The Seasonal Gourmet

Preparing a juicy roast chicken with crispy skin is a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day

This Sunday is Valentine’s Day, a holiday that seems to inspire mixed feelings in people.  Some people feel that it’s just an excuse for card companies, florists and chocolatiers to profit while more romantic folks see it as an opportunity to celebrate their love with a significant other.  Whatever your feelings about Valentine’s Day, I believe that it’s a day you should avoid restaurants if at all possible.  Most places are packed to the rafters and often feature set menus with overwhelmed service. Being rushed to eat mediocre food with bad service is not my idea of romantic!  Why not prepare a nice dinner at home instead?  It doesn’t need to be difficult and a nice home cooked meal is always the way to someone’s heart.  

Here is a suggested menu that is guaranteed to please.  It will yield enough for 4 to 6 people – if you’re making it for two, the leftovers will make a nice meal the next day. The mignonette and tart can be prepared in advance and the chicken can be prepped and refrigerated until ready to roast.

Oysters with Mignonette Sauce

Juicy Herb Roasted Chicken

Mashed Potatoes (cut recipe in half if making dinner for two)

Roasted Green Beans with Shallots

Fresh Crusty Bread

Apple Caramel Tart

Champagne, of course (or an inexpensive sparkling wine such as cava or prosecco)

Bon Appétit and Happy Valentine’s Day!