Valentine’s Day approaches quickly after Christmas. Some would be satisfied if it were stalled indefinitely. I’m not one to lament any chance to spoil my magnificent hubby, but, admittedly, coming up with new thoughtful gift ideas just 42 days after Santa’s all-nighter can be tough. This year, it was also my turn to plan our festivities. Fortunately, I never run out of schemes for extravagant means of pampering Jason through experiences. That part of Valentine’s Day was a piece of mocha lava cake.
Instead of going out to dinner, I decided to cook a fancy meal comprised of citrus salad with thyme vinaigrette, roasted garlic pull-apart cheese bread, steaks with wasabi cream sauce, and mocha lava cakes. I intended to spend the whole day working on this fine supper. However, due to a family emergency, I ran out of time to make the entire menu. I had to skip one item; I decided to omit the salad and make all the cheesy, creamy, chocolatey selections. What does that say about me? As the chef I might be biased, but I think everything turned out quite agreeably. Interested in these recipes? They are Ree Drummond originals, and I’d recommend all of them.
The following day, we went to the Regency Romance Ball, an event we had been unable to attend for a couple years due to travel engagements. The night proceeded fairly predictably. My hairdo required dozens of bobby pins, and I danced until my toe bled. (Yup, that happened.) Awards for the best dressed are given at this affair via voting cards handed out by attendees to other attendees. Those who accumulate the most cards in each category win. We received three of these as a couple. Jason got three individually, and I got five. That may sound impressive until you consider the winners ended up with 40 or 50 apiece. You are completely underwhelmed now, right?
I’m going to claim Valentine’s Day success… minus a salad we enjoyed one day late. I didn’t get Jason flowers and a box from Tiffany’s, but I made him some scrummy food and forced him to dance with me in a cravat and waistcoat… close enough.