In the midst of a particularly horrendous Minnesota winter (well, it\u2019s been horrendous for many parts of the U.S.), I\u2019ve found myself dreaming of a romantic (and preferably warm) Valentine\u2019s get-a-way.<\/p>\n
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Unfortunately, like many, I have to stay in town and work that week.<\/p>\n
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However, that doesn\u2019t mean I can\u2019t add a little international flare to my Valentine\u2019s Day festivities. Here\u2019s a romantic French-inspired meal I\u2019m planning to prepare for my sweetheart.<\/p>\n
Kir Royale: <\/strong>A classic French aperitif made with one part cr\u00e8me de cassis and five parts champagne. Serve chilled, in a champagne flute. A little bubbly is sure to start the evening off right.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Moules Marini\u00e8res: <\/strong>Nothing says romance like mussels steamed in white wine. For a great video demonstration of how to prepare them, see Epicurious.com<\/a>. Moules are great paired with a white wine like Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon (Fum\u00e9) Blanc.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Boeuf Bourguignon: <\/strong>Comforting and satisfying like a warm embrace, boeuf bourguinon is the perfect way to say \u201cJe t\u2019aime.\u201d For Julia Child\u2019s famous recipe, see: Oprah.com<\/a> <\/p>\n Assorted Fromages: <\/strong>No French dinner would be complete without a cheese plate. I like to include an authentic Roquefort, a Coeur de Ch\u00e8vre (goat cheese shaped in a heart) and a Fourme d’Ambert with pear, apricot or fig spread filling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cherry Clafoutis: <\/strong>Red and sweet, cherry clafoutis (cherries suspended in a custard-like batter) is the perfect way to end a valentine\u2019s dinner. The Joy of Baking has a good recipe<\/a>. In honor of Valentine\u2019s day, I\u2019ll serve mine with a few heart-shaped gourmet chololates.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nI\u2019ll serve this with a red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Carmenere.<\/p>\n