Valentine's Day

This is the first year Dan and I decided to stay home for Valentine's Day, which I think was the best one yet. For our appetizer we had traditional cheese fondue with cubed french bread, vegetables and Granny Smith apples as dippers. I rarely make fondue because it's such a hassle but while Dan and I were at Wegman's scrounging around for our ingredients, lo and behold in the cheese section was a packaged easy fondue pack with all the cheese necessary. The best part? Just add the wine! At that point I was sold. Not only is it cheaper than buying Gruyere and Emmantaler cheese separately, but it's also shredded.

I followed the instructions on the package, because really.. there was only one thing to do: Add the wine! After five minutes of stirring and reaching the desired consistency, we digged dipped in!

Dan turned on some soft jams with a roaring fire which made things even better. Who can't resist some Backstreet Boys, I mean, c'mon.

Yummy goodness

Occasionally our cat, MacGyver would be creepy in the background which just made the night more entertaining.

 

 

Then it was time for the main course featuring Filet Mignon with a Rich Balsamic Glaze and luckily it was simple which means really no preparation needed.

Filet Mignon with a Rich Balsamic Glaze

(Recipe found here)

 

• 2 (4 ounce) filet mignon steaks  
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste 
• salt to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar  
• 1/4 cup dry red wine

1. Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over both sides of each steak, and sprinkle with salt to taste.

2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place steaks in hot pan, and cook for 1 minute on each side, or until browned. Reduce heat to medium-low, and add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Cover, and cook for 4 minutes on each side, basting with sauce when you turn the meat over. I actually did not follow this part of the recipe as the reviews mention the sauce is too thin. So I heated the balsamic vinegar and dry red wine with a generous pinch of brown sugar in a small pot on medium-high heat to thicken it up. Wasn't as thick to my liking but it was still good.
 

3. Remove steaks to two warmed plates, spoon one tablespoon of glaze over each, and serve immediately.

After dinner, we had some champagne, slow danced a little and watched 'Stuck in Love'. Overall, one of my favorite Valentine's so far.

How was your Valentine's Day and what did you do to celebrate?