Sea - Worthy Valentine's Ideas
Posted by Ocean City, MD Beach Girl | Thursday, January 20, 2011
This year, like many others, we're on a budget. And I've decided to take back the true meaning of the Valentine Holiday (refer to previous blog: A Valentine's Gripe) So this means spending quality time celebrating together and doing things for one another.
In true BeachGirl Style, here's a few easy-at-home Valentine's Day treats - some with a little Sea-Flare.
Raw Oysters
The original aphrodisiac... nothing screams beach and romance more than oysters! I love them with a little spice, this recipe puts a whole new twist on these centuries old treat. Finely grate 1/2 a thumb sized piece of peeled ginger and mix with 6 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, 1 finely chopped and seeded red chili and finely sliced fresh coriander. Stir in a teaspoon of sugar. Serve with oysters! Pretty simple - and ever so tasty!
Sea Asparagus Salad
Sea Asparagus is a sea vegetable - and resembles asparagus but with a more coral look to it. Has a somewhat salty taste- but tastes delicious as a salad. It goes fabulously with the Raw Oysters above!
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Nothing screams Valentine's day to me more than Chocolate Covered Strawberries... my favorite and Oh-So-Easy! Get some fresh strawberries from your local grocery store, clean them and keep their leaves. Most grocery stores carry a type of chocolate for dipping and for fruit. Follow their directions for melting the chocolate, be careful, you can burn it and no one wants burnt chocolate. Dip the berries, pretzels - what have you in the chocolate. Let cool on wax paper in the fridge (around 30 minutes to fully set) Prior to cooling, for a 'Beachy' bonus sprinkle items with crushed Graham crackers or golden colored sugar for the Sandy look.
**For a little heat add some ancho chili powder to the chocolate - I recommend stirring in a small amount at a time - just a pinch or so - and doing this to taste. I don't need alot to feel the spice - but others may require a few pinches. There's something so amazing about this - sweet, spicy, it makes a great compliment to the cool sweet berry! This can also be sprinkled with a little cinnamon sugar - I recommend this with pretzels, churros and other treats They say that Chili Chocolate comes from the ancient Aztecs - it was used prior to battle to get their blood flowing and as an aphrodisiac! (Note: this goes well with the Sea Asparagus and Oysters!)
Cherub's Cup
To complete the above meal - you'll need a romantic drink! Cherub's cup makes the perfect not too sweet and refreshing drink that goes well with the spicy flavors above.
Get the recipe!
Cherub's Cup
To complete the above meal - you'll need a romantic drink! Cherub's cup makes the perfect not too sweet and refreshing drink that goes well with the spicy flavors above.
Get the recipe!
Frozen Fruit and Treats
The perfect no work, enjoy over a nice wine and conversation snack. This snack goes well with a bottled of chilled grappa. Place grapes (muscat work well), wine and broken into pieces good quality chocolate into freezer. I love organic high cocoa chocolate bars - at least 70% - their consistency is great when frozen. Let sit for a few hours until frozen... and enjoy!
Be-My-Valentine Strawberry Tart
Nothing says Valentine's Day more than Strawberries! This delicious tart uses sugar cookie dough as it's base with strawberries and white chocolate drizzled on top... yum!
A nice twist on a classic - instead of a chocolate kiss or reese's cup - use a heart-shaped candy. Many companies this time of year come out with a heart candy version - Reese's even has heart peanutcups! Ps... these are also delightful with caramel filled treats :) If your looking for a more beach inspired treat, try chocolate shells and starfish (these can be found in most candy stores or you can also make your own)
Get the recipe!
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