My Heart Recipes - Happy Valentine’s Day

Everything hearty...Check it out!!!

For All Veggies

Jalapeno Pepper, Onion and Tomato Extra Cheese Pizza

It is often said, 'there's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap'. This time close your love’s eyes and place this warm pizza on his lap. Your love will be more than surprised to see the pizza of heart shape. The shape requires no such creativity, it can be done with simple knife. Top with oregano and chilli tomato sauce.

Fried Potatoes Heart-shaped Chips

Heart shape cutter is readily available in the market. Thinly slice the potatoes. Make a mixture of cornflour, salt and ground pepper and water. Coat the chips with the mixture. Delicious heart chips are ready in no time. Fry them in batches, topping with your favorite sauce. Yummzzzz!!!

Heart Shape Vegetarian Roasted Mushroom Lasagna

This recipe is a bit time consuming but a very small sacrifice to see a smile on you love’s face. This is rich lasagna entree with its layers of rosemary-roasted mushrooms, nutty fontina cheese plus sweet Parmesan cream sauce. For garnishing, saute some sliced mushrooms in butter with a pinch of rosemary leaves and scatter over the top of the lasagna. Tempting!!!

Meaty Fun

Chicken Nuggets

Ready made chicken nuggets are available in the market, especially the one with heart shape. It’s a good idea to serve on auspicious occasion of Valentine’s day. Just deep fry them for real quick finger food and spend some quality time with your date.

Minced-Lamb Meatloaf

Lamb meat is very tender. Adding some mint and garlic, ginger flavor would enhance the taste. Minced meat loaf can be pre-prepared, we can bake the batches in advance. We just require warming them up during our date and spend maximum time with our soul-mate.

Pan-Fried Beef Steak

Cooking steak on the grill and pan frying it are similar. Both use dry heat technology, which creates a delicious brown crust on the surface of the meat, and intensifies its flavor through the process of evaporation. When you pan fry steak, there are three ways to season it. These are you can rub spices on it, marinate it in curd, or make a sauce, plum sauce or strawberry or any of your choice and add onto it.

Some Salad, Some Soup

Beeting Hearts Salad

Adorable and tasty heart shaped beet with goat cheese, chive mousse, greens will make a real hearty salad for your love and make your heartbeat ask for more of it. Hearty, healthy and definitely enticing...

Heart Beet Soup

With added creaminess and a lovely presentation, you can swirl this vibrantly colored beet soup with sour cream. Even without the additional decoration, the bright and vibrant color of this soup will make the candle light dinner, show-stopper.

Hearty Croutons Soup

This soup can be made in advance, then reheated and garnished. The rich, creamy broccoli soup can be served with heart shape croutons to keep up the flavor of the day.

Seafood Yummzz..

Roasted Shrimp and Tomato with greens

We can roast, clean shrimp or prawns, as per choice. Use two shrimps at a time with a piece of tomato in between as shown in the image. Squeeze fresh lemon over it with seasoned salt and pepper. Serve with greens. Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon and Crispy Potato with Sour Cream

Salmon can be smoked with spices and lemon. Potatoes can be partially fried. Both can be baked. We can mash and use them both for baking. We can dice the two and bake them as well. Smoked Salmon and Crispy Potato with Sour Cream is the perfect combo to be served as heavy evening snacks.

Heart-shape Tuna Pie

Tuna can be baked or par boiled and then encased in special pastry of heart shapes and then warmed. This can be served with wine, making a heavy snacks for your Valentine to enrich the taste of the date.

So ready for the date??

Valentine’s Day Special - Chocolate Layer Cake

All you need is love but a little chocolate, now and then, does not hurt. A lovely quote for all those people in love!! Traditional layers of chocolate cake, sandwiched together with sweet chocolate icing, is designed to please any of the occasions or fests. Chocolate layer cake is not one of the best, but it is the best dessert that can be prepared on the auspicious occasion of Valentine’s day. The heart shape will make the feelings stronger still and we’ll ask for more and more. Since the cake is prepared in advance, you can spend some real quality time with your love. Dedicated to my love exclusively, here is the relishing Chocolate Layer Cake with the overdose of nutty chocolate.

Ingredients:-

For the cake:-

 

220 grams all-purpose flour,

350 grams granulated sugar,

95 grams unsweetened cocoa powder,

1 teaspoon baking powder,

2 teaspoons baking soda,

1 teaspoon salt,

240 ml buttermilk,

120 ml vegetable oil,

2 large eggs,

1 teaspoon vanilla extract,

240 ml freshly brewed strong hot coffee

For Milk Chocolate Frosting:-

290 grams unsalted butter,

480 grams powdered sugar,

95 grams unsweetened cocoa powder,

5 tablespoons heavy cream,

1 teaspoon vanilla extract,

3/4 teaspoon salt,

15 oz chocolate chips

Preparation method:-

1. Preheat oven to 350 D. F degrees. Take two, 9 inch round cake pans, and apply nonstick spray.

2. For the cake, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl.

3. Set aside. Blend buttermilk, oil, room temperature eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low. Add the coffee. The batter will be very thin, which is fine.

4. Pour the batter into prepared baking pans and bake for 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before frosting.

5. For the frosting, cream the butter with a hand mixer on medium speed for 4 minutes. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and 3/4 cup of cocoa powder. Mix on low.

6. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add more cocoa powder if the frosting is not chocolatey enough.

7. Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a plate. With a knife, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up. Add the third layer too. Spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.

8. Decorate with chocolate chips or as desired. The heart shape cake will melt your love.

Enjoy the Valentine’s treat!!!

Valentine’s Day Dinner - Roasted Duck with Pomegranate Glaze

If your date loves roasted duck, this is one of the richest, most elegant of all the main courses you can serve at your Valentine's day table. Slow roasted whole duck gives a flavorful, crispy meat and the spiced pomegranate complements it to the perfection. This is my idea of perfect dinner for my dream date. It's easy to make, serve and tastes wonderfully exquisite. Feel free to griddle your yummy roasted duck with pomegranate glaze.

Ingredients:-

1 pound duck,

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt,

2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil,

1 small finely chopped shallot,

1 cup pomegranate juice,

1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth,

1 teaspoon cornstarch,

2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Method:- 
 

1. Preheat oven to 450 D. F. Sprinkle duck with salt. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. 

2. Add the duck and cook until browned on both sides, 4 minutes per side. Transfer the duck to a small baking dish.

3. Roast at 150 D. F, for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the piece. 

 

4. While the duck is roasting, return the pan to medium-high heat. Add shallot and cook till brown. 

 

5. Add pomegranate juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook until reduced by half, 2 minutes. 

 

6. Stir broth and cornstarch in a small bowl until the cornstarch dissolves. Add to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. 

 

7. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour juice over duck to accumulate juices.

8. Serve topped with the pomegranate glaze. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Enjoy the dinner date with your Valentine!!

Dish of the Day - Tomato Bredie

Africa is so very tantalizing that a mere mention of the continent fills your mind with adventurous safaris, rugged trekking expeditions, relaxing on the golden beach, mummies of ancient Egypt, crude cultures, all in all a paradise for travelers. During the medieval period, grand cities of Fez, Marrakech and Timbuktu were of utmost importance and can be adored even today. Nevertheless the journey would be incomplete if you do not explore the great African cuisine. And here we’re gonna talk about one of the most savored African dish, named Tomato Bredie.

Bredie originally comes from Malaysian origin but its varied flavors are widely loved in Africa. It is basically traditional stew with a perfect blend of meat and vegetables. Bredie has ample of variations such as green bean bredie, cabbage bredie and tomato bredie. Tomato Bredie is unique in itself. It contains meat and vegetables that serve as the best platter for nutritions plus spices that make the royal dish even more delectable. Tomato Bredie is the most famous version of this specialty.

Ingredients:-

1 tablespoon vegetable oil,

3 1/2 pounds chopped lamb,

2 tablespoons cake flour,

1 large chopped onion,

2 1/4 pounds fresh chopped tomatoes,

1 teaspoon salt,

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper,

6 whole white peppercorns,

2 bay leaves,

1 teaspoon brown sugar,

1 tablespoon white vinegar,

1 dash Worcestershire sauce,

1 cube beef bouillon cube,

2 quartered medium potatoes

Preparation Method:-

1. Take a heavy saucepan. Add some oil and keep it over medium high. Coat meat in flour. Cook until brown.

2. Add onion till they turn brown. Now add tomatoes and mix well. Stir in bay leaves, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, black pepper, white peppercorns, Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon cube.

3. Cover it and simmer for 1 1/4 hours. Keep stirring. The stew must not stick to the bottom of the saucepan. Now add potatoes and cook over low heat for 45 minutes. 

 

4. Our dish is ready to be served. It complements well with steam rice.

Enjoy the luscious treat!!

Cocktails for Valentine’s Day

Love is just love, it can't be explained but can be certainly expressed. Any occasion is incomplete without drinks. We have lot to offer your love this Valentine’s day. Juz came up with the top enticing options with rich mixes of sparkling wine, golden Champagne and Vodka drive your love crazy..

• Pom-Berry Bellini

Invite your love for exotic dinner and start with Pom-Berry Bellini cocktail. Bellinis are incredibly popular, and this is one of the tastiest of all the bellinis. The elegant drink is a mixture of pomegranate juice, sparkling champagne and natural blueberry jam. Fresh blueberries can be used for garnishing to give the fresh feeling of love. The enticing color would compel her to ask for more and more and more..

• Amour a Mosa

If your sweetie is fond of fruity drink, Amour a Mosa is the classic drink to offer as a token of love. Drown into the rich refreshing classic mimosa, orange-infused vodka and mango juice. Make your sweetie, sweeter still by the sweety sweety drink.

• Rose and Mint Champagne

It is very well said, "A rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to heart". Rose and Mint Champagne is the answer to your question. Honey, mint and dries rosebuds, can make the best drink when when mixed with dry champagne. So give your love the rosy feel.

• White Sand cocktail

With the tangy lemon sorbet, depending on how slushy you desire, with heaven of Cahaca and Prosecco, give your love, ultimate bliss. The peaceful white color will add peace to your relationship. With mint leaves as garnish, offer your Valentine the White Sand cocktail. 

• Romeo and Juliet

This fruitful cocktail is the perfect blend of love with tequila and raspberry liquor uniting two souls on the auspicious occasion of Valentine’s day. The blazing red color doubles the heat within the lovers. May your love story be successful as that of Romeo and Juliet.

• Winter Sunset 

Dreaming of a vacation in Mediterranean with your love. Feel the zest of love with tingling Winter Sunset drink. The coconut-flavored rum and white crème de cacao along with Tia Maria will definitely compel your date to ask for more. Warmed whipped cream shows the warmth of your love. Make your dream date fall for you with the rich Winter Sunset cocktail.

• Un Dia en el Paraiso

Un Dia en el Paraiso means a day in Paradise. The reddish orangey drink will definitely wipe up your sorrows and fill your life with love. Shake and make the drink and wake up your love offering her the rich Un Dia en el Paraiso cocktail. Light-up your love ten times more than the color of drink.

• Touch of Venus

Drown in the flavor of Italy, with Touch of Venus Cocktail, perfectly made for your mate. Limoncello will give you real tangy taste and fresh lemon juice is a fresh start to start with. Dry white wine with added lime calls for some quality time. Get romantic than ever before with the Touch of Venus Cocktail.

• Berry Brazilian

The real sunny day in Brazil is well portrayed with the a Berry Brazilian Cocktail. With the Brazilian rum and red strawberries, enrich your love with yet rich strawberries agave nectar and cinnamon flavor. Rock and roll in love with large rocks glass of a very Berry Brazilian Cocktail. 

So what are you offering your love???

Valentine’s Day Special Red Velvet Cookies

Wanna surprise your Valentine on this special day? Let’s prepare an easy recipe called soft-baked red velvet cookies. The mushy, creamy taste will drive your love crazy. Red color symbolizes love, so it is a perfect treat for Valentine’s day. These can be stored and consumed later. Each bite he takes, he’ll certainly remember his love. Chocolate chips can be used optionally to boost up the romantic mood. So here we have Valentine’s day special, red velvet cookies for our loved one’s.

For Red Velvet Cookies:-

1 large egg,

1/2 teaspoon salt,

2/3 cup brown sugar,

1/3 cup white sugar,

1/2 cup unsalted butter,

3/4 cup sour cream,

2 cups all-purpose flour,

1/2 teaspoon baking soda,

1 tablespoon red food coloring,

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips,

1 ounce squares unsweetened baking chocolate

For Cream Cheese Frosting:- 
 

1/4 cup unsalted butter,

4 ounces cream cheese,

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract,

2 cups confectioners' sugar

Preparation Method:-

1. Preheat oven to 375 D F. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. Break the chocolate squares into chunks, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until the chocolate melts, about 90 seconds.

3. Stir the chocolate until smooth and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy; pour in the egg and beat until smooth.

4. Mix in the red food coloring and chocolate, scraping the bowl down regularly, until evenly blended, about 30 seconds.

5. Add half of the sifted dry ingredients, stirring until well incorporated. Beat in the sour cream and mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven until they spring back when pressed, about 9 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

7. For the cream cheese frosting, whip 1/4 cup butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Blend in the powdered sugar in half cup portions until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

8. Add into cookies and serve.

Enjoy the sugar crush date!!!

Valentine's Day Cocktail, the Singapore Sling

Red is the color of love. This Valentine's, cheer your love with the lovely red drink, the Singapore Sling. Singapore is a multi-faceted state. It is not only known for its milestone tours, fabulous transportation system, soothing opera or medical art of Feng Shui but the state does not lag behind when it comes to hot and happening lifestyle or the electric nightlife. The country is rich in its culinary offerings too, and especially different types of drinks add flavor to the “Work Hard Party Harder” lifestyle.

Of its many luscious drinks, we have picked the Singapore Sling as dish of the day for today. It’s one of the most famous fruity cocktail with the tangy lime taste. Not only does it taste heavenly, but its tantalizing red color is also very appealing. The drink was first mixed by Mr. Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese-Chinese bartender.

Today Singapore Sling is served in various parts of the world with different names and variations. It is served on numerous local festivals and occasions. Singapore Sling is served on all Singapore flights, restaurants, pubs, bars and party places.

Ingredients:-

1 1/2 ounce gin,

1 ounce lemon juice,

1/4 ounce sugar syrup,

1 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar,

2 ounce club soda,

1/2 ounce cherry brandy,

lemon wedge for garnishing,

cherry for garnishing

Preparation Method:-

1. In a shaker add sugar syrup, lemon juice, gin and ice cubes. Shake it well. Pour the liquid in highball glass.

2. Add few more ice cubes. Now pour in club soda. Then slowly add cherry brandy. Do not mix.

3. Garnish the rich cocktail with cherry and lemon wedge. Enjoy the drink.

Dance with your love and this delightful drink on this Valentine's Day!!