Vegan Valentine Dinner

I had the pleasure of cooking a vegan dinner for a lovely couple this Valentine's Day, and while that sounds like that makes the chef the third wheel, it was actually quite fun.  This was more of a cooking lesson, and we enjoyed tasting and testing along the way.

The entree was a Baked Portobello with Shallot Herb Stuffing.  This would've been hearty enough on its own, but I couldn't stop there.  Underneath was a silky Chipotle Infused Cashew Aioli which added a sweet and spicy dimension to the dish.  Then the portobello cap was served over a creamy Asparagus and Leek Risotto, and topped with sauteed savoy spinach.  Perfection!

Dessert was pure decadence:  Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sauce and Fresh Berries.  The cake sets up with a firm outer crust, and the center sinks into a saucy pool of chocolate pudding.  This is one of those desserts where if you can't decide if you want something creamy or something caky, you get both!  It looks dangerously difficult to pull off, yet it's so easy if you follow the recipe.  And decadent, too.

The next time you have an intimate dinner for two, this is the dessert you'll want to share.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Be My Vegan Valentine

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the holiday of love this year, there are many websites offering  special love-themed menus, gift-giving ideas, and compassionate ways to express your love of those near and dear to your heart.  It's a fun time to get creative in the kitchen and add a little romance to your life.

For a comprehensive list of menu ideas, recipes, cooking tips, and of course, chocolate, visit VegNews' Vegan Valentine page.  There's so much good stuff here you may have to continue celebrating for the rest of the month.  You can't go wrong with dishes like Rapini with Figs, Garlic & Pine Nuts, Cashew Fondue for Two, Sexy DIY Sushi Rolls, and Aphrodisiac Asparagus Pasta.

Another site for recipe ideas is VegWeb's My Sweet Valentine.  Here you'll find a collection of must-have recipes as well as a list of gift-giving ideas and links to online retailers.

The Top 10 Vegan Valentine Recipes can be found on Ecorazzi.  There are more great ideas here, but I have to say, it must have been tough limiting that list to just 10.

I kinda snickered at the Top Ten Veg Pick Up lines.  For vegan singles out there, no need to despair!  You can also search various veg dating websites for that special someone, and maybe start making plans for next year!

Whatever your plans are this Valentine's Day, always keep in mind that love = compassion, and consider our friends the animals as part of your holiday celebration.  Kiss a smiling piggy, hug a dog, cuddle with your kitty, and remember to shower them with love on this special day.  Sponsoring a farm animal is a great way to show your love.