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Hi everyone, to start off my first article, Id like to give you a brief background on my experience with cooking. I graduated with honours and received an A.A.S. Degree in Hospitality Management. Upon graduating I went back to work for Hallmark Management Services, a food service based out of Columbus, Ohio. Where I worked as a Head Cook on the dinner menu for 5 years, we also handled a lot of catered events such as Wedding Receptions and parties. When I left there I worked as a short order cook then was promoted to Lead Chef, at a restaurant that specialized in Beef. So to begin with the good stuff, Valentines Day ~~ A romantic dinner for two.

Valentines Day is a day to celebrate love and what better way to do it then with a romantic evening for two. Creating the mood for the evening is an important step. Dim the lights and light various sized, red, white and pink candles, being sure to have them set on flat surface that is protected from dripping wax. Putting a red tablecloth on the dinner table, using white napkins and a formal place setting also helps to create the proper atmosphere. Of course you want to play some soft slow music in the background to help set the mood. The light from the candles and the music provide for a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Now of course the dinner should be something that you both enjoy. It could be anything from your sweethearts favourite, even if that is Macaroni and Cheese, to Lobster Tails and Prime Rib. It's a good idea to prepare whatever you can ahead of time so that the evening isn't spent in the kitchen. You also should try to time the cooking so that all the dinner is ready at the same time, so that no individual part sits out and gets cold. I'm including the recipes for a dinner suggestion, if you're at a loss for what to make To start dinner off, I like to make a dinner salad, with tomatoes, cheese and other favourite toppings. Another idea to start dinner, would be to do Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer. For the main meal this year I have chosen to do Beef Tenderloin with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce, served with Twice Baked Potatoes and Baby Sweet Peas. For dessert I have chosen to make Chocolate Lovers Mousse.

Beef Tenderloin with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil until it's hot. Sprinkle the tenderloin steaks with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides; remove from pan and place on broiler rack about 5 1/2 inches from the heat. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until meat thermometer reads 140 degrees for rare, 150 degrees for medium rare, 160 degrees for medium or 170 degrees for well .Add the brandy to the drippings in the skillet; bring to a boil, and deglaze the pan by scraping particles that cling to the bottom. Add the minced garlic, peppercorns , and oregano; cook 1 minute. Add the whipping cream; bring to a boil and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce are reduced by half. Promptly remove from heat; whisk in sour cream. Serve sauce over the steaks and garnish with a sprig of fresh oregano. Yield: 2 servings

Twice baked potatoes

Scrub potatoes well; grease lightly with shortening and pierce with fork two or three times. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 1 hour or until they feel tender with a fork . Cool. When cool enough to handle, split the potatoes in half lengthwise, and scoop out into an electric mixer bowl. Add remaining ingredients, except the egg , to the scooped potato and beat well. Add the egg and beat until smooth. Fill the shells (potato skins) with this mixture, a sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees until puffed and lightly browned.

Chocolate Lovers Mousse

In a small bowl sprinkle the gelatine over the cold water and let stand 1 minute. Add the boiling water and stir until gelatine is dissolved. In a separate bowl stir together the sugar, cocoa, whipping cream and vanilla. Beat on medium speed(on your electric mixer) until the mixture is stiff. Add the gelatine mixture and beat until well blended. Spoon into desert dishes (or to make it more fancy, into champagne glasses), and refrigerate. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate. Chill 1 hour before serving. ~~~This recipe comes from Emily Anderson- All-American Comfort Food Hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day, and may Cupid strike both you and your make with everlasting love and happiness. Enjoy! If you have any recipe ideas tips or questions feel free to visit The Cosmic Cafe Message board