This year, create a perfectly romantic and safe Valentine’s Day dinner by bringing Real Maine products to the heart of your home.
Appetizers
Fondue is a fun surprise that never really went out of style. Luckily, you won’t need any fancy cookware, just a non-stick sauce pan or small cast iron casserole dish will do. Many fondue recipes are rather simple, an rely on such basic ingredients as wine, garlic, lemon juice, and corn starch. The Maine Cheese Guild website offers a fondue course and recipes using Crooked Face Creamery Raclette, State of Maine Cheese Co. Gouda, and Winter Hill Farm Terzetto. For dipping, consider sourdough bread (try sourdough starter from the Uproot Pie Company), charcuterie, roasted veggies or Ricker Hill apple slices from your local market.
Looking for a lighter starter? Naturally, a crisp salad will refresh your palate. Find vibrant greens from Springworks Farm year ’round at your local grocer. Remember to look for ripe tomatoes, peppers, and other slicing favorites like mushrooms.
Traditional Favorites
You can’t go wrong with steak and potatoes! Visit a local meat market like Broad Arrow Farm, Casa Cattle Company or D’Ameri Acres to get a fresh cut of meat along with some pointers on how to cook it. As always, high quality, locally raised meats are available statewide. Maybe your honey is a vegetarian? If so, seek out some hearty, fresh mushrooms from a local grower like Mousam Valley Mushrooms.
For more potato recipe ideas, learn from the experts at the Maine Potato Board. Impress your Valentine by adding fancy (but easy to make!) duchess potatoes as a side.
If cooking isn’t your thing, fortunately many restaurants feature locally produced foods. Check your local chamber of commerce to discover local restaurants currently offering farm-to-table take-out options.
Break out the bubbly
For beverages, nothing says celebration better than a glass of Champagne. For instance, consider something new and unique such as Bluet sparkling wine. Made from wild Maine blueberries, serve Bluet as an aperitif or as a cocktail. Visit the Bluet website for cocktail recipes.
Perhaps your partner prefers something in a frosted mug? If so, hard cider is a perfect complement to a warm meal. Luckily, there are varieties from sweet to sour available at tasting rooms, markets and package stores across the state. Moreover, many are beautifully packaged, and will adorn your special Valentine’s table with distinction!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for your Valentine to accompany dinner, consider decadent Real Maine sweet treats, or local flowers to top off your special evening in.
