What to do on Valentine's Day...

Is Valentine's Day a big deal for you and your honey?  Well, if you're trying to refresh some of your V-Day ideas, here are a few suggestions...



S.F. Ferry Building

If you're local to San Francisco, you might want to check out the 9th annual 'Food From the Heart' which kicks off on Friday night, February 13, in the candlelit Grand Nave.

Marketplace shops will all be open from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for Valentine shopping on Friday night. This event is free with nominal charges for food and drink. There will also dancing and classical music to serenade visitors, delicious hors d'oeuvres for $2-6 each, and Napa Valley vintners will pour wine for $4 per taste. Proceeds from purchases of wine and hors d'oeuvres will benefit Slow Food San Francisco's programs such as the School Garden Projects. Tickets will be available at the Ferry Building on Friday — the night of the event — at tables throughout the Marketplace.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is making date night easy for couples. On Friday, February 20, the restaurant is celebrating “Parents’ Night Out” by picking up the tab on childcare at local participating My Gym locations while the parents enjoy a four-course meal at the restaurant.

Courtesy of Powell & Mahoney

Find the right cocktail......

For Lovers. You will instantly fall in love with the Passion Margarita. In a shaker, combine 1.5 oz. 100% blue agave blanco tequila, 1.5 oz. Powell & Mahoney Mango Passion Margarita, 0.5 oz. almond syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and the juice of half a lime.

For guys. Celebrate your singlehood with your buddies with a batch of Spicy Snapper. Pour 4 oz. Powell & Mahoney's award-winning Sriracha Bloody Mary mix, ½ oz. fresh lemon juice and 1 ½ oz. gin in a shaker and gently shake.  Strain into a pint glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge and celery leaves.

For gals. What better way to celebrate than with the original girl's night cocktail: the Cosmopolitan? It's so much better to be pink than blue with the Cosmo Berry Spritz in hand! Mix 2 oz. Powell & Mahoney Cosmopolitan mix, 1 medium strawberry and 3 oz. dry white wine in a shaker. Muddle strawberry and gently shake. Strain all ingredients into a wine glass filled with ice and stop with a splash of soda and garnish with an orange wheel.

For the love curmudgeon. If you're just down on love for the time being and aren't puckering up for anyone this V-Day, feel free to express your bitterness with The Sour cocktail. Pour 1 ½ - 2 oz. spirit of choice and 1 oz. Powell & Mahoney Lemon Sour mixer into a shaker and gently shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Courtesy Carrington Farms

Berry Bliss Chocolate Bites! Created by leading organic health food company, Carrington Farms, this simple, no bake dessert is a sweet treat that will make any chocolate lovers mouth water. And, the best part is, this decadent treat gets its sweetness from real fruit, making it a healthier for you splurge. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 9 tbsp Carrington Farms Coconut Oil

• 3 tbsp Hershey’s 100% unsweetened Cacao Powder

• 3-4 packets (less or more depending on you) Stevia in the raw

• 1/2 cup frozen berries (We suggest an antioxidant blend with strawberries, pitted cherries and pomegranate seeds by market pantry from Target)

• Silicone candy mold or mini baking cups

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix the melted coconut oil with cacao powder and stevia.

2. Chop the frozen berries into smaller pieces and distribute among 9 baking cups.

3. pour 1 tbsp chocolate mix into each cup over the frozen berries. Place in freezer until set, 5-8 minutes and enjoy!

Courtesy Bon Appetit

Get the Bon Appetit Guide for tips on the perfect Valentine Day for you.  Here's what's included.....

Set the mood

Set the table

Kick off with cocktails

Set up your soundtrack

Make ahead menu

Cook at home...a restaurant worthy menu

Tips if you decide to go out

Most importantly, enjoy your weekend!  I'll be in Tahoe, with family and friends, hitting the slopes and trying to teach the kids how to make it down the hill safely...... without hurting myself.  

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