For Valentine's Day...go fruity on her!!

By: Mark T.

Dessert before Dinner?

Valentine’s Day is upon us. This is a guy’s time to shine so why not do it with food. With just a little bit of effort, you can make it look good. This meal has to start with passion. Italians have always had a great balance in the kitchen. I remember a little Italian restaurant that had a cutting board with a sign on it. It read, “Italian Lover: Pasta and Wine Included.” They can make a meal an experience from the start to the end. If you leave the table and you are not full, it is your fault. What we have to do is start the night off right. Here is an Italian twist for the special day. For names sake we will call this recipe “The Fruit of Love.”

Remember what your Mama said? You have to eat your vegetables before you get dessert. Well, look around, you see her anywhere? Then do what you want.. here's a chance to start with a fruity dessert that will impress the heck out of her. Unless this is her...
(That's Julia Childs)

It is a concept that not many people actually think about so why not do it for Valentine’s Day. Isn’t it the thought that counts? And if the thought doesn't count, one word...Diamonds!

First the fruit.

Not those fruits...my choices for this are peaches, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, red grapes, and oranges. Of course fresh fruit is a must so you might have to adapt this to what is in season. But be willing to spend a few extra dollars in the off-season. Great fruit is worth it. Second, purchase a can of whipped cream. This is the easy way out when doing whipped cream but it will definitely save some time. Third is the bottle of wine. Marco Negri’s Moscato D’Asti is the recommended wine. This can usually be easily found any local wine center for roughly $15.00. Lastly, if you do not have any wine glasses, pick them up at the same time.

Here comes the prep work.

· Cut the strawberries and peaches into bite size pieces and place them in a colander.
· Place the grapes, blueberries, and raspberries in the colander.
· Peel the orange and cut the segments in half.
· Thoroughly wash the fruit under cold running water. It is important to drain off all excess water.
· Arrange the fruit in the wine glasses so the different kinds are separated.
· Fill the glass till there is about 1” of space at the top.
· Pour the wine until the fruit is just barely covered.
· Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you let it sit longer, it will be fine. More of the wine will just be absorbed in the fruit.
· Before serving top with whipped cream. Save the extra for later.
· Make sure to light a candle and don’t sit in front of the TV.

Fruit of Love
Ingredients

4 - Large strawberries
1 – Peach
1 - Orange
½ cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries
½ cup red grapes
1 bottle of Marco Negri’s Moscato D’Asti
1 can of whipped cream.
Makes 2 servings
There’s an easy recipe for the beginning of night. If you are looking for a meal that is easy to fix, check out the recipes at www.foodnetwork.com. It is a great site to explore for many different types of foods and recipes all for no cost. The rest of the evening depends if the kids are at the grandparent’s house.

Comments

[Phil]

I fine your reference to the 5 handsome men as fruits distasteful. Shame on you!