It’s the season of love, where everything comes together in harmony. And don’t we all deserve a little love after what we’ve been through? At Quattro HQ we used Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to go all gooey over the beauty we see in the things that surround us every day. In our case, food.
What did you do on the 14th? A romantic dinner? What did Cupid deliver to your kitchen this festival of love? Here are some ideas for the best foods to serve when love is in the air. We know we’re a bit late to the love-fest but keep these recipes in mind for next year.
Chocolate fondue with a kick
Ingredients
- A jar of chocolate sauce
- Half a jar of salted caramel
- A little splash of something (Bailey’s, brandy, whatever you fancy)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Strawberries for dipping
Method
1. Light a tealight under a fondue pot and let it warm up for five minutes. Pour in the chocolate sauce and caramel and add your tipple.
2. Stir with the cinnamon stick for a minute, then dip the strawberries with a skewer or fork.
Cupid cupcakes
Muffin ingredients
- 175g butter
- 160g self-raising flour
- 200g caster sugar
- 75g cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
Decoration ingredients
- 250g icing sugar
- 140g butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Large white chocolate buttons
- Pink sprinkles
Method
- Line a muffin tin with eight paper cases.
- Melt the butter in a small pan or for 2 minutes in the microwave.
- Combine the flour, sugar and cocoa in a food processor and add the melted butter and eggs.
- Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin case, then lightly press a white chocolate button in the centre and cover with more mix.
- Bake for 15-20 mins on 180 degrees C in a fan oven.
- To decorate once cooled, mix the butter and sugar together, add the vanilla and beat with an electric whisk.
- Spread some vanilla icing over the top of the cakes to cover them. Top with pink or red sprinkles.
Scrumptious steak with shallot and red wine sauce
Ingredients
- 3 shallots, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Half a bottle of your favourite red wine
- 500ml chicken stock
- 1 fresh, organic, juicy steak
Method
- Fry the shallots in the olive oil over a high heat until lightly browned.
- Add the garlic and season with ground black pepper.
- Cook for five minutes, stirring often.
- Add the vinegar and cook until it turns syrupy.
- Pour in the wine and reduce.
- Add the stock, simmer and reduce.
- Griddle the steak for a few minutes on each side, depending on how well-done you like it, pour the sauce over the meat and savour every mouthful.
We hope you enjoyed your delectable, romantic dinner. Happy Valentine’s 💖