Valentine's Day

In the past, Valentine's Day has tended to follow one of two specific patterns.  Option 1: I spend all day in the kitchen, planning and executing some elaborate meal. At some point, I get pissy because I have been on my feet in the kitchen all day.  Option 2: We go out to dinner, eat way too much, come home, put on sweat pants and veg in front of the TV.  Neither outcome is ideal.

This year we are trying something new!  Instead of an elaborate meal, we'll be cooking at home together, but keeping it simple.

For starters, we're trying this:

Pink Parsley: Recipe and Image

What are those you ask?  Nothing other than pimento cheese fritters.  Yes, I went there.  Cheese and mayo mixed together, rolled in panko and fried.  I have died and gone to Paula Dean heaven.  But to keep it light (ha!), we're only planning on making a few.

Our main course will be crab cakes from the Fresh Market, along with a salad.  And dessert will be fruit and chocolate.  Easy Peasy.

And what to drink you might ask?

We're staring with one of our favorite, light wine- vinho verde.  If you haven't tried a vinho verde, get yourself to a Total Wine stat!  They're light, bubbly and have a fairly low alcohol content, so no worries about getting smashed too early. 

Dessert will be accompanied by a very special Pinot Noir.  For Christmas, Seth's brother and his wife gifted us with a 2006 Pahlmeyer Pinot Noir.  The reviews are glowing and the description is to die for (The 2006 Pahlmeyer Pinot Noir has a deep dark garnet color. In the glass the aromas open immediately, revealing layers of rich dense fruit, earth and sweet spices. The palate also offers layers upon layers of concentrated small berries, black raspberry and cherries, balanced with nicely integrated oak. This full bodied wine finishes with finesse and long lingering flavors.” – Erin Green, Winemaker).  I can't wait to try this lovely bottle!

And lastly, to really set the tone for a very special day, Seth has promised to take me to see Gnomeo and Juliet.  I can't WAIT!

What kinds of Valentine's Day plans do you have?