We had so much fun watching the Super Bowl with our friends last Sunday. Go Saints! I’m so glad that they won! Now the realization that football season is over has hit me and I’m a little sad. I just need to get over it. Football (and our Chargers) will be back before I know it. There is a lot of exciting stuff that will happen in the meantime. For now I’m thinking about Valentine’s Day (February 14th) and Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” (February 16th)! I hit the web to get some great ideas and recipes for both fun and important events! Enjoy!
Valentine’s Day:
1. Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini – Wow, this looks like a tasty and fun drink to serve your sweetie on Valentine’s Day! It could really even work to serve it as a dessert.
2. Roasted Red Pepper & White Bean Dip – We love using white beans when cooking…they have a wonderful, smooth texture and can accommodate many flavors. This dip looks delicious and is the perfect color for a Valentine’s Day appetizer!
3. Romantic Date Night Dinner for Two – Three wonderful recipes that could be paired with your favorite wine or cocktail for a fun twist! Do you date night at home this Valentine’s Day!
4. My Foodie Valentine – I love this article and its recipe suggestions…there is something for everyone here, ranging from a tasty cocktail to full-blown main courses and such. A wonderful resource for your Valentine’s Day cooking!
5. Simple Stir-Fry – Since Chinese New Year happens to fall on Valentine’s Day this year I figured I would include a link to a healthy and scrumptious looking stir-fry. This one is full of veggies and other great flavors.
Mardi Gras:
1. Shrimp & Grits – Although I have never tried the two together, we love shrimp and you can never go wrong with grits so I figure that this recipe is a slam-dunk winner!! A perfect southern option to serve for a Mardi Gras get-together.
2. Shrimp and Crab Boil – A fun way to cook all sorts of seafood, sausage and corn together in one pot. We have seen where folks will basically dump all the food out on a newspaper-covered table and then everyone will dig right in and enjoy. It’s messy and fun!
3. Andouille Sausage and Chicken Gumbo – This recipe is a mix of my dad’s old gumbo recipe and my flavor additions. It is delicious and a New in the Kitchen original!
4. Ultimate Dungeness Crab Cakes with Chipotle Mayonnaise – There is nothing better than a crab cake with a delicious dipping sauce! This looks like a great recipe and I love the idea of incorporating chipotle. We love chipotle in almost anything!
5. Baked Hush Puppies – A yummy Southern staple with cornmeal and onion, this recipe looks fantastic! The directions are easy to follow and the Hush Puppies are baked (so a little bit healthier than the normal fried version!!).
** Stay Tuned!! – We are posting a guide to throwing a Mardi Gras party TOMORROW (2/10/10)!
