#MenuMonday: Valentine’s Day Menu

#MenuMonday: Valentine’s Day Menu

Are you planning to make dinner for your partner this Valentine’s Day?  We’re here to help you out.  We have created the perfect Valentine’s Day menu that your partner is sure to love.  This romantic gesture on such a romantic day will only solidify your feelings for each other.

Beverage: Ruby Red Grapefruit Margarita

A fruity pink drink adds the perfect flair to your menu.  Not only is it festive but it is also delicious!  This beverage is for those who are 21 years of age or older only.

Ingredients

• 1 wedge Ruby Red grapefruit
• Coarse kosher salt
• 6 ounces tequila
• 1/3 cup Ruby Red vodka
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 1 cup Ruby Red grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed or from a carton
• 1/4 freshly squeezed lime juice
• 4 cups ice cubes
• 2 crosswise slices Ruby Red grapefruit, cut into quarters

Directions

1. Use the wedge of grapefruit to rub the rims of 6 margarita glasses with grapefruit juice. Dip the rims in the kosher salt to coat. Set aside as you prepare the margaritas.
2. Place the tequila, vodka, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, lime juice and ice in a bar blender and puree until smooth. Divide the margarita between 6 glasses and garnish with the grapefruit quarters.

Yield: 6 servings

Total Time: 5 minutes

Original Recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/ruby-red-grapefruit-margarita-recipe.html

Appetizer: Stacked Tomato and Burrata Salad

Instead of your typical garden salad try out this unique Stacked Tomato and Burrata Salad!  It is an impressive dish that is easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 Vine-ripened tomato, cored and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• Flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup burrata cheese, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon torn fresh basil leaves, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Place bottom tomato slice onto a plate and season with sea salt and black pepper. Spread burrata cheese over tomato slice and top with torn basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with next tomato slice. Repeat cheese-tomato layering process with remaining slices, finishing with top tomato slice.

Yield: 1 serving

Total Time: 15 minutes

Original Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/238919/stacked-tomato-and-burrata-salad/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringId=1405&referringContentType=recipe%20hub&clickId=cardslot%2027

Main Course: Al Capone Roast

The Al Capone Roast is the perfect dish to serve as a main course.  Not only is it not completely expected but it also shows just how much you care about your partner.  It is a tasty dish that will leave your mouth watering just thinking about it.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds flank steak, pounded thin for easy rolling
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 (4 ounce) can finely chopped black olives (optional)
• 1 cup minced fresh mushrooms (optional)
• 8 slices prosciutto
• 6 slices mortadella
• 10 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, divided
• 10 slices pepperoni sausage
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Rub the flank steak on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the mushrooms and olives over the steak, if using. Place a layer of prosciutto, then a layer of mortadella, mozzarella, and then pepperoni. Season with some of the Italian seasoning. Roll the steak up around the filling, and tie with butcher’s string. Rub the outside of the roll with remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder and steak seasoning.
3. Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the roast over the entire outside. Then leave the roast in the skillet, and place the skillet in the oven.
4. Roast for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C) when taken in the center of the roast. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Yield: 6 servings

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Original Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/54875/al-capone-roast/

Dessert: Raspberry Pavlova

Save the best for last!  This Raspberry Pavlova is a sweet dish that is dressed for the holiday.  Its festive colors bring this dish to life.  It is a great dish that your partner will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup superfine sugar
  
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
  
• 3 egg whites
  
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 2 cups fresh raspberries
  
• Fresh mint and whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 7-inch circle on the parchment; flip paper. (For a crunchier Pavlova, opt for an 8-inch circle.)
2. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch and salt; set aside. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Increase speed to high; add sugar mixture 1 tablespoon at a time. Add vanilla and beat until mixture is glossy and sugar is incorporated, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer egg-sugar mixture to parchment paper. Carefully spread within the circle, creating a slight dip in the middle (where raspberry sauce will rest). Bake at 250 degrees on middle rack for 1 hour. Turn off oven, crack door and cool inside for 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, make raspberry sauce. In a small pot, combine 1 cup of the raspberries, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook 3 minutes, until sugar is dissolved. Stir in remaining 1 cup raspberries and pour into bowl to cool.
5. Transfer Pavlova to a plate; pour raspberry sauce on top and, if desired, garnish with mint. Whipped cream can also be spread on the Pavlova before sauce is poured on top.

Yield: 8 servings

Total Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes

Original Recipe: http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/raspberry-pavlova-1/

Make sure to let us know if you enjoyed this delicious Valentine’s Day menu!

Check back on www.bctent.com/blog every Monday for a #MenuMonday party food or beverage recipe!