Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Love Is In The Air

Good afternoon and Happy Valentine's Day to all of you wonderful bloggers! Today is a SUPER special day, not just because it's Valentine's Day, but because today marks our 1st Birthday here at Everyday Meals! I started this blog exactly 1 year ago in hopes of spreading the knowledge of wonderful recipes. Well, we've done it! We have reached our 1st year. I pray that we have many more! Now, on the topic of Valentine's Day, I have prepared a delightful menu for dinner. We will surprise our significant others with an appetizer, followed by the main course, and finished with dessert. So, if you are ready to win some hearts, let's strap on those aprons and get in the kitchen!





Chocolate Fondue





You will need:






  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 1.25 cups water
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 5 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • Strawberries, banana chunks, apple slices and angel food cake cubes






Ready?






  1. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil. 
  2. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa, cream, and half of the syrup mixture until smooth. 
  4. Return to the pan. 
  5. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. 
  6. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. 
  7. Stir in the chopped chocolate until melted. 
  8. Serve warm with fruit and cake for dipping. 
  9. Refrigerate the leftovers.
  10. Enjoy.






We are now moving on to our main dish...





Artichoke Beef Steaks





You will need:






  • 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts
  • 4 beef ribeye steaks 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, sliced and separated into rings
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 jar sliced pimientos, drained







  1. Drain the artichokes, reserving 1 tablespoon marinade. Coarsely chop the artichokes and set aside. 
  2. Sprinkle the steaks with salt.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the steaks in butter over medium-high heat for 4 minutes on each side or until the meat reaches desired doneness according to a meat thermometer.
  4. Move the steaks to a serving platter and keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, saute the onion and garlic in the reserved marinade for 3 minutes. 
  6. Add the artichokes and pimientos and heat through. 
  7. Serve the artichoke mixture on top of the steaks.
  8. Enjoy!


  • medium-rare, 145 degrees
  • medium, 160 degrees
  • well-done, 170 degrees





Finally, we end this night with some dessert.





Cherry Meringue





You will need:






  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 3/4 cup sugar

FOR THE FILLING:

  • 1 package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
  • 1 can cherry pie filling







  1. Place the egg whites in a small bowl and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. 
  2. Add the cream of tartar, then beat on medium speed in a processor until soft peaks form. 
  3. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Spoon the meringue onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. 
  5. Using the back of a spoon, form the meringue into a 9 inch heart shape, building up edges slightly.
  6. Bake at 275 degrees for 1.5 hours. 
  7. Turn the oven off and do not open the door. 
  8. Leave the meringue in the oven for 1 hour longer to sit. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
  9. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. 
  10. Fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is well blended. 
  11. To serve, place the heart on a serving platter and fill with the cream cheese mixture.
  12. Top with the pie filling.
  13. Enjoy!






Thank you for joining me for an extra special entry to Everyday Meals. Come back soon for more recipes! Have a lovely Valentine's Day and I'll catch you on the flip side. Happy blogging to all! <3