Valentine's Day Menu

Instead of braving the crowds at a restaurant this year on Valentine's Day, JW and I decided to cook a yummy meal at home.  We do have a gift card to a nice restaurant here in town that we want to use to celebrate this weekend, but tomorrow we will have a romantic dinner at home.  Here is what we'll be making.

Filet Mignon with Balsamic Syrup and Goat Cheese

recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 (5 to 6-ounce) filet mignon steaks (each about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 ounces soft fresh goat cheese

Directions

Boil the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/3 cup, stirring occasionally, about 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Melt the butter in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper. Cook the steaks to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a baking sheet. Crumble the cheese over the steaks and broil just until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with pepper.
Transfer the steaks to plates. Drizzle the balsamic sauce around the steaks and serve.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

recipe courtesy of The Neely's

Ingredients

• 1 head garlic
• Olive oil
• 2 pounds red potatoes, washed well and quartered
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Slice off the very top of the garlic head. Drizzle head with olive oil and wrap in foil. Place on a sheet tray and bake until tender and fragrant, roughly 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Remove the cloves and mash with a wooden spoon.
Place potatoes in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender and drain. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
Meanwhile heat butter and cream until butter melts. Add the roasted garlic and potatoes and mash all together.
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

We will also have salad and steamed broccoli as additional sides.

And for dessert....

 Molten Lava Cakes

recipe courtesy of The Neely's

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for the ramekins
• 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting (optional)
• 6 large eggs plus 6 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter eight 6-ounce ramekins and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar.

Combine the butter, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk the flour, confectioners' sugar, eggs and yolks, vanilla extract and almond extract in a bowl until creamy. Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. Divide among the prepared ramekins.

Bake the cakes until the tops are stiff and the edges darken, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cakes with a small paring knife and transfer to plates while warm. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Yum, right?!  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.  I hope your Valentine's Day is full of great memories with those you LOVE!