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Slow Down and Make Your Dad Breakfast

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:56:19 -0900

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. (We learned that from Dad.) So, this Father’s Day, create a breakfast just for him! We’ve collected some of our favorite recipes to make it easy for you to find one your dad will love! Enjoy!

For the Dad Who’s…

Sweet:

You name it – brownies, cakes, pies – if it’s sugary, your dad loves it. So, to start his big day off right, surprise him with a sweet, decadent breakfast that will satisfy his sweet tooth (at least for a little while, anyway).

Crème Brûlée French Toast

(Because regular French toast is just so expected!) This sinful recipe has received nothing but rave reviews, so we’re pretty sure that Dad will love it too.

Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

He’s probably had cinnamon buns before, but this recipe really does look perfect. Smothered with gooey icing and loaded with ground cinnamon, this sweet breakfast won’t disappoint.

Healthy:

Whether your dad is counting calories or simply trying to eat a little better, these delicious recipes are sure to appeal to him, as they’re packed with heart-healthy vegetables and filling eggs.

Baked Eggs with Roasted Vegetables

Loaded with broccoli, onions, and potatoes, this vitamin-A-packed breakfast offers few calories and a delicious taste.

Skillet Eggs with Zucchini and Squash

Easy to whip up, this healthy breakfast boasts his favorite summer vegetables that are transformed with freshly grated nutmeg and spicy jalapeno pepper.

Sophisticated:

If your dad has expensive tastes, creating a breakfast he’ll love could be one heck of an ordeal! But fear not. These delicious meals deliver lots of interesting flavors, but aren’t at all difficult to make.

Caviar and Salmon Blini

These traditional, thin pancake-like Blinis don’t take long to make and are dressed up with delicious smoked salmon, savory caviar, and crème fraiche.

Avocado Eggs Benedict with Chipotle Hollandaise

This dish may sound fancy, but there’s nothing overly complicated about it. Really, it’s just your classic eggs bennie with the addition of avocado and some fine chipotle peppers.

Classic:

He likes things just as they are – the way they always have been. But, since it’s Father’s Day and all, you want to make something special. These recipes are great because they combine Dad’s favorite breakfast foods together in a way that’s new to him.

Steak and Eggs Breakfast Sandwich

A simple, no-fuss breakfast sandwich is a staple in his morning routine, but these are made with flank steak and topped with arugula, to make the meal extraordinary.

Bacon, Egg, and Toast Cups

Bacon? Check. Toast? Check. Eggs? Check. Yep, all his favorite foods are there, but in the cutest way possible.

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Which President Made Father’s Day Official

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:25:17 -0900

Did you know that Father’s Day wasn’t an official federal holiday until 1972? The idea for it had, however, been around long before that, fueled by Mother’s Day.

Before becoming official in 1914, Mother’s Day was already recognized by a good many people, and celebrated around the country. At one such a celebration, the idea for Father’s Day was born. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington was sitting in a church attending a service to recognize mothers when the thought of Father’s Day struck her. She was the daughter of William Smart, a father of six, an American Civil War veteran, and a widower. Just like today, being a single parent wasn’t a walk in the park, which is why Sonora felt it was royally unfair that only mothers were honored with a day of recognition. Thus, she tried to establish its equivalent for male parents.

Sonora began talking to people and organizations throughout the state of Washington to gain momentum for Father’s Day and she was successful (after all, she had a point) and the nation’s first state-wide Father’s Day celebration was held in Washington State on July 19, 1910.

It didn’t exactly spread like wildfire, but the holiday did in fact spread. By 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged other states to celebrate, but the encouragement was met with a fair amount of disdain. Basically, fathers didn’t feel they should dumb down their manliness with overly sentimental gifts (which they would most likely have to pay for).

In the late 20s and early 30s, people campaigned for a single holiday that recognized both parents, but it came at a bad time for retailers. Feeling the full effects of the Great Depression, stores pushed for the holidays to remain separate in an attempt to fuel sales. When the economy became more stable again, World War II broke out, and the celebration of Father’s Day was seen as a way for people at home to support the troops. By the end of the war in 1945, Father’s Day wasn’t about to disappear any time soon.

But it still wasn’t official. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation honoring fathers, designating the 3^rd Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Then, six years later, Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a federal holiday.

And the woman who started it all? Well, she got to see her dream come true. Sonora Smart passed away four years later in 1978 at the age of ninety-six.

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Gift for a First Time Mom on Mother’s Day

Wed, 08 May 2013 06:03:32 -0900

After having a baby, there are a lot of firsts: first stinky diaper, first gummy smile, first try at a word. And while there’s no question that these events are important, there are significant firsts for the new mothers too – like their first Mother’s Day. Finding a gift for such an occasion can certainly be a challenge, which is where this blog post comes in. Below is a helpful list of great gifts that will easily make her day memorable, even though it’s the first of many to come.

Convenient Clothing

If you think insomniacs have it bad, imagine someone who is mentally able to sleep but keeps getting woken up throughout the night. Moms with a newborn baby generally have to get up hundreds of times during the course of a (much needed) 8 hour snooze. This makes her very, very tired. And in a state of crazy, unimaginable exhaustion, finding something to wear at 3AM is just too much to ask. What would make her life easier? A robe. It’s easy to put on, super warm, and – most importantly – comfortable. This one receives top marks because it’s cute, comfy, and reversible – so no matter how it goes on, it’s going to look just fine.

Modern Marvels

Babies don’t really hang on to the edge of their booster seats during the latest episode of Mad Men, nor do they drool (purposely) over the clothes on Project Runway. This often means that Mom’s favorite shows take a back seat – there is just no way she can stay awake up until 11 to find out what’s going on at Downton. But she doesn’t have to. She could spend precious nap times curled up on the couch with seasons of hit shows at her disposable compliments of Netflix subscriptions and the world’s greatest invention: a DVR.

A Different Kind of Pamper

Babies take a lot of time and a lot of energy. Moms don’t exactly have a whole lot of time to relax – which is often just what she needs. This is where you come in. Plenty of masseuses and manicurists are able to go to their clients, allowing Mom to still be in the comfort of her own home while receiving some TLC. Of course, hiring someone to do this can be a bit pricey but there’s a cheaper option too: pick up some nail essentials and do the job yourself.

Printer Perfect

All babies grow up, which is why we find ourselves cooing over them and preserving countless moments of cuteness with our cameras. And of the paparazzi ensemble, no one is a bigger stalker than mom. But who can blame her? No one. So you might as well feed into her obsession while it lasts. Since she’ll want to display these precious memories in frames and get a little artsy with scrapbooks, she’ll need the ability to print her pics with ease. In other words, she’ll need a photo printer and preferably one without too many wires. (Her life is already pretty complicated.)

The True Rescue Chef

Buon Appetite, Mama! Elaborate meals can be pretty hard to accomplish – especially with a newborn on your hip. Wouldn’t a new mother just love someone to help her with a few simple meals? Yes. Yes, she would. Sites like this one help you hunt down chef services in her area – and their fees aren’t as steep as you may think, especially when compared to the cost of eating out. However, if you have time to spare, it’s just as appreciated when a non-professional chef makes meals too.

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Things to Do on Mother’s Day

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:32:53 -0900

Things to Do on Mother’s Day

Once a year, there’s this special day that’s dedicated to moms. It’s called Mother’s Day. D-A-Y. Not a few hours in the morning or meeting for lunch or a measly phone call. No. It’s an entire day that’s she gets to be honored as your mother.

That said, it’s important that you spend some quality time with Mom on the second Sunday in May. I’m not suggesting that you forgo giving her a gift – she definitely deserves one – but I am saying that you should take some time to actually do something with her too.

So, for Mother’s Day this year, check out this list of things you and your mom can do together to make her feel special (because she really is).

Craft Corner

Moms love handmade things, especially when the things are made by the hands of her children. Pipe cleaners become sacred installations and Popsicle sticks are transformed into masterpieces. That’s why doing something kind of artsy on Mother’s Day is right up Mom’s alley. She’ll get a memory of doing something fun with you, along with souvenirs she’ll cherish. Plenty of local potteries and art galleries host special events for moms and kids on Mother’s day. Paint your own pottery studios have become increasingly popular over the years, and they’re all over the place, so you’re sure to find something in your area.

Story Time

Don’t adios public libraries and small bookstores just yet. Besides being, well, fabulous, libraries and quaint bookstores also offer readings for children, sometimes with music and puppets. Mother’s Day, such establishments often have special books picked out that Moms would enjoy too, giving her a special afternoon, as well as time off from making all the voices.

Afternoon Tea

Whether it’s tea for two or five for tea, Mom will love being treated to a nice relaxing afternoon with the fam. Mother’s Day tea is a popular tradition – so check out what’s available in your area. Places that host Mother’s Day Teas are generally kid friendly and decked out for the occasion. Plus, tea means that Mom can still sleep in. (She’s really hoping for some breakfast in bed, too, just so you know.)

Finer Art

Larger museums, like the MoMa, offer Mother’s Day specials, but that doesn’t mean you have to hit up a big city to peep some artwork with Mom. Small museums and galleries in your local area may offer something special for the big day too. And even if they don’t have something “Mother’s Day-ish,” it’s still fun to admire works of art together.

Fun and Games

Okay, so she may not be head-over-heels for some sports (cough – football) but that’s not to say she doesn’t enjoy a little friendly competition. Play a game of pool, ping-pong, mini-golf, or croquet. Being together and having a few laughs is what will make the day so special to her.

The Great Outdoors

How frequently do you spend an entire day outside as a family? Probably not all that often. So, if it’s nice out, embrace it. Pack a picnic lunch, grab a kite, find a Frisbee, and make for the park or beach. Enjoy one another’s company, as well as some sunshine. (And don’t forget your camera to snap some memorable shots.)

Keep It Real

Sundays may be lazy days but that doesn’t mean they can’t be memorable too. Make fun Mother’s Day cupcakes or a special dinner together. If no one feels like cooking (because we all know that happens), order some pizza, rent a few favorite films, and get that popcorn going. Curling up on the couch with her favorite people is sometimes exactly what Moms need.

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Scoop On Our Easter Baskets

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:42:34 -0900

Whether this is your first time shopping with us or you’ve been a regular for years, we thought we’d take a sec to give you the scoop on some of our favorite Easter products this season.

Like all of our products, our Easter gifts are full with the best possible foods and toys. We’re a gourmet company, after all, and we actually try all of our products before we choose to carry them. So it’s in our favor to fill our baskets with really good food. Seriously, everyone in our company participates in taste tests that our R&D department then analyzes to bring you the best of the best. And as we are continuously discovering new tastes, our baskets get changed to bring them to and your recipients.

Take for example our Double Bunny Easter Basket. Last year, we offered something similar, but it’s definitely improved. The bunnies: I took a few to my desk to accurately describe them for the updated product description on the website. They are the softest things ever. I. Want. One. (Or three.) Anyway, they’re beautiful and handcrafted and everything you’d ever want in a stuffed animal.

After you recover from the quality of the bunnies, you’ll notice that the word “double” in the name of the product describes to more than the two stuffed animals. The whole thing is meant for two children. Two boxes of gourmet jelly beans. Two solid chocolate rabbits. Games meant for two – you get it. That way, if you’ve got two kids to shop for, it’s really easy to send them both something they’ll love.

But, we realize that people a bit older want Easter baskets too. (Good food knows no age limit.) That’s why we’ve made baskets like this one. From young adults to your grandpa – this gift is a success. While it appeals to an older crowd, it still maintains the bright festive Easter cheer you expect from such a gift. This baby’s filled with the most luxurious chocolates, brightest candies, and our very own gummy fish (which I’m weak in the knees for).

As for products that are brand-spanking new, you’ve probably noticed our popcorn. A tin like that is pretty hard to miss. It’s bright and bold and filled with the best popcorn ever. Joe, our popcorn engineer and a really nice guy, makes all of our popcorn fresh every day and then jazzes it up using recipes he’s perfected over the last decade.

Our other new addition is the Happy Easter Gift Tower. Isn’t it lovely? Those R&D experts our ours filled four beautifully crafted Damask boxes with all the things you’d want in an elegant Easter gift, including chocolate truffles, crisp cookies, and our delicious popcorn.

If you’d like to know more about any of our products, give us a shout – or a call, whatever – and, as always, thank you for your business!

Happy Easter!

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Worst Ever Easter Candies

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:56:00 -0900

Like Halloween, Easter is a holiday that wouldn’t be complete without candy. Every year, displays of bright floral boxes and fun festive shapes take over the candy aisle, an event that children and grownups alike look forward to. Since it’s only available once a year, Easter candy has become pretty special – sacred even. Well, at least some of it has. As always, there are a few candies that try to hop onto the Easter bandwagon, but fail miserably to live up to the standards set by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Eggs. (Best. Candy. Ever.) So here they are, in somewhat random order; the Easter candies you should really stay away from:

1. Chicks and Rabbits

If you’re head over heels for that alluring light banana flavor of Circus Peanuts – just kidding, I know no one’s ever actually liked them – you’re going to love Chicks and Rabbits. These delights are labeled as being a marshmallow candy, which is interesting given their texture. Chicks and Rabbits are formed with that unmistakable, crumbly plastic-like foam that have made Circus Peanuts so popular. Sadly, the only redemption for these fuzzy farm darlings would be a super cute appearance…but instead, their elongated faces and large, vacant eyes make them look like E.T.’s cousins. Fail.

2. Chocolate Flavored Bunnies

The key word here is “flavored.” During a time of year when you can’t walk into a drug store without a display of actual chocolate bunnies, I don’t understand why people insist on ones that are chocolate flavored. It’s not like that many kids are allergic to the stuff (it only happens to like one and a million people). Seriously guys, splurge the extra 50 cents for the real deal – it’s a holiday.

3. Quax

This yummy ducky (really, it says that on the package – as if that’s enticing) is a complete and total horror. It looks like Ernie’s bath time buddy, but it’s edible. (Well, maybe. It depends on how you consider okay to eat.) Boldly going where no others have gone before, this Easter treat has paved the way for milk-flavored candies everywhere. Now, I know what you’re thinking: what would a milk-flavored treat taste like? Like pure evil. So it’s no wonder that Quax remains the only candy of its kind.

4. Cadbury Crème Eggs

Alright, I’m sorry – I know they’re a cult classic and everything, but admit it, they are pretty nasty. While the egg’s shell is a perfect representation of the slow-melting, smooth chocolate goodness we expect from Cadbury, the sticky sweet centers of runny, gooey fondant is enough to make any stomach go on strike. And, worse still, is that these ova have spawned a number of appalling recipes, including the ever-popular Cadbury Crème Eggs Benedict. I wish I were kidding.

5. Bunny Munny

This candy offends right off the bat. Bunny Munny? Hate to disappoint, but “munny” is not a real word and no matter how money is spelled, bunnies don’t actually have it, making these bright coins pretty darn confusing. As for the actual candy, it’s whatever. They’re made from real chocolate, so they have that, but don’t offer anything that a classic Crunch Bar can’t provide. While it’s not completely revolting, this candy is certainly not something you should ever drop real money (m-o-n-e-y) on.

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Give Your Easter Menu A Makeover

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:53:41 -0900

Easter dinner has a tendency to be really redundant. Every year, it’s exactly the same as the last. Same time of day. Same guests. Same menu. I get that some aspects of such a dinner are traditional, but an identical meal year after year can be pretty predictable. In other words, it’s just plain boring. (And I’m not knocking your ham, Mom. It just might be nice to see something different at Easter once in a decade.)

That said, check out these recipes that are sure to give your dinner an update:

The Center of Attention

1. Porchetta

Deliciously savory and amazingly juicy, this classic Italian pork recipe will easily take center stage on your table. It’s a process – but man, is it worth it. After draping and wrapping pieces of pork together into one delicious roast, seasoning it with herbs like fresh sage and thyme, then roasting it in an oven with a low temperature for a few hours, you’ll have a main attraction that will make your guests swoon.

2. Lamb

Maybe you already serve lamb at your gathering, and that’s nice and all, but that doesn’t mean it’s exempt from an update. Wrap it with bacon, stud it with garlic, top it with a honey-curry glaze – just do something different.

3. Salmon

You may be under the impression that seafood has no place at your Easter table, but I implore you to give it a chance. Salmon is a great choice because of its beautiful color, blissful flavor, and its versatility. And (debatably) it’s way more elegant than honey ham. Check out this recipe for beautiful poached salmon and browse the other recipes on the list too.

Side With These

1. Fiddle Heads

Depending on when Easter falls, you may be able to find these (if you don’t know why Easter moves around, read the post before this one) and for your sake, I hope it runs late. Fiddle heads are a blessing and they’re usually available in the early parts of spring, given that it’s warm enough. They’re beautiful and flavorful and seriously – nothing looks better on an Easter table than coils of edible greens. Just make sure you take care to properly wash them.

2. Asparagus

If you can’t find the fiddle heads, asparagus is your next best bet. If it’s often a guest at your table, try and do something a little different with those spears. Check out recipes to wrap it prosciutto or dress it up with a creamy mustard sauce.

3. Mint

Alright, so you’re used to having it with your lamb, but sweet, irresistible mint has the ability to improve thousands of other dishes. Take rice. All by itself, rice pretty boring, but with the addition of mint, some peas, and a little lemon juice, it’ll look like a masterpiece on your table.

4. Arugula

Like mint, arugula makes its first appearance in the spring, so it’s only natural that it be present at your celebration. It adds a delicious flavor to meat and is the perfect green to spruce up your salad, especially if you top it with fresh strawberries, like this recipe.

What sounds good to you? How do you spruce up your Easter meal?

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Mostly Logical, Kind Of Long Reason Easter Hops Around On The Calendar

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 06:35:00 -0900

Ever notice how Easter moves around a lot on the calendar? Yeah. So did my boss. While trying to come up with Easter topics to write about, he posed this one. I scoffed. How did people not know it was because of the equinox? I thought. As it turns out, my sarcastic enthusiasm on the matter quickly came back and slapped me. The subject of why Easter is where it is on our schedules just so happens to be a pretty complex affair.

To solve the mystery, I started with the calendars. I knew we use the Gregorian but that was the extent of my knowledge on the subject – and it is a subject. Seriously, don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the word “calendars” – the history of them and how they’re figured out could easily be an entire college course. In 1582 CE, the Gregorian calendar was made official by Pope Gregory XIII. As you well know, this lovely system neatly organizes our years into increments of 365 days with the exception of leap years, which have 366. The Gregorian is a solar calendar, meaning that the dates indicate the position of the Earth on its revolution around the sun.

But before 1582, the Julian calendar was being used (and had been since 45 BCE). This calendar was pretty accurate and relatively similar to the Gregorian in that it had 365 ¼ days, which was achieved with a leap year every 4 years. That said, the Julian calendar was the standard during the First Council of Nicaea, which is when Christian bishops were brought together by Emperor Constantine I in order to come to a consensus on how Christianity was to be represented. Anyway, one of the major things on their agenda was to come up with a date for Easter. They established that the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon was when the holiday would be celebrated. (The Paschal Full Moon has basically nothing to do with the actual full moon. Instead it’s the 14^th day of a lunar month and can differ from the actual full moon by up to two days.)

Why did they do this? Well, they didn’t want to get all the holidays jumbled. Right before Easter is Passover, which is greatly celebrated in Judaism, which is based on the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunisolar system. (It has 12 lunar months and one solar year.) Passover is always celebrated on the 15^th of Nisan, the Hebrew month that coincides with March-April. So, it was decided that Easter Sunday would be the first Sunday after the first full moon that followed the vernal equinox – which is officially the Gregorian’s March 21^st. That way, the two holidays were always about a week or so apart.

Yeah, it is a lot to process. But that’s not even the half of it.

It gets tricky. To calculate this Pascal Full Moon, you need to be aware of two really important concepts: the Golden Number and the Epact. (Isn’t it amazing what ancient people were capable of?) The Golden Number is also called the Metonic cycle and is officially known as computus. This cycle is based around the relationship between the moon’s phases and the days of the year, which repeat every 19 years. So, every year under this cycle is given a number 1 through 19, depending on when the new moon falls. Under the Julian calendar, this Golden Number was the solution to calculating the Pascal Full Moon and was expressed thus:

Golden Number = (year mod 19) + 1

After calculating this, you’d plug it into a table that would give you the date of the full moon. Clean and simple. But the world wanted accuracy. After hundreds of years, the Julian was cast uncerimoniously aside and the Gregorian moved in. With the introduction of the modern day calendar, the Golden Number alone wasn’t enough to calculate the full moon. Something more had to be added. And that’s where the Epact comes in.

The Epact measures the age of the moon (or rather the number of days that have come and gone since the full moon). Before the reform, a pretty simple relationship existed between the Epact and the Golden Number:

Julian Epact = (11(Golden Number – 1)) mod 30

After the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, this formula was expanded, creating a way to find the Epact. Here it goes:

Gregorian Epact = Julian Epact – S + L + 8

This is when:

S = (3 x century)/4

This is the Solar Equation and is the difference between the two calendars.

L = (8 x century)/ 25

This is the Lunar Equation and is the difference between the Julian calendar and the Metonic cycle.

And that 8 that’s tacked on the end calibrates the equation to equal the age of the moon on New Year’s Day.

The Gregorian Epact is then looked up in a lovely algorithm, which you can find here (along with most of the research I poured through to bring you this information).

Being slightly skeptical of these formulas (shame on me) I decided to give it a try by plugging in the information to calculate the Epact for this year, 2013. Thus:

Gregorian Epact = Julian Epact – S + L + 8

Golden Number = (2013 mod 19) + 1

= 19

Julian Epact = (11(19-1)) mod 30

= 18

S = (3(21))/4

= 16

L = (8(21) +5)/25

= 7

Gregorian Epact = 18 – 16 + 7 + 8

= 17

The results? Perfect. According to the algorithm, the Epact of 17 correlates to March 27^th, which is, of course, the first full moon after the equinox in 2013.

Longest most complicated blog post ever? It’s quite possible. But it was so worth it, right? …Right? Okay, now go impress your friends.

Questions? Comments? Lemme know!

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Best Valentine’s Day Dinners

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:58:00 -0900

Fondue for two? Real original, Valentine. Instead of plating something that’s completely cliché, treat your crush to a decadent meal that proves you care about them. That said, check out these ideas. Each one is perfectly romantic and creates a swoon-worthy dinner that’ll be love at first bite.

Veal

Alright, alright – you may have a hard time eating veal but you should try to shelf your guilt. Besides being absolutely delicious, veal’s pretty good for you, as it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. As long as your date doesn’t mind the ethics of it, veal presents itself as a dreamy dinner contender, especially a recipe like this one. It pairs the tender meat with asparagus, which is an aphrodisiac (meow).

Fillet Mignon

These tender fillets may just be cute enough to win over your crush. If you go out to eat, this piece of tenderloin is priced rather high. But, if you’re at home, it’s way more affordable, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal that looks (and tastes) really expensive, even though it’s not.

Lobster

Nothing is more decadent than sweet, creamy lobster meat, which means your date will really appreciate the effort. Trying to figure out where to get plastic bibs? Yeah, not sexy. Check out this recipe before you get cracking on dinner to avoid screwing up your crush’s swanky v-day attire.

Mussels

Get a little closer to your Valentine with these stimulating shellfish. They’re super fun to eat together and this recipe of simple wine, butter, and garlic sauce is sinful. Just make sure you’re picky about where you’re getting the mussels from and beware of those that are cracked or open.

Duck

Yeah, it is all it’s quaked up to be. Duck has been eaten for over 4,000 years (we can’t say that about everything) and is a delicacy all over the world. Depending on where you live, you may have a hard time getting your hand on this bird. Generally, you can buy it frozen in super markets, but for the fresh stuff, you’ll probably have to hit up a small butcher shop. After you do, check out a recipe like this one that’s perfect for making your date swoon.

Scallops

Regardless of whether they’re from the sea or a bay, scallops are a low-fat, nutritional delicacy. Due to the population of these mollusks, they can be fairly pricey, which makes you look like a pro when you’re plating them for your date. This recipe may not be for everyone – it’s moderately eccentric – but if you’re trying to impress, it’s a great way to do so (and it’s full of aphrodisiacs).

Oysters

Alright, keep your shirt on. Oysters have certain powers – like all shellfish, really – but for some reason, they’re promoted more than other foods due to their aphrodisiac properties. Some say that when you eat oysters, you become more aware. Your senses sharpen. Your date looks hotter. Thus, in serving some at your romantic soiree, you’ll be making it one to remember.

Sushi

I’m not suggesting you take a sushi class tomorrow (unless you really want to, of course) but if you’re practiced in the art of sushi, there are few things more impressive than making it at home. This recipe is pretty basic, but shows you how to craft your rolls into hearts, which is pretty darn cute.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Oh please, you know you want to. On V-day, it’s okay to be a little extra cutesy. Go ahead: indulge in your secret fantasy of eating the same piece of pasta à la Lady and the Tramp. Sure, it seems pretty sappy and over done, but it’s a classic meal for a classic date.

Homemade pizza

You may be thinking that the fact that it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you should break the bank or spend hours in the kitchen to produce a delicious meal. I too think that good food should be quick to make and come primarily in the form of pizza. But, since you should put some effort into your date, skip your routine bee-line to the grocery store’s frozen section and make a pizza from scratch. Who knows, you could even top it with some of those delightful aphrodisiacs mentioned earlier. (Others include avocados, basil, and chili peppers.)

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Unique Valentine’s Day Dates

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 05:29:36 -0900

Whether you’re going out on a first date or just finished celebrating your silver anniversary, February 14^th is really important. It’s an entire day dedicated to being sweet, to showing your other half that you care, and to proving that you can be romantic. So, this year how about actually giving your crush a day to remember. Ditch the syrupy clichés and try one of these date ideas for a Valentine’s Day date they won’t forget.

There’s No Place Like Home

Nothing’s cuter than watching classic movies in the park on Valentine’s Day. But, depending on where you live, being outside for hours in the middle of February might really freeze any shots at romance. While a beautifully landscaped lawn sounds slightly classier than your couch, you can still make movies in your living room special. Lay out a blanket, light some candles, and enjoy a delicious picnic (with champagne) as you two watch An Affair to Remember.

Paint the Town Red

When was the last time you two got all gussied up for a night out? (If you can’t remember, it’s high time you did just that.) Start with cocktails at a hotel bar and make your way with your sweetheart to a swanky restaurant for dinner. And, since you two look so dapper, be sure to preserve the moment with some photos.

It’s All Fun and Games

Hey, relationships are fun. They make us feel young and giddy and happy. And Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to pay homage to those elations. Hit up the batting cages, chase one another during a grueling game of laser tag, and find out who can win a Go Kart race. In other words, be silly, be fun, and be together.

Sea of Love

A romantic dinner in a restaurant can happen any night of the week, but fine dining on a boat isn’t exactly an every evening affair. Plus, unlike many restaurants, boat cruises generally offer hours of dancing with a live band. If you want to make a memory, sashaying around a floating dance floor on Valentine’s Day is a two-step in the right direction.

Step into the DeLorean

While it’s always nice to live in the present, going back in time can certainly be fun too. Ah, the days when hand holding was as good as it got and the thought of a simple kiss turned our stomach into a bowl of spaghetti. You were like that, you know. Rekindle those (maybe somewhat) juvenile feelings and get swept away with the days of old. Build a time capsule together and burry it in the backyard before enjoying a bowl of popcorn at your exclusive pajama party.

Put Love on the Line

Is your relationship destiny? Will you get married in the summer of ’15 before enjoying a long and prosperous life with five children in tow? These are questions that need immediate answers. And you’ll find them waiting for you at your local palmist (yeah, that’s a real title). It’s okay if you don’t buy into the whole lines-on-your-hands-determine-your-fate thing – most of us don’t – but it’s still fun to think about the possibilities.

Cook Something Up

Make yourselves a lavish, romantic meal. Look to the foods like oysters, honey, chocolate, and figs (which are all aphrodisiacs) to make your Valentine’s Day meal more…memorable. But don’t stop with the food. Set the table with romantic (unscented) candles, champagne, and a place setting for one, which you can share.

About the Author:

"Katie Straw" is the Gourmet Scribe at GourmetGiftBaskets.com, one of the top suppliers of gift baskets in the nation, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.