~My Valentine's Day~

Hi everyone,

I know the concept of Valentine's Day isn't for everyone. Red roses, chocolates and cards galore all in your face. It isn't great when you don't have what society calls the traditions of Valentine's Day- that someone special in your life etc. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can go out with friends or go see a show and more. My lovely husband doesn't buy me roses A. because I don't like them and B. because I'm allergic to pollen. This doesn't mean he doesn't love me or anything, we just prefer to do things our way than of the traditions of Valentine's Day.

So as Valentine's Day was on a Tuesday this year and Duncan was in the London office all day, so I had a good amount of time to go shopping (for groceries!), to cook and get the house ready for a romantic dinner at home. I had already asked him what he wanted for dinner. He said 'What about that recipe you made before with the potato wedges?' I said 'You mean the chilli recipe?' Turns out he wanted the chilli for the 3rd week in a row! The very same chilli recipe I recently shared with you all.

That was the main taken care of. Now to source a starter and dessert. While in Asda, I discovered a strawberry mousse by Bonne Maman that was free from nuts so brought it as it was on offer at £1.80 for 2. I then thought I'd make chocolate covered strawberries as they are starting to come into season. So Galaxy chocolate and strawberries went into the trolley. Upon leaving Asda, I realised I'd forgotten to buy a jar of pasta sauce and some fajita style seasoning (the two cheats in my chilli recipe)… Back into the store I go hoping that I haven't wasted any time. Goodness me, I feel like I'm on the show 'Dinner Date' or something- I'm only cooking for my hubby (laughs).

As I'm chopping up carrots and potatoes, I had an instant idea. Why not have a soup to start??? And what's better than a full proof recipe you've done before? Carrot and Coriander Soup is super healthy and delicious.

I put a spin on my usual recipe by adding potatoes to add more flavour.

Starter: Carrot & Coriander Soup

Ingredients:

4-5 carrots finely chopped (cubes are fine- this helps them to cook evenly and blitz easier in the mini chopper)

4-5 potatoes (I used ones suitable for mashing from the Co-Op but Maris Pipers are just as good)

6 tablespoons of milk (I used Semi-Skimmed)

Pinch of salt

Herbs to season

Fresh Coriander (to serve)

Method:

1. First prepare, boil and cook the potatoes and carrots until soft.

2. Then blitz both in a mini chopper/food processor until smooth.

3. Then put the smooth mixture into a pot/pan, add the milk gradually along with the herbs until you get a semi-runny consistency.

4. Continue to heat until pipping hot. Serve immediately with fresh coriander.

Tips:

-If making ahead, store in a container in the fridge until ready for use.

- You can make this a day in advance and store in the freezer but I would defrost it in the fridge before re-heating.

Main: Beef & Veggie Chilli

https://lilyhough.wixsite.com/lilyfoodbakingblog/post/beef-veggie-chilli-with-potato-wedges

The second time I made this I added 2-3 carrots chopped to bulk out the chilli even more. But these are optional.

Dessert: Strawberry Mousse by Bonne Maman, Chocolate covered Strawberries & Homemade Chocolates.

Strawberry Mousse:

As this was a safe bet, I thought it would be nice. Both Duncan and I agree it wasn't great. He finished his out of politeness to me but felt icky afterwards and after two little spoonful's I gave up- It didn't taste good at all. Next time I'll make my signature chocolate mousse.

Chocolate covered Strawberries:

Ingredients:

A punnet of fresh strawberries

200g Galaxy Chocolate (this one hasn't got nuts but you can use any chocolate- just make sure it's at least 60% cocoa)

50g White Chocolate (Optional)

Method:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heat proof bowl for 1 minute 30- 40 seconds in the microwave.

2. Wash the strawberries with cold water to ensure they are clean and not waxy.

3. Holding onto the stalks, coat the strawberries evenly with chocolate allowing any excess chocolate to fall back into the heatproof bowl, and leave on a plate.

4. If using, melt the white chocolate for the same time as the Galaxy chocolate and drizzle over the chocolate covered strawberries.

5. Keep in the fridge until it's time for dessert.

Homemade Chocolates:

Ingredients:

Leftover melted chocolate.

Equipment:

Ice cube tray

Method:

1. Pour the leftover chocolate into the ice cube tray moulds almost to the top leaving a small gap to ensure you can get them out once set.

2. Set in the freezer for a few hours until set.

3. About an hour before serving dessert, place the set chocolates (still in their moulds) in the fridge to soften slightly.

To serve:

1. Place the mousse (in it's container or pot- if making from scratch) in the middle of a small plate.

2. Add 3 of the chocolate covered strawberries either around the mousse or to one side of the mousse.

3. Place the homemade chocolate in the middle of the mousse and serve immediately.

What did you do/will do for Valentine's Day? Do let us know in the comments!

Happy Valentine's Day all!

Lily xxxx