Ever since I was a child I have loved Valentine’s Day. My mother created a magical world of red and pink, flowers, chocolate, ribbons, lace and art supplies to help us make beautiful Valentines for friends and family. She defined the day as one to celebrate love - not limited to romance, but an opportunity to make everyone feel special. The cold, dark days of February can be illuminated on the 14th with candles, champagne, red and pink heart shaped cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries, and fruit and cheese fondue.
Of course, a more formal menu of salmon or filet mignon, asparagus, roast potatoes and lavender crème brulee or chocolate soufflé would also work for a cozy evening at home. I usually avoid the ubiquitous red roses and prefer to fill my house with pink and red tulips and fragrant hyacinths, a perfect complement to the aroma of freshly baked cookies, red velvet cupcakes and melted chocolate for dipping fruit. In addition to strawberries I always dip some dried apricots and candied ginger in dark chocolate. I love to assemble an assortment of these Valentine treats and a simple construction paper decorated heart as a card and deliver them to friends, especially those who may be alone. I promise – the love you give comes back to you! So invite your friends to gather for a festive meal, play Ella Fitzgerald sings Cole Porter, light the candles and enjoy. If dinner at home is not your style – Oleana’s in Cambridge; Lucia’s in Boston’s North End; Palma or Majorelle in NYC; Renato’s in Palm Beach or Lasserre in Paris are perfect options for a delicious evening, but I would prefer to have Valentine evening at home!
