There was never any lack of love within the Kantalis Palace growing up, and Valentine’s was no different. Since as far as I can remember, when I lived with my parents, I would awake on Valentine’s morning and there would be a little heart in my bathroom. My father would leave it there sometime before we awoke, it was either a paperweight or a trinket, crystal heart or a heart shaped container. Just a small token – the mascot of the day of love.
The last several years, my parents have invited a handful of their favorite couples for a Valentine’s dinner. My mother scours recipes; she and my dad watch the food network for inspiration and ideas, and my mother truly looks for plates, party favors in the shape of hearts and whatever she can locate in a red hue all throughout the year. 
This was my first year to actually be in town on the day of love, and granted I am sharing it a little post St Valentine, but the recipes were so very delectable, they can be used anytime throughout the year.
The menu was Spinach, Strawberry & Hearts of Palm Salad, Stuffed Pork Loin, Black Truffle Mac n’ Cheese, and Chocolate Lava Cakes for dessert.
My favorite, albeit rich, was the BLACK TRUFFLE MAC n’ CHEESE – a recipe created by former chef Jeff Armstrong. Recipe yields 4-8 servings
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups (8 ounces) dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded American cheese
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Tabasco
- Black truffle, shaved, to taste
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to take
- Bread crumbs
- Black truffle oil, to taste
In large, heavy bottomed saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour, stirring for several minutes to “cook” the flour and eliminate its raw taste. Slowly pour in the milk and the cream, whisking constantly. Bring the sauce to a simmer while whisking regularly so it does not stick. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
While the sauce is simmering cook the macaroni according to the package directions, until al dente. Run cold water over the pasta to stop its cooking, drain and set aside.
When the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in the cheeses, Worcestershire, Tabasco and black truffle shavings. Season with salt & pepper.
Add the macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir over medium-low heat to warm the dish through. Divide into individual, oven-proof dishes (We put it in a casserole dish, and it was just fine, too) and top with bread crumbs. Broil until golden brown. Lightly drizzle with black truffle oil.
SPINACH, STRAWBERRY & HEARTS OF PALM SALAD
Serves 12
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ small, grated red onion
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ pounds fresh spinach
- 1 can hearts of palm drained & chopped
- 2 cups strawberries stemmed & sliced
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
DRESSING: combine vinegar, sugar, lemon juice and salt in a pan and heat until the sugar dissolves stirring frequently. Cool to room temperature. Whisk in the oil, onion, poppy seeds, dry mustard and paprika – set aside. Combine the spinach, hearts of palm, strawberries and walnuts in the salad bowl. Add a little of the dressing at serving time and toss gently. Place remaining dressing in a boat and serve so guests can add more if they so choose.
The evening was really fabulous. The placemats, my parents made from synthetic flower petals. 
They used a plain, thick place mat as a stage. And strategically placed the petals on before hot glue gunning them to the stage. Like I said before, everything was red – the wine glasses, the plates were red rimmed, the flower petal placemats.
The centerpieces… red beaded votives… take the candle votive out. We inserted frogs that had been soaking in water and added the red tulips. Super easy and not very expensive.
I have more pictures, but am having technical difficulties getting them up - they will be up shortly. The red can change to green for St Pattys and pastels for Easter. And really, it doesn't have to be monochromatic or for any reason, just enjoy yourselves and your friends and family.
I hope your month and day of love was chock filled with it.
Until next week,
Dana
PS - tomorrow is the 29th - it happens once every four years, make the most of it!
