Delightful Dishes for Valentine's Day - Random Magic Tour

Creativity and art are important themes in Random Magic, and cuisine is considered to be an art form as well.

At least, it is if you consult with the ravishing but eccentric Lady Witherspoon, who adores midnight tea and marvelous pastries only slightly less than outlandish picture hats and her favorite modiste.

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Quote from Random Magic:
The fire crackled in the background. No one seemed particularly compelled to  contribute a reply.
Tony settled himself lazily into one of the overstuffed leather chairs by the fire, and waited for the figurative curtain to go up. An unexpected guest, a dark, gloomy night, and a story, into the bargain.
Absolutely ripping, this. And tea.
Knowing Lady Witherspoon’s bent for hospitality, it wouldn’t be just some shriveled watercress sandwiches and an old biscuit, either.
Oh, no -- there’d be lovely buttery cranberry scones, stems of dark chocolate and miniature blood oranges; plum jam, hot crumpets, and savory cheese tartelettes. He was salivating, already…

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For this stop on the Random Magic: Vive L’Amour tour, I am happy to share some romantic dishes that could be the perfect choice for a delicious and exciting Valentine’s Day dinner. Bon appétit!

APPETIZER

Bruschetta

When I have a big meal, I like to start out with something light and small. One of my favorite appetizers is bruschetta because you only need to have one or two pieces and not have to spoil the rest of your meal. I like mine traditional and simple - tomato, basil, and garlic. (recipe)

SOUP

White-Bean Soup Shooters with Bacon

Um, hello, BACON! Anything is better with bacon, right? Since this meal is a bit on the heavy side, I opted for a shooter instead of a full bowl. Need to save room for the next course! (recipe)

MAIN COURSE

Filet mignon/Lobster

Mmmmm...my mouth is salivating as we speak. I don't know about you, but I consider this to be a very indulgent dish. Instead of the typical filet and lobster tail, I found a tasty recipe that throws a little spin on things - lobster mashed potatoes. YUM! (recipe)

DESSERT

Chocolate Fondue

What could be better than a huge pot of melted chocolate with an array of yummy treats to dip? My top suggestions would be strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and cheesecake. Make it even more romantic and feed each other - just watch out for those fondue forks :) (recipe)

DRINK

Champagne

You can't celebrate Valentine's Day without a little bubbly to toast with!

So there you have it - my idea of a tasty Valentine's Day dinner! I unfortunately do not possess the skills to cook a frozen pizza let alone a yummy dinner, but I have a terrific boyfriend who knows his way around the kitchen. Maybe I'll have him make this for me...
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Bonus: Sweet treat – Classic love poem
Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare*

…I think on thee,—and then my state,

Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remember’d such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

Free MP3 download (Click 'Download episode')
*By the way, William Shakespeare appears as a character in Random Magic.

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Reader invitation: Do you have a favorite food you’d recommend for Valentine’s Day? Would you come to a midnight tea party as the guest of the whimsical Lady Witherspoon? Feel free to share your comments below.

You’re also welcome to join us on the Random Magic Tour: Vive L’Amour (through February 14), to read lots of other romantic special features.