Recipes with that lovin ’feelin’

Make this honey-accented dish for your Valentine! Cooking a large piece of salmon fillet couldn’t be easier and helps ensure that the fish stays flaky and moist. The crushed caraway seeds in the glaze add a subtle twist to the classic honey and mustard combination, which really complements the full flavor of the salmon.

• 1 1/2 lb. salmon fillet with skin
(1 1/4 to 1 1/2 in. thick)
• 1 garlic clove
• 3 Tbsp. grainy Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp. mild honey
• 1/2 tsp. cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp.caraway seeds, crushed

Preheat broiler. Line rack of a broiler pan with foil and lightly coat with oil. Pat salmon dry and put, skin side down, on pan. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, then stir together with mustard, honey, vinegar, caraway seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Spread mustard mixture evenly on top of salmon, then broil 5 to 6 inches from heat until just cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer salmon to a platter with 2 large spatulas. Serve with nutty brown rice.

Impress Your Date Pork Chops

The cook is: Mary McReynolds-Pellinen, Virginia, MN

• Two choice thick cut pork chops
(like from Falkowski’s)
• 1 pint of Daisy sour cream
• Two servings of Rotinni

For the young man who may be a novice cook, but needs to impress his Valentine!

In a heavy cast iron skillet, brown the pork chops in olive oil until they are almost done. Remove from the skillet. If desired, you can saute some sliced mushrooms and onions in the pan. You may need to add a little more oil. Remove them from the pan as well. De-glaze the skillet with a small amount of water or white wine on medium heat. Add the sour cream, stirring until mixed with the water/wine glaze

mix. Add sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Return the chops and vegetables to the pan stirring in and covering the chops. Cover and let simmer on low heat while cooking the pasta until el dente. Serve a nice tossed salad first, then chops and sauce over pasta with a crisp white wine.

Canadian Connie’s Chocolate Roll

The cook is: Michelle Gunderson, Virginia, MN

Your Valentine will want these all year ‘round!

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1Tbsp. corn starch
• 2 Tbsp. baking cocoa
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Whipped cream

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix cocoa, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and salt together. Separate egg yolks and whites. Beat egg yolks. Beat egg whites. Add beaten egg yolks and vanilla together,

mix. Fold in the beaten egg whites.

Spray jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Pour mixture onto jelly roll pan and bake for 8 minutes. Turn out onto clean dish towel, cool a few minutes. Spread whipped cream (homemade or store purchased), roll them in it, and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Chill in refrigerator. Delicious!

Irresistible Bacon Candy

The cook is Ron Smith, Virginia, MN

This recipe is amazing and if you take it to a party it will be the first thing to go. It’s not chocolate, but your Valentine might love this if his or her motto is,

“Pork rules.”

• 1 lb. bacon (not thick-cut) • 1/4 c. brown sugar

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the bacon into 1/2 inch strips. Dredge the bacon pieces in brown sugar until they are thoroughly coated.

Crumple aluminum foil so that it allows grease drainage and place it on a baking sheet. Lay out the bacon on this, making sure not to overlap the pieces. Bake until the bacon is crispy.

Allow the bacon to cool and harden before serving.

Broiled Shrimp in Garlic Butter

The cook is: Michelle Gunderson, Virginia

This is special enough for a Valentine’s dinner date!

• 2-lbs. shrimp fresh or frozen (large)
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1/2 c. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 c. minced green onions
• 1/4 c. fresh parsley
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning

Shell shrimp. Slit down back and lift out vein. Rinse shrimp in cold water. Pat dry with paper towel. Arrange shrimp in shallow baking dish.

Melt butter, mix in all ingredients except bread

crumbs. Pour mixture over shrimp until well coated. (Pour remaining butter mixture on plates when when serving.)

Sprinkle with Vigo Italian style bread crumbs with imported Romano cheese. Broil approximately 3-5 minutes. Watch !!!!

Serve with vermicelli pasta and a crusty soft Italian bread to dunk in buttery sauce.

Love Bundles

The cook is: Michelle Gunderson, Virginia, MN

Valentine’s Day is not complete without special treats. These are fabulously indulgent!

• 1-package of puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 egg
• Chocolate or white chocolate chips
• Rasperries, blueberries, or strawberries
• Chocolate or carmel sauce (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut pastry sheets in 4” square on floured surface. Brush inside of dough with egg wash lightly (egg wash = 1 beaten egg). Put chocolate or white chips in middle of dough (6-8 chips) and 3 fresh raspberries (or 4 blueberries or 1 strawberry, sliced). Wrap puff pastry around chocolate and fruit , twist the tops. Brush outside with egg wash.

Place on baking sheet (put parchment paper on sheet) and bake for approx 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream. Chocolate or carmel sauce drizzled over warm love bundles is fabulous.