Sweet Love - Valentines Recipe Roundup

Brownies! The Ultimate Valentine,  Photo: NK

That much anticipated, angsty day of love safely behind us, I thought it would be fun to give you a recap of our Valentines Day culinary escapades. As you know, I am a firm believer that Valentines day need not be solely about romantic love.  It can be as simple as doing something nice for yourself, which for me, usually means feeding my face with something really good. 

Predictably, that's just what we did last weekend, and I'd love to share what we ate with you. Special thanks to the hubby for choosing a fantastic menu and making almost every dish. 

But first, a cocktail:

This Pomegranate Gin Drink is the color of love. Basil gives it a refreshing, herbal quality... 

Photo: NK

Cocktail hour is not the same without a bite-sized nibble...

Stuffed Peppers Tapa. Photo: NK

so here's our hors d'oeuvre of Spanish Tapas (from Ina Garten's newest book Make It Ahead)

Then we absolutely had to crack

A lovely Bordeaux. 

Chateau Pierrail Bordeaux, 2011,  Photo: NK

For dinner, this beautiful Roast Chicken with Creme Fraiche and Herbs (by Mimi Thorisson, also in her new book, A Kitchen In France) was an ideal (and easy!) main.

Juicy Roast Chicken with Creme Fraiche & Herbs, Peas with Pancetta, Photo: NK 

A side of Peas and Pancetta, also by Ina Garten, paired perfectly with our very simple main course. 

Now, I ask you, what's Valentines day without a sweet? For us, it just had to be Brownies. And not just any...
Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies

My husband even made an extra batch to gift to our family. 
Cute heart-shaped cookie cutters from J Crew took these Brownies to the next level. 
(Paper Straws available from Spritz by Target)

Photo: NK

There you have it. Valentines Day 2015. A wonderful reason to cook and an excuse to indulge (as if we needed one). Until next year!