In eight days, it will be Valentine's Day; a day of romance and the celebration of your wife, husband or significant other. Hearts, flowers, jewelry and chocolate, individually or in combination, are the traditional gifts we bestow to show our love and affection. Here in the Triangle, there are a lot of wonderful restaurants that are taking reservations now for the big day, some offering Valentine's specials beginning on February 10th.. Don't wait until the last minute. You can make your reservations online via the above link, and choose from a wide variety of restaurants, from modest to extravagant, in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and Morrisville. Take your honey out for a delicious dinner and then serve our scrumptious Mousse au Chocolat for dessert at home. The recipe follows at the end of this writing.
For such a sentimental holiday, why not begin early by attending the Chocolate and Sparkling Wine tasting event at Whole Foods Market, located at 4325 Wade Avenue in Raleigh? This terrific event will take place on Wednesday evening, February 8th., between 7:00 and 8:00 pm. You'll need to pre-register and you may contact them at (919) 828-5805. The cost is $10.00, for an hour of sampling the finest in imported and domestic wine and chocolate, in honor of Valentine's Day. How far we've come in our celebration of this special day.
In ancient times, Valentine's Day was celebrated in honor of Christian martyrs.The first time that Valentine's Day appeared in print with a love association was in Geoffrey Chaucer's, Parlement of Foules, [The Parliament of Fowls], written in 1382. Chaucer wrote, "For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh to choose his mate". This particular piece was written in honor of the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard and Anne of Bohemia. The tradition remains and February 14th. is one of the largest greeting card giving day around the world, second only to Christmas Cards.
Now that you've made your restaurant reservations and are ready to indulge in chocolate and wine tasting, get the ingredients for our Mousse au Chocolat from the specialty departments at Whole Foods and have your dessert at home.....
Mousse au Chocolat
- 6 ounces of chopped up semi-sweet chocolate
- 3 eggs, separated
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of GOOD vanilla extract
- additional whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish - optional
Combine the chocolate and butter in a double boiler and stir until smooth. For best results, use a wooden spoon. Let the mixture cool, then add the egg yolks, one at a time, whisking after each one. Set this mixture aside.
Beat the egg whites until a foamy consistency. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until the egg whites begin to form soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
Whip the cream and vanilla in an ice cold bowl until it reaches a soft peak consistency.
To assemble, fold the egg whites into the chocolate first. Then fold in the whipped cream. Spoon into 4 of the the most glamorous crystal goblets you can find and chill for several hours before serving. For even more WOW factor, top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Decadent!
Between the chocolate and sparking wine tasting, the reservations you make at one of our fine restaurants and Mousse au Chocolat for dessert at home after a romantic dinner, you have everything you need for the best Valentine's Day celebration ever......you're welcome!
Comments