A Romantic Dinner for Two "Valentine's Day"

Everyone knows that I love to cook and host parties. I also love to take pictures of the dishes that I prepare and post them on my facebook, or blogsite.  Here is a meal that I made for my Husband and he loved it so I thought I would share this romantic dinner for two with you.   

Set a table for two, or for something a bit more intimate, cover the floor with blankets and pillows for a cozy picnic-style dinner.

Lower the lights and turn on some romantic music.

Light every candle you own and create a trail of rose petals leading from the front door your dinner locale.

Ingredients

Cantaloupe – cubed or balled

Fresh Basil Leaves

Bocacinni (mozzarella balls)

Prosciutto

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt

Wooden Skewers

Mixed Greens with Raspberries, Almonds and Vinaigrette

Ingredients

chopped romaine

herb goat cheese

raspberries

slivered almonds

a dash of olive and some balsamic

Mandarin Roast Chicken

5 lb whole chicken

Unsalted Butter

Salt and Pepper

Chef of the Future Cajun Seasoning

1/2 Yellow Onion (Cut into two pieces)

2 Mandarin Oranges cut into quarters

4 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary

1 Orange Juice (Juiced)

2 Tbsp of Honey

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slather chicken with butter then generously cover the bird with Cajun Seasoning and salt and pepper (get under the skin, get under the wings, put it everywhere!).

2. Season onion, mandarine oranges and rosemary sprigs with salt and pepper and cajun seasoning and then stuff into chicken cavity.

3. Place chicken on roasting rack inside roasting pan and cook until meat thermometer reads 180 degrees (about an hour and a half). Baste occasionally with juices from pan.

4. After chicken comes out of the oven place on serving tray to rest. Pour pan drippings into sauté pan and heat to medium high.

5. Add honey, juice from orange, and season with salt and pepper. Stir continuously and allow to bubble and thicken. Pour over chicken and serve

Berry Martinis with Chantilly Cream

Ingredients

2 1/4 Cup(s) heavy cream

1 1/2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tsp vanilla

Pinch of salt

Fresh Whole berries

Directions

In a large bowl combine ingredients.

Mix on high speed of mixer until whipped cream holds its shape.

Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Fill your favorite martini glasses with fresh mixed berries and top with chantilly cream.