Recently in Valentine's Day Category

Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookie Hearts
Wine Pairing: KORBEL Brut Rose

Looking to spend Valentine's Day at home this year or just want to add a little romantic spice to your usual dinner fare? Then, why not make it extra special with a romantic dinner for two. Mumm Napa has the perfect menu to make glasses of their sparkling wines shared by candle-light or a warm roaring fire a night to remember. See some of the suggested recipes.

SKIP TO DESSERT
Forget what your mother told you about spoiling your supper. We are all for you skipping to dessert if the mood so suits, and even better if it's chocolate!

• NEW! - Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
• Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting
• Chocolate Cabernet Truffles
• Valrhona Cabernet Chocolate Mousse

By: Chef Justin Wrangler of Kendall Jackson

Recipe: Valrhona Cabernet Chocolate Mousse

Wine Pairing: Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

A sweet pairing and personal favorite of the chef!

INGREDIENTS

• 25 ounces of heavy cream
• 8 ounces of Valrhona Bittersweet Chocolate 61%
• 2 ounces of Kendall-Jackson Highland Estates Hawkweye Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon.

METHOD

In a medium size mixing bowl, whip 16 ounces heavy cream to soft peaks. Set aside.

Meanwhile, place chocolate in a medium size bowl. In a small pot, add 9 ounces heavy cream and bring to a boil. Once cream has come to a full boil, pour over chocolate and stir until smooth.

Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes. Add the wine and half of the whipped cream. Fold approximately halfway and then add the remaining whipped cream. Fold gently until incorporated.

Spoon the chocolate mousse into a medium size pastry bag. Pipe the mousse into any desired cup or bowl. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Recipe from Louis M. Martini Family Recipes

Recipe: Luscious Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting
Wine Pairing: Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon

Cake Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup premium semi-sweet chocolate, ground
1 cup flour
4 tsp. baking powder

Frosting Ingredients:
1 pint whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup premium semi-sweet chocolate, ground
1/2 cup slivered almonds

By: Chef Justin Wrangler of Kendall Jackson


Recipe: Apple Dumplings
Wine Pairing: Kendall Jackson 2007 Grand Reserve Late Harvest Chardonnay

When you cut into these beautiful dumplings, the fragrance of apple & spices smells just like grandma's apple pie. These are great served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Submitted by Kenwood Vineyards Chef, Robin Lehnhoff-McCray

This delicious recipe is easy to make and perfect for Valentine's Day. Enjoy with Kenwood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Planning a getaway in celebration of romance this month? Why not stop by Kenwood Vineyard's tasting room for a complimentary tasting of their wines, including the wine suggested in this recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 ozs. semi sweet (60%-70% cocoa)* chocolate (chopped small) <photo id="1" />
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup Kenwood Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
• 6 T heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cup confectioners sugar (sifted)

By Deirdre Bourdet

Valentine's Day is just a few weeks away, but the folks at Rodney Strong Vineyards are starting the lovefest early.  The 22nd annual Wine & Chocolate Event is scheduled for Saturday February 5, 2011, from 1:00 to 4:00pm.  This event's raison d'etre has always been to savor the delicious union of two much-beloved aphrodisiacs, and in furtherance of this lofty goal the winery's Healdsburg barrel room will be bursting with delectable variations on the chocolate + wine theme.

Submitted by Keller Estate

A delicious chocolate cake recipe from Keller Estate located in Petaluma, CA that you have to try at home! Their advice? "Bake two cakes, your family and friends will ask for more!" If you're planning a wine tasting trip or already here in the area, why not swing by their tasting room and taste the Syrah featured in this recipe.

By Deirdre Bourdet

Valentine's Day is upon us.  Do you know what you're feeding your lover?  

Much has been written about aphrodisiac ingredients, but if your love target doesn't like them--skip 'em.  The key to a romantic dinner is making food that is attractive to the object of your desire, and doesn't weigh either of you down too much.  Definitely choose dishes that inspire the senses through fragrant herbs and spices, exciting textures, beautiful shapes, and addicting flavors, but steer clear of things you know are on their Do Not Eat list. I will never attempt to seduce my partner in crime with lamb, for example, no matter how irresistible and succulent it may sound to me.  Stick to things they like.  With this in mind, here are some tasty ideas for a happy Valentine's Day.