Chocolate/Chilli Fondue

Ingredients
150ml double cream
225g, 70% dark chocolate
1 diced chilli, seeds removed
2tbsp dark rum
Your favourite fruits-strawberries, bananas, pineapple, you could also try almonds, marshmallows, all cut into bite-sized chunks
Cocktail sticks

Method
-Simmer your cream in a pot over a low heat
-Add your dark chocolate, chilli, rum
-To serve, transfer to a nice serving bowl, or if you like you can serve in the pot

Tip-if you transfer to a serving bowl, it will cool quicker and set, so keep a pot of simmering water on the stove. When it does start to set, simply place the bowl over the simmering water for a minute or so until it melts.

Valentine's Mains

Chicken, Vegetable and Chorizo Casserole
Ingredients (makes 2 portions)
2 large sliced red onions
125g diced chorizo
2 sliced red peppers
2 sliced yellow peppers
2 tomatoes, quartered
1 can chopped tomatoes
2 chicken stock cubes
1/2 red chilli, sliced
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 can red kidney beans
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Fresh coriander, chopped
2 avocados, diced

Method
-Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius
-In your casserole dish, sweat off your onions in a bit of oil, 2/3 minutes
-Add your chorizo, continue cooking for a further 2/3 minutes
-Now, add your peppers and cook until nicely coloured
-Next, add your tinned tomatoes, followed by a tin of water
-Add the fresh tomatoes, stock cubes, oregano and red chilli
-Now, season your chicken thighs and place into your casserole dish
-Top with the kidney beans, gently bring to the boil, put the lid on and place in your pre-heated oven when ready.

Cooking time is approx 40/50 minutes. To serve, remove lid, sprinkle the chopped coriander and diced avocado on top.
Place the dish in the center of the table with two warmed plates, optional extras such as mash or salad

Valentine's Starters

Tapas/Antipasto Style Starter
suggested options
-Your favourite pate/toast
-Selection of cold meats, prosciutto, Parma ham (even your ordinary sandwich ham!)
-Olives/nuts/sundried tomatoes
-Grilled ciabatta, plain or with goat's cheese/garlic/tapenade/brie etc
-Your favourite smoked fish e.g. salmon, mackerel, trout etc
-Even some homemade potato wedges with a sweet chilli dipping sauce
(2 rooster potatoes, cut into 1/8, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, olive oil, roast in hot oven)


To Serve
Arrange and serve on a wooden chopping board, drizzle with a touch of olive oil.

This starter can be tailored to suit the needs of whoever you're cooking for; it's no fuss , straightforward and looks impressive.

Enjoy!

Valentine's Cocktails

So, the Day of Love is upon us (as is Ferris Wheel Appreciation Day). If you don't fancy heading out to packed restaurants, why not try your hand at impressing your loved one?
I have spilt our Valentine's blog into four posts-cocktails, starters, mains and desserts. Try your hand at these and help set the mood!

Valentines Cocktails
Martini
3 dashes orange juice
50ml vodka
20ml dry vermouth
2tsp grenadine
twist lemon
Ice to taste

Method: Combine all together, shake well, serve in chilled glasses

Vodka/Cranberry Twist
200ml vodka
200ml cointreau
600ml cranberry juice
400ml orange juice
zest 2 limes
crushed ice

Method: Combine all together, shake well, serve in chilled glasses

Strawberry Twist
100g strawberries hulled/halved
50g caster sugar
bottle chilled champagne

Method: Blitz the strawberries/sugar, add a drop of water if needed,place in chilled glasses, add bubbly