Make February an entire month of love

 

For February the month of love

February 2021 should be an entire month of love.

Because, what the world needs now, more than anything is love.  (Singing it in your head?)

With February just seven days away, I thought I would begin to give you some ideas…beyond cutting out hearts!

A MONTH OF LOVE REQUIRES SPECIAL TREATS

Lemon souffle for a month of love

My friend, Iris Gonzalez,  is quite the cook.  She was even a contributor to Edible San Antonio before they ceased publishing last year.  She has often brought me memorable treats.

So, I turned to Iris for ideas for what to cook for a special, at home Valentine celebration and she shared some great ideas.

Treats for February the month of love

Let’s begin with: Warm Lemon Soufflé Cake

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 45 Minutes

Total Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup milk (low-fat or whole)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest, from 2 lemons
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, from 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • Fresh berries and Confectioners’ sugar, for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set a rack in the middle position. Spray six (6-oz) ramekins with nonstick cooking spray. (Don’t stress about the size of ramekin you have—if you’re is larger, that’s fine. I used an eight-ounce one and I got four larger souffles out of this batter.)
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, butter, and salt. Add the flour and sugar and whisk until smooth.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. (The peaks should curl when you lift the beaters out of the bowl.) Spoon about 1/4 of the egg whites into the lemon mixture and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining egg whites and, using a rubber spatula, gently fold into the lemon mixture until smooth. The batter will be light, foamy, and liquidy.
  4. Place the prepared ramekins into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Ladle the batter evenly into the ramekins (it will come almost to the top). Using a teapot or pitcher, pour room temperature water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  5. Carefully place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cakes are puffy and lightly golden on top. Using tongs, carefully remove the ramekins from the baking dish and let cool on a rack for about 20 minutes before serving. (They will sink a bit as they cool; that’s okay.) Dust with Confectioners’ sugar and serve with berries, if desired.
  6. Make Ahead: The cakes can be made a day ahead of time. Once completely cool, cover the cakes with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Before serving, preheat the oven to 350°F and set a rack in the middle position. Remove the plastic wrap and place the ramekins on a baking sheet; heat for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

PERFECT FOR THE MONTH OF LOVE

Chocolate for the month of love

Do not judge this treat by it’s name!  When Iris told me one day that she was bringing me Chocolate Salami...I confess…I wrinkled my nose.

But, it has nothing to do with salami, except for the shape and it is delectable…I have tried It!  I am really surprised at how many men love chocolate…it might be more than women!

Ingredients

  • 10 oz dark bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds OR candied walnuts (available at Trader Joe’s)
  • 1/4 cup candied pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 chopped dried cherries OR dried blueberries
  • ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crushed amaretti or speculoos cookies (or any kind of crispy cookies)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp brewed coffee
  • 2 Tbsp confectioner’s sugar for rolling the salami

PERFECT JEWELRY FOR THE MONTH OF LOVE

Jewelry for the month of love

And don’t forget the Valentine’s catalog from James Avery Artisan Jewelry.  I love my new Ava Charm, and can wear it many different ways.  There are also matching earrings.

So many pretty pieces in the catalog. 

PERFECT STYLE FOR A MONTH OF LOVE

 

 

 

Even at home, you can choose to make February an entire month of love.  Think of ways to bless the special people in your lives every day….and…..

KEEP SMILING!

 

By Pamela Lutrell

Disclaimer:  I was gifted product for this post, but the words are my own.

 

 

 

9 Comments

  1. Thanks so much for the recipes, my mouth is watering just reading. I do love lemon cake, squares etc but that looks soooooo good. Think I will try a half portion of the salami just so I don’t nibble it away. I have already dug out my Valentines wicker wreath and a few other things ready to put up next week. I just thought of adding lots of twinkle lights to one of my large wire hearts from outside, and bring that in, never tried that but….. hygge maybe.

  2. Thank Iris for me – lemon is my favorite, and her recipe looks amazing! We are down to the studs in our kitchen tear-out and remodel so nothing but my bathroom sink, a small microwave, toaster and a hot plate for now . . .but I will look forward to making this once we’re back up and running. 😋

  3. Thanks for the recipes.
    Also, my husband and usually spent Valentine’s Day at home, so I will make him a card (have some extra time these days, lol) and try the lemon dessert.

  4. How exciting…you know I love a kitchen remodel. Lemon is great for springtime as well! Thanks Connie.

  5. Iris just brought me some lemon jam…so fresh and delicious…she is a master in the kitchen!

  6. Thank Iris for the lemon pudding cake, does she have a recipe for the lemon jam? I have seen lemon curd recipes, but never lemon Jam!

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