked side by side. Passed hand to hand.

Sides

Creamy Parmesan Polenta or Herb Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Dessert

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries or a Shared Chocolate Tart

Wine Pairing
Start the evening with a crisp sparkling wine or champagne. Let the first pour set the tone and slow the pace. For the filet mignon, choose a medium-bodied red such as pinot noir or merlot. Elegant, smooth, and unforced. For the salmon, a lightly oaked chardonnay or a dry rosé pairs beautifully with butter and citrus. End the night with whatever remains in the glass. The best pairing is time.

Simple Valentine's recipes for two

Velvety roasted tomato & basil soup

Ingredients:
Tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion, fresh basil, salt, black pepper, splash of cream.

Method:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Blend smooth. Stir in cream, season, finish with basil. Taste together and adjust.

Pan-seared filet mignon

Ingredients:
Filet mignon, olive oil, salt, black pepper, butter, garlic, thyme or rosemary.

Method:
Season steaks. Heat pan until hot. Add oil and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add butter, garlic, herbs and baste. Rest before slicing.

Pan-seared salmon with lemon butter

Ingredients:
Salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, black pepper, butter, lemon.

Method:
Season salmon. Sear skin side down in hot pan about 4 minutes. Flip, add butter and lemon, finish cooking while spooning butter over the fish.

Creamy parmesan polenta or herb mashed potatoes

Ingredients:
Polenta or potatoes, water or stock, butter, parmesan, milk, salt, herbs.

Method:
For polenta, simmer liquid and whisk in polenta. Cook until creamy and finish with butter and Parmesan. For potatoes, boil until tender, mash with butter, warm milk, salt, pepper and herbs.

Roasted seasonal vegetables

Ingredients:
Seasonal vegetables, olive oil, salt, pepper.

Method:
Toss vegetables with oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F until tender and lightly caramelized.

Chocolate-covered strawberries

Ingredients:
Strawberries, chocolate.

Method:
Melt chocolate gently. Dip strawberries. Let set. Share the first bite.