Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to whip up a delicious meal for your special someone! These are some of my favorite recipes to cook for a romantic meal.

Menu

• Rice Gourmet
• Oysters Casanova Grill
• Roasted Asparagus
• Barefoot Contessa Brownies
  

  

Recipes

Oysters Casanova Grill

• 8 shucked medium oysters and their liquor
• ½ c. dry white wine
• 4 (1” thick) beef fillets
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbs. butter
• ¼ lb. sliced small mushrooms
• 1 tbs. lemon juice
• ½ c. cognac
• ¼ c. chopped parsley

Lightly poach the oysters in their own liquor and wine, then drain and pat dry. Cut a deep pocket in the side of each steak with a sharp knife. Sprinkle the inside of the pocket with salt and pepper, then insert two oysters. Rub the outside of the steaks with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a large skillet until it foams and begins to brown. Pan sear the steaks to the desired degree of doneness. Remove the steaks to a heated platter and keep warm. Sauté the mushrooms in the skillet for one minute. Stir in the lemon juice, Cognac and parsley, and cook briefly over high heat. Spoon the pan juices and mushrooms over the steaks and serve immediately.

Serves 4

Roasted Asparagus

Wash and trim 2 pounds of fresh asparagus. Arrange on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt, fresh ground black pepper and 2 cloves of minced garlic.  Drizzle with olive oil and roast until tender, about 15 min.  Arrange on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve hot.

Rice Gourmet

• 1lb. mushrooms, sliced (I use Baby Bella)
• ½ c. butter
• ½ c. sherry
• 1 tsp. parsley flakes
• 1 ½ tsp Season-All
• 2 tsp. minced onions
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 c. rice
• 2 c. water

Sauté mushrooms in butter for 2 to 3 minutes. Add sherry and seasonings and simmer 5 minutes. Pour rice over mushrooms; add water. Cover and cook slowly 25 to 30 minutes.

Serves 6

Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies

Prepare Barefoot Contessa Brownie Mix and cut into desired serving size. Top with some fresh red raspberries and drizzle with melted red raspberry preserves (I use Stonewall Kitchen Red Raspberry Jam).

Complimentary Wines

Nothing compliments food better than the perfect wine. Here are some wines from Gourmet Pantry that will go perfectly with these dishes.

Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvingnon or Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Noir

Oysters Casanova Grill

Resata Moscato

Barefoot Contessa Outrageous Brownies