Many of us are looking to create a romantic and fun atmosphere for Valentine’s Day. We also want to keep it simple so that the emphasis is on romance and fun, rather than the cooking and cleaning up. How can we create an island inspired meal that is elegant, fun and fast? Read on for tips to do just that.
First think about what you love about island food…it’s fresh, light and tasty. For your menu consider fish, seafood, or the more traditional steak tips using a tropical marinade. You can give it an island inspired taste with my tropical pineapple marinade or a simple grilled pineapple dessert.
Grilled Fish with Pineapple Salsa
Marinade
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 med onion diced (about a cup)
2 medium garlic cloves crushed through a press
Marinade fish for 15 minutes.
Light grill or preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Cut four 10 inch square pieces of aluminum foil, remove fish from marinade and place on a piece of foil. Spoon any remaining marinade on fish. Place a sprig of cilantro on top of fish. Bring edges of foil together and seal into a packet. Place on grill or baking rack in oven. For a one inch thick fillet cook ten minutes. Turn fish packet twice during cooking time.
Pineapple Salsa
2 Cups of fresh pineapple
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 C chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp chopped red onion
1 medium jalapeno seeded and chopped
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
Letting it sit a bit so that the flavors combine is a great idea. It is also easy to make a few hours ahead to reduce dinner prepation.
Desserts
Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Syrup
A super simple and tasty option is sliced fresh pineapple brushed with brown sugar syrup and grilled to a golden brown. We’ve had this several times and it is delicious and simple.
Another option is tropical fruit dipped in chocolate or heart shaped coconut ice cream sandwiches
Valentine’s Ice Cream Sandwiches
These are nice because they can be made a day ahead. Simply purchase prepared cookie dough. Consider white chocolate macadamia nut or sugar cookies. Flatten your dough out so that a cookie cutter can be used. Make your cookies in heart shapes for Valentines Day and bake according to the package. Tips, make your cookies small to mid size because you are going to be combining two cookies with an ice cream filling. Larger cookies break apart more easily, which spells disaster. Be certain to use a good amount of flour on your cookie area, so that the dough doesn’t stick to the cutting board or counter. When the cookies cool, scoop your ice cream of choice on the cookie and add a cookie top. Wrap each ice cream sanwich individually. Add another dimension of fun by adding your significant other’s name in frosting on top. Here’s to enjoying a romantic and island inspired Valentines Day!