Chef Vanessa Bathfield has the most unique ideas for parties and food. Her New Years Eve Party ideas were so hot and happening (based on YOUR readership of her nifty ideas), we brought her back to help create the most unique and impressive Valentine’s Day gift from you to your special someone– cooking them dinner!
It’s not hard and doesn’t take a lot of effort– and most everything can be put together at least 1 day ahead.
Lobster cocktail– YUMMY and very very luxurious. It’s super easy too. Tear up cooked lobster meat into small hunks and mix with cocktail sauce into fancy martini glasses.
The entree is a roasted duck breast (you can find it online at bellabellagourmet.com). Chef Vanessa suggests roasting it but if you are handy with a grill, fire up that barbie and get this poultry crispy and juicy in a jiffy. Chicken can be substituted or even Cornish Game Hens though that would take much longer. Listen to the podcast to get other locations where duck breast is available.
Also you need the cranberry mustard to smother the duck breast. I have some from my local supermarket, Trader Joes’s and gourmet deli. you can find this online too but not in time for Valentine’s Day. This one came from Igourmet.com
Roasted or grilled veggies are a piece of cake. You can use fresh or check out the pre-chopped veggies from Trader Joes done in long strips and you can grill those or do a quick broil or even saute with a drizzle of olive oil .
The pearl couscous — check around online for it and also check out the ethnic sections of large supermarkets or gourmet delis.
The wine is amazing– champagne of course. (check out the next blog!)
The best part is the last part– creme brule and Chef Vanessa has a special recipe page just for the LA STORY with all the recipes on her website.
Chef Vanessa also does lot of other events and catering. She’s known for "new mom and dad" assistance and will help create a slew of tasty meals and packed into the freezer or frig that you just reheat and have great food instead of pizza!
http://www.chefvanessabathfield.com/index.html
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Stevie Wilson
LA Story .
>
