Q: I know that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and with Valentine's Day fast approaching I'm planning to shower my fiance with small yummy things throughout the day. Problem is, he doesn't really like chocolate or sweet things in general, so most V-day appropriate treats like candies and cupcakes. he exceptions are caramel and toffee, but he still doesn't like those in large quantities.
I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for some small special gifts on the savory side of the spectrum?
Sent by Gillian
Editor: Gillian, what about these palmiers? You can work in a little cheese and cayenne, or some herbs. They're rich but still simple and savory:
• Surprisingly Simple Recipe: Petite Palmiers
Readers, what other ideas do you have for Gillian?
Related: What Are Some Tasty Yet Non-Sweet Food Gifts?
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How about the goat cheese panna cottas from Thanksgiving? I have heart shaped molds that I use for my panna cottas, or you could just cut the cranberry slice in to a heart.
Meatloaf cupcakes (mashed potato icing)? Brie parcels (baked brie but in a little square of phyllo dough, twisted shut)? Mini lobster thermidors?
@monkeymilk oh what a good idea! Here's a direct link to that post. I might have to do that heart-shaped cut-out idea now. I still have cranberry jelly in the pantry...
- Savory Goat Cheese Panna Cotta with Canned Cranberry Jelly Cut-Outs
I'm like that, not a fan of chocolate and not much of a sweet tooth. I'd go for some really good smoked salmon on tasty toast points with chive cream cheese. Stuffed mushrooms if he likes those. I'm sure most non veg men would love an assorted charcuterie platter/box. You can do a bento box style thing with different meats: panchetta, prosciutto, good salami, a pate/terrine etc.
Ok now I know what I'm going to do for me while baking the bf a chocolate cake :)
I love all this! I'm drooling over the meatloaf cupcakes myself. Thanks!
I once put together a dinner of prosciutto, cheese and wine. A friend of mine told me that was one of the best meals I had ever made. :(
It doesn't have to be a dessert item to be enjoyed. Think tapas.
I second this question. But my further problem is that V-day falls on a Monday and he does Meatless Mondays.
How about a batch of home made cheez-its? I believe there is a recipe here somewhere for them. I think it was originally a Mark Bittman recipe. You could cut them into cute heart shapes with a small cookie cutter. Just roll them a bit thinner than the recipe says, so they come out extra crispy.
Along the same cheesy route, you could take larger heart shaped cookie cutters and sprinkle a small layer of parmesan in them on a non-stick cookie sheet and bake them until they are lightly golden. Voila, cute little heart shaped fricots.
What about an assortment of his favorite dips, and some pita chips cut into the shapes of hearts or half hearts?
Two words that combine the best of both worlds: bacon candy.
ebarrett3 - Seafood is, in my opinion, also a great vday treat. Any seafood which can be dipped in hot butter flavoured with herbs/chili flakes/garlic etc. is very rich and sexy - especially if you share.
If you're looking for an alternative to shrimp cocktail, try this: mix cold peeled/deveined/detailed shrimp with a sauce of mayonaise, paprika, ketchup, and horseradish (think cocktail sauce with added richness and flavor). Mound torn lettuce into a shallow bowl, top with prepared shrimp. Finish with 2 cherry tomatos halved for garnish.
A bouquet of corn dogs like this one...
http://marydear.blogspot.com/2009/02/here-is-beginning-of-my-post.html