Valentines Dinner

_dogma_ · 11-02-2009, 16:44

Right guys, needing a hand here.

We've decided we're just going to cook a meal this year, have wine and watch a movie. I think we might have the starter and dessert sorted out but not sure about the main course.

For starter we're thinking of Scallops with Herb Butter. Not sure where to buy scallops and what to look for when buying, any hints?

Dessert will be either really easy Sticky Toffee Pudding (takes about 5 mins

) or Strawberry Meringue Crunch (if I can figure out how to make meringues!!).

Not sure what to have in the middle... Thinking about possibly beef-like something but not sure what to do with it or what to have with it. I'm also open to other suggestions about would fit well within the meal. I am, however, a fussy bugger and only eat pig, cow, chicken, turkey or fish and don't like too much veg.

Wine - I like fruity-ish wine and have no idea what would go well with the food. Something cheap and cheerful would do though.

Thanks

lostkat · 11-02-2009, 16:51

I think this looks fantastic, and simple too. Veg choices can be modified of course.

With scallops, buy them fresh from your local fishmonger or Morissons (always have a good fish selection). Make sure you get the kings rather than queens as they're the biggest. DON'T over cook them. They literally only need 1 minute per side.

Lomster · 12-02-2009, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostkat

I think this looks fantastic, and simple too. Veg choices can be modified of course.

Thanks for the link

Liked the steak with mushroom puff tartlets but also found a few other recipes that I want to try.
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4...-dipping-sauce
Nom nom nom there is so many things I want to try and make but it will mean I will be cooking for kids and then for Faysh and I as the kiddies won't like them.

LeperousDust · 11-02-2009, 16:53

Scallop's definitely buy them at a fish monger if you can, i'm lucky to have one about 10 doors away and he sells lots of random fresh exotic things, but worth it.

For the main course if you want beef, its not very "romantic" but a lovely thick slab of very nice beef steak lightly cooked so its still tender with some home made thick wedges and some kind of light salad with a generic White Wine Vinegar Dressing or something. I'm feeling hungry thinking about that now.

Also maybe think about wrapping the scallops in bacon, i've not home cooked it myself but i have eated it in a resturant and they were very nice, but slightly "different"! Yum

//Edit: Looks good LK

lostkat · 11-02-2009, 16:54

Parma ham would be more suitable IMO. Bacon is a bit bulky for scallops

LeperousDust · 11-02-2009, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostkat

Parma ham would be more suitable IMO. Bacon is a bit bulky for scallops

Yeah actually you're right it probably was that come to think of it, good call

lostkat · 11-02-2009, 17:07

Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops with Lemon and Parsley

NOM!

Jonny69 · 12-02-2009, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostkat

Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops with Lemon and Parsley

NOM!

I think that might be a hint Leon *cough*

lostkat · 13-02-2009, 06:43

BBC Good Food is a brilliant website

Quote:

Originally Posted by _dogma_

All suggestions sound lovely!!

Really like the look of what LostKat posted! Might try that but I've never made pastry before so not sure how well that would really go!

Have you read the recipe?

It uses shop bought puff pastry. Making puff pastry from scratch is extremely fiddley and not really worth it IMO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonny69

I think that might be a hint Leon *cough*

Leon? Cook? You're having a giraffe aren't you

_dogma_ · 13-02-2009, 14:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostkat

BBC Good Food is a brilliant website

Have you read the recipe?

It uses shop bought puff pastry. Making puff pastry from scratch is extremely fiddley and not really worth it IMO

Believe it or not, I did! I just wrote my reply afterwards and forgot what it said.

The only problem I have with websites is that I find it really hard to find anything I want to cook. I love flicking through cookbooks as it's easier to find something I fancy. Unless I know what I'm looking for I find it hard to just browse the websites.

11-02-2009, 16:44	#1
_dogma_ Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kirkcaldy, Fife. Posts: 278	Valentines Dinner Right guys, needing a hand here. We've decided we're just going to cook a meal this year, have wine and watch a movie. I think we might have the starter and dessert sorted out but not sure about the main course. For starter we're thinking of Scallops with Herb Butter. Not sure where to buy scallops and what to look for when buying, any hints? Dessert will be either really easy Sticky Toffee Pudding (takes about 5 mins ) or Strawberry Meringue Crunch (if I can figure out how to make meringues!!). Not sure what to have in the middle... Thinking about possibly beef-like something but not sure what to do with it or what to have with it. I'm also open to other suggestions about would fit well within the meal. I am, however, a fussy bugger and only eat pig, cow, chicken, turkey or fish and don't like too much veg. Wine - I like fruity-ish wine and have no idea what would go well with the food. Something cheap and cheerful would do though. Thanks __________________

11-02-2009, 16:51	#2
lostkat Good Cat Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,550	I think this looks fantastic, and simple too. Veg choices can be modified of course. With scallops, buy them fresh from your local fishmonger or Morissons (always have a good fish selection). Make sure you get the kings rather than queens as they're the biggest. DON'T over cook them. They literally only need 1 minute per side. __________________ Oooooh Cecil, what have you done?

11-02-2009, 16:53	#4
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	Scallop's definitely buy them at a fish monger if you can, i'm lucky to have one about 10 doors away and he sells lots of random fresh exotic things, but worth it. For the main course if you want beef, its not very "romantic" but a lovely thick slab of very nice beef steak lightly cooked so its still tender with some home made thick wedges and some kind of light salad with a generic White Wine Vinegar Dressing or something. I'm feeling hungry thinking about that now. Also maybe think about wrapping the scallops in bacon, i've not home cooked it myself but i have eated it in a resturant and they were very nice, but slightly "different"! Yum //Edit: Looks good LK __________________

11-02-2009, 16:54	#5
lostkat Good Cat Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,550	Parma ham would be more suitable IMO. Bacon is a bit bulky for scallops __________________ Oooooh Cecil, what have you done?

11-02-2009, 17:07	#7
lostkat Good Cat Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,550	Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops with Lemon and Parsley NOM! __________________ Oooooh Cecil, what have you done?