Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has it's advocates and it's haters. I fall somewhere in between. I don't fall for the roses, cards and gifts. But I do treat it as a special day to make special food..sadly I prefer a good meal to a good gift most days.
So I thought I would chronicle our dinner. Jason loves to cook and on these special occasion nights..it is neat to watch! For those of you who don't know the 'routine'..I pick the recipes/menu, make the list and organize the grocery/store trip. And Jason does all the cooking/prep work!
So for dinner..we decided to get a dry aged Ribeye steak..we have never gotten a dry aged steak and figured it was as good a time as ever. So he made a classic preparation called Steak au poivre with braised Broccoli rabe (or rapini) and roasted butternut squash!
here is the preparation in progress. Now the steak dish is special for its sauce. There is cognac in it..and where there is alcohol ..there is fire. I love these photos b/c I have an affinity for fire..not in a scary way.




The flames were pretty kickin'
The finished product. We actually ate at our table..first time since Thanksgiving! Now dessert. This one was a first and WOW ..we will be doing it again b/c it is easy and scrumptious!
Drooling yet???
Before New Year's, we did a sparkling tasting at our favorite wine store Bella Vino. They had a true Champagne (which means made in Champagne, France) that was amazing! We have thought about it ever since. Just a great bubbly and neither of us are bubbly drinkers. Well the problem was that it was a little pricey for a rose' bubbly. But again..special occasion and the perfect companion to our dessert!
So..now that my expanding waist line is explained and everyone is probably hungry..that was my Valentine's Day. My birthday is coming up and I will make up a new menu for him to cook.
and some cute dog photos. Dante finally got his own bed this weekend. He seems to like it. It came with a removable cushion (that Dana confuses with a toy a lot) as well.
perched atop the cushion!
I hope everyone had a great day and weekend! Richmonders don't forget to come to the Pet Expo next weekend! GPA with be there but it is a great dog event!
and to see more photos from our Stony Point Walk this weekend, check out Nerice's blog. We had great turnout!