Valentine’s Day Meal at Home

By Cindy Adams

Trying to get a dinner reservation for February 14th at the most popular restaurant in town? Not so much. There’s one table that doesn’t require a reservation on Valentine’s Day: yours! Luckily, you don’t need to go out to have a memorable meal. If you’re planning a night in with your sweetie, these delicious dishes will make your meal just as memorable as if you had gone out.  Try this easy meal of Garlic Butter Salmon with Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Lemon Parmesan Asparagus. Then end the evening with a romantic Valentine’s Day Chocolate Martini Cocktail and you’re sure to fall in love.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Martini Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

Easy Chocolate Ganache
5 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
1⁄2 cup heavy cream 


Chocolate Martini
4 ounces vodka
4 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
4 ounces chocolate liqueur
1 cup ice
Shaved bittersweet chocolate, optional garnish 

INSTRUCTIONS:„

1. Prepare the chocolate ganache. Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl. Place the cream in a sauce pot and bring to a boil on medium heat. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before preparing the glasses. Transfer the ganache into a plastic squeeze bottle. 

2. Prepare the martini glasses. Holding the glass in one hand and the ganache-filled tube in the other, squeeze the chocolate into the glass, turning the glass as you go to create a swirl. Place the glasses in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

3. Combine all the drink ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add the ice and shake until chilled. Strain into the prepared glasses. Garnish with shaved chocolate.