LESLIE BUDEWITZ: February can be a bit of a challenge. For us northerners, it’s cold and dark, and far too early to be thinking about the joys of spring or starting seedlings. I’ve long thought that’s part of the appeal of Valentine’s Day with its hearts and flowers and chocolates.
This year, we’ve got a trifecta of foodie celebrations coming up: the Lunar New Year, year of the wood dragon, starts a bit later than usual, on Saturday, February 10. Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday and Shrove Tuesday, is early—February 13. And Valentine’s Day is right on schedule, Wednesday, February 14.
I loved researching and testing Lunar New Year recipes when I was writing Between a Wok and a Dead Place, like these Longevity Noodles. Many LNY foods are symbolic: long noodles symbolize hopes for a long life, while spring rolls, with their distinctive shape and color, are said to resemble gold bars.
As for Mardi Gras, King Cake is, well, king. Anything with a Louisiana flair is fair game, as long as you wear beads.
Valentine’s Day food is all about chocolate, especially if it’s heart-shaped. My late mother always put a small heart-shaped box of Russell Stover Chocolates at our places at the table on V-Day mornings, and even let us sneak a piece after breakfast. I love these Cherry Port Brownies, cut in heart shapes, and this Glazed Chocolate Bundt Cake, and you might, too.
But my favorite Valentine’s Day recipe story is the year a reader very much wanted to try the Orange Cinnamon Creme Brulee in Guilty as Cinnamon, but was daunted by the idea of using a torch to scorch the sugar on top. So she asked the woman who runs the café in her small town to make it for her. The woman liked it so much that she added it to her dessert selection for her annual Valentine’s Day dinner that year.
Now that’s the way to an author’s heart.
Readers, which upcoming food lovers' holidays will you be celebrating? You know you have our permission to celebrate them all, right? What will you be making -- or buying?
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LIBBY KLEIN: When I think Valentine's Day, I think Pink! All things strawberry, cherry, rose. And of course, you can't think about the day of heart-shaped candies without your mind going to chocolate. Decadent brunches with chocolate cherry french toast. Luxurious Afternoon Tea with scones laden with strawberry jam. Delicate rose and white chocolate macarons. Silky chocolate mousse. I want to get baking right now! One of my favorite Valentine's recipes is for this strawberry cream cake. I can't wait to hear what you'll all be baking.
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LESLIE KARST: The Lunar New Year is a big deal here in Hilo, with a parade and firecrackers, and lots of great Asian food to try all over town. As Leslie B. notes, long noodles signify longevity, so may I suggest this delicious recipe for Ginger Chicken Chow Fun.
And to celebrate Mardi Gras, how about the celebrated Bananas Foster, first created at the famous Brennan's restaurant in New Orleans as a way to promote this fruit being imported into the Port of New Orleans. Here's my easy take on this classic dessert: Crispy Fried Banana Sundae.
And finally, what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than a romantic date-night-at-home meal? This recipe for Pork with Apricot-Brandy Glaze is simple and quick to prepare, and sure to warm your loved one's heart!
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LUCY BURDETTE: Oooooh, for Valentine's Day, I really want Libby's strawberry cream cake with the pink frosting! But alas, my Valentine is really a chocolate guy, so I'm more likely to make my classic chocolate cake studded with candy hearts.
Poor Hayley Snow from my food critic series was desperate to catch her man, so she tried to do it with this glorious raspberry cake. Sometimes if it isn't the right guy, even a magnificent cake won't do the trick...
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MADDIE DAY: I'm already drooling from just these mentions by my fellow bloggers! So many chances to make delicious holiday-themed food.
My first post as an official member here were these Mocha-Kahlua Valentine's cookies.
A year ago I presented a yummy recipe in honor of the Lunar New Year and the year of the Rabbit - more long noodles for you.
I don't think I've ever made a Mardi-Gras specific meal, but I just checked some recipes. I love grits - so does Robbie Jordan in my Country Store Mysteries - and I think I foresee some yummy shrimp and grits in my near future, or maybe a gumbo! Watch this space...
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Molly MacRae: Thanks for the Longevity Noodles recipes, Maddie and Leslie B. Now I know what we'll be making for the Lunar New Year.
For Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, it'll be pancakes. Here's a delicious recipe for gingerbread pancakes. But why not throw in Mardi Gras, too? I had no idea Bananas Foster was invented in New Orleans. Thanks, Leslie K!
Here's my sister Jenny's recipe for it (one from the collection of recipes she and her husband gave me and my husband as a wedding present 45 years ago). I love the part where the banana mixture bursts into flames as you stir it. Talk about excitement in fine dining.
And for Valentine's day, cherry pie!
PEG COCHRAN/MARGARET LOUDON: These all sound so delicious, I want one of each! When my sister lived in Baton Rouge, she sent me a King Cake so one year I decided to try to make my own for Mardi Gras. It was great fun and I went wild with the sprinkles! You can find it here complete with a voodoo doll!
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MAYA CORRIGAN: It's not Valentine's Day without chocolate, right? Boxes of bonbons and flowers are the most popular gifts, but for a romantic date, chocolate fondue can't be beat. Around Valentine's Day stores feature mini fondue pots for Valentine’s Day tête-à-têtes. All you really need, though, is a microwave. I shared an easy chocolate fondue recipe when my third book, FINAL FONDUE, came out and I was a guest on MLK. My grandsons love making that recipe and eating fondue all year round.
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CLEO COYLE: February is giving us great reasons to eat with joy. On a personal note, I blew out way too many birthday cake candles this past Groundhog Day. And this coming February 13, I’ll be in the Mardi Gras feasting mood. Like Molly, Fat Tuesday (aka Shrove Tuesday) has always been Pancake Day for me. I’ve shared a few pancake recipes here in the Kitchen, including one of my favorites from more than ten years ago (a 2010 blog post, OMG does time fly). It’s my version of the famous Dutch Baby pancake. The classic recipe uses a cast iron pan, but I prefer to make mine in a cake pan hence my "Cake Pan" Dutch Baby title. I also shared my Chocolate Dutch Baby version, just in time to make for your baby’s breakfast on Valentine’s Day. 💓 So here you go, click the link here for a downloadable PDF of the recipe, and whatever you're celebrating, may you eat with plenty of joy!
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B O O K
G I V E A W A Y!
Readers, which upcoming food lovers' holidays will you be celebrating? You know you have our permission to celebrate them all, right? What will you be making -- or buying?
Murder is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns
Between a Wok and a Dead Place by Leslie Budewitz
Deep Fried Death (audio book) by Maddie Day
Final Fondue by Maya Corrigan
Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win. US mailing addresses only.
Mr. Kitten, who lives with Leslie B and Mr. Right, will choose the winner Wednesday, February 7.
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