FF Cooking Club- What’s on the Menu for Valentine’s Day?!

Hi everyone! If you are new to this blog, and haven’t read what FF Cooking Club is all about, please refer back to my prior post, FF Cooking Club.

I am sure no one is surprised that for our Valentine’s Day celebration every year, we cook a fancy meal and enjoy it at home.  Don’t get me wrong, making a reservation at a fabulous restaurant is nice and romantic. You can’t beat the great food and atmosphere, and don’t have to worry about set up, clean up, and everything in between.   I just am such a homebody and love trying to recreate a restaurant style and quality meals at home.  To me, nothing shows your loved one how much you love them and appreciate them more than cooking a meal for them.  Food for me is always a reflection of love and appreciation, which is what Valentine’s Day is all about. This Valentine’s Day, I am cooking a 5 course meal and every recipe is amazing.  I think these recipes are so good, that I have a hard time believing we could get better if we went out to a restaurant. So what’s on the menu for Valentine’s Day?!

French Onion Soup

• I did this recipe blog as one of the first blogs when we first started Forever Freckled.
• This is my step mom’s recipe and I have NEVER had a better french onion soup anywhere.
• The key with this recipe is using beef base- it gives the soup a better flavor than traditional beef broth.
• The final preparation is crucial to this recipe as well.  You must place the baguette on the bottom of the bowl, add the soup, place a second baguette on top, and smother with cheese.
• DELICIOUS!

Wedge Salad

• This is my favorite salad and something I always order at a restaurant.
• I know of all the lettuces, iceberg has the least nutrition, but it’s so refreshing, crunchy and delicious.
• The dressing is AMAZING and so easy to make.
• I love to make this salad when I host dinner parties.  It’s always a fan pleaser.

Filet Mignon with Rosemary and Mushroom Gravy

• The gravy is INSANE- well done Giada (because she really cares about my opinion).
• You can use a different cut of beef, but it’s Valentine’s Day…do it up….get the Filet.
• I use a grill pan to cook the filet.
• Love love love this recipe and I promise it will not disappoint.

Hasselback Potatoes

• LOVE this recipe- it’s a unique twist on the potato.
• It looks fancy and is a great pairing with the filet.

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

• I am sure if you have been following our blog, you have quickly picked up that I DO NOT BAKE.
• But this recipe is fail proof and so easy.
• I use semi-sweet chocolate because I like the flavor better than bittersweet.
• I like to place fruit on top and sprinkle powdered sugar.
• I am telling you, you need to make this.  If you are a novice baker, this recipe will give you some confidence to keep baking.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Whatever your plans are, I wish everyone a wonderful and happy V-Day.   Valentine’s Day is about showing your loved ones how much you love them and how much they are appreciated.  I am so lucky to have the best family and friends and try and celebrate them everyday. Happy Cooking!!!