Love Begins In The Kitchen

Love Begins in the Kitchen This Valentine's Day

Chef Jacques Haeringer provides romantic recipes and tips for your special Valentine.

"Valentine's Day comes at the best time of year," says Chef Jacques Haeringer, owner and chef at the legendary L'Auberge Chez Fran?ois, outside of Washington, D.C. "The darker, shorter days, and colder temperatures cause us to seek warmth, comfort, and light, many of the same elements of love." Chef Jacques feels we should embrace this mid-winter holiday with small treats to show the special people in our lives how much they mean to us.

"Winter is also a great time to be in kitchen." Say Jacques. "No matter how cold it gets outside it's always warm by the stove."

But, you don't have to labor over a hot stove, or spend a lot of money to create special treats this Valentine's Day. Chef Jacques has some fun suggestions that are sure to create romantic sparks:

- Say "I Love You" with breakfast: If you and your significant other are always rushing out in the morning for work, set the breakfast table before you go to sleep with your best linens, flowers in a vase, and best dishes for a surprise breakfast treat. If your breakfast is only a quick cup of coffee, add a few fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a quick "I love you" treat.

- There is power in chocolate: This confection's melting temperature is just below body temperature of 98.6 degrees, which is why it melts in your mouth. There is that brief moment where chocolate transforms itself from a solid to a luscious liquid. To many people this sensation and taste is irresistible. Choose one or two single pieces from a high quality candy vendor and share them with your special someone. If you want to treat the entire family, purchase a high-quality cocoa mix. Mix up a warm and aromatic batch and add some fresh whipped cream. For an adult twist a dash of your favorite liqueur and it won't matter how early the sun sets outside.

- A Bit of the Bubbly: This year treat yourself and a special someone with the surprise of sparkling wine or champagne to celebrate your love. Drop a single fresh raspberry or strawberry into a stem of sparkling wine to heighten the flavor and appearance. The tiny bubbles that melt in your mouth can also melt a few hearts.

- Make a Date: The perfect Valentine's meal may be one that you enjoy at a future date. Slip an IOU into a Valentine Card for a future meal and spend the night at home.

To add a bit of spice to your Valentine's Day celebration, Chef Jacques recommends this quick and easy recipe:

OYSTERS WITH HORSERADISH SAUCE
Oysters have a reputation for being an aphrodisiac. Casanova, referring to oysters in his memoirs, confessed that to eat "so delicate a morsel must be a sin in itself." This recipe adds a dash of heat to spice up your night.

10-12 Bluepoint oysters
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon grated horseradish
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

Open the oysters and place the oysters on the half shell in a plate to collect any oyster liquor.

Combine the heavy cream and oyster liquor in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high flame and continue to boil for 3-4 minutes to reduce volume by half. Whisk in the grated horseradish and bring up to a boil again. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and more horseradish, if desired. Keep warm.

Preheat the broiler.

Place each oyster on the half shell on a special oyster baking dish or on a bed of rock salt to hold them level. Place the oysters under the broiler for about 1 minute or until just warm, being careful not to overcook. Coat each oyster with approximately 1 teaspoon of the warm sauce and serve immediately.

Variation: Use any fresh local oysters such as Belon, Moonstone, Winter Point, etc.