5 minute read
“Board” For Valentine’s Day
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATALIE FINDLAY
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The origins of Valentine’s Day are confusing at best. Archaic stories from pairing of women with men by lottery, to priests that secretly married couples so the men would not have to go to war, or a reference to a bird’s mating season, all have nothing to do with present day expectations of what Valentine’s Day is all about.
Where is the love?
Some choose the grand gesture of a dozen red roses with lavish dinner reservations intended to impress. Let the champagne and caviar flow!
Others embrace the smaller but just as meaningful gestures of quiet time spent together.
Maybe this year is the time for a “boarding” Valentine’s Day.
Boarding is pretty much just as easy as ordering out but so much more fun. You don’t need a lot of prep time and “boarding” can be adjusted for any food preference and budget. It’s all about filling your board with your favourite things. Then spend time grazing and enjoying conversations, playing games, and reminiscing about life with those who you have chosen to join you.
Valentine’s is a day to celebrate love. Couples, families, friends. Valentine’s is not only about other people though. True love starts with loving ourselves. If this Valentine’s you are without a friend, family, or lover to celebrate, remember that our first love is the deepest… sorry, wrong quote. Our first love is with ourselves. Go ahead and celebrate you as much as if you would be celebrating with another.
Music is often used to express feelings, so pair your board with tunes that express yourself such as:
- Singles “Good Thing” board - you already know this board has everything you want. - Couples “Let’s Stay Together” board - mix it up. You and your partner’s favourite eats. - Girlfriends “My Girl” celebrates each other board - is filled with fun, festive treats for an evening of all girls! - Guy friends “Stand By Me” board - to embrace the bromance. - Minimal “My Baby Just Cares For Me” board - it doesn’t have to be expensive to be a celebration. - It’s family time! Enjoy your “It’s Alright” board with the kids - you can get them to try almost anything when you make it fun, and they get to use their fingers to eat! - Vegetarian “At My Most Beautiful” board - a veggie board is outstanding with both raw and roasted vegetables, smooth spreads and garlic crostini. - Breakfast in bed with the “You Make My Dreams Come True” board - what a luxury to enjoy breakfast in bed. Whether it be by yourself, with your partner or the whole family. Just make sure there are lots of napkins. - Extravagant “Putting On The Ritz” board - this is where champagne and caviar dreams sit atop an elegant board allowing you a sampling from the riches of the land and sea. - The “Somebody That I Used To Know” breakup board - everything is your choice you don’t have to try and fit someone else’s wants on your board.
What are your favourite foods? Pile them on! What foods make you feel good? Add those. What food is only enjoyed as a decadent treat? Slip that in the centre. Add something crispy, crunchy, smooth, salty, and sweet.
And best of all, enjoy your Valentine’s Day with love in your heart and your favourite board on your lips.
Here’s a few easy recipes that you can add into your board to make it Valentine’s ready.
Honey Whipped Feta with Boozy Cherries
Makes 2/3 cup (160 mL)
1/3 cup frozen cherries, thawed 2 Tbs (30 mL) sherry or fortified wine ½ cup feta cheese 1/3 cup (80 mL) cream cheese 1 Tbs (15 mL) honey
1. In a small pot add the cherries and juice along with the alcohol. Bring to a gentle boil and let the liquid reduce to half, approximately 3 minutes. Reserve. 2. In a small food processor, add the feta cheese and pulse on high until the feta is in small pieces. 3. Add the cream cheese and process until smooth, scraping down the sides once or twice. Add the honey and pulse until fully incorporated. 4. Top spread with cherry mixture. Serve with crackers, bread, endive or other dipper of choice. Valentine’s Red Hummus
Makes 1 cup (250 mL)
1 400g can cannellini beans 1 Tbs (15 mL) lemon juice 1 clove garlic 1 Tbs (15 mL) avocado oil 2½ Tbs (37 mL) water 1 tsp beet powder To taste sea salt
In a small food processor add all ingredients and process until smooth, scraping down the sides. Adjust salt to taste.
Chocolate truffles
Makes 6 - 10
125 g chocolate (½ semi-sweet and ½ bittersweet) 1/3 cup + 2 Tbs (115 mL) cream 1 orange, zested 1 Tbs (15 mL) amaretto (or other favourite liqueur)
1. Roughly chop chocolate and place in a small bowl. 2. In a small saucepan, add cream and orange zest. Over medium high heat, bring cream just to a boil and remove from heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate. 3. Add the liqueur (if using) but do not stir, cover. Let rest approximately 10 minutes. 4. Remove cover and gently stir until smooth and full combined. Put in refrigerator until cold. 5. Remove from fridge and using a spoon, scoop the mixture and quickly roll into balls. They don’t have to be perfectly round. If desired, roll formed truffle in cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut or other topping of choice.
Natalie is a freelance writer, photographer, and pastry chef. A graduate of Cordon Bleu’s pastry program, she manages her own business too to create custom-made cakes.
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