With Valentine’s Day dessert already planned (and blogged) I fear we are taking the traditional route and having a favorite for both of us when a romantic dinner is the idea. Yep – steak and lobster. Small lobster tails are available at most groceries, and a little filet is just perfect. I’ll do something creative with potatoes – or maybe just bake them – that’s hard to beat, and add a first course salad. The salad will be something very simple; probably arugula and strawberries topped with a Balsamic dressing and toasted almonds. After that it’s just a matter of setting a pretty table for two with candles, and maybe flowers- if a certain someone is on his game. BUT wouldn’t it be nice, since according to forecasts is going to be a very chilly night, to relax in front of the fire, if you have a fireplace, or just curl up on the couch with a glass of something satisfying and a little pre-dinner nibble? I’ll answer my own question here – yes it would. However, for those of you are serving as chef, it is your Valentine’s Day too, and no hard work should be involved. Here is my solution - I’m making small French bread garlic toasts (prep ahead – bake at last minute) and topping them with two of my husband’s favorite things – a thin slice of rich and delicious Gorgonzola cheese, and a small drizzle of good honey. Perfect for my honey! Perfect as an appetizer for a party large or small. Perfect for the cook who is currently snacking on this very item as she writes a blog. I thought I would end with a clever little quote perfect for Valentine’s Day, something like, “Love is all around” or, “All you need is love.” But really it’s hard not to smile at this one when planning a beautiful dinner to celebrate those you love – “People who love to eat are the best people.” Julia Child
It’s hard to argue with that! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Garlic Toasts with Cheese and Honey
Ingredients
French bread slices – 2 to 4 per person
2 Tbsp melted butter
¼ tsp garlic salt
Gorgonzola cheese, one thin slice for each piece of bread
Honey to drizzle
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Stir garlic salt into butter
Dip one side of bread slices in the butter mixture and place on a baking sheet butter side up. (Can be prepared to this point – cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve)
Bake for 5 minute and then broil for about a minute, watching to make sure bread browns lightly and doesn’t burn.
Top each bread slice with a piece of cheese and drizzle with honey.
Enjoy!
