Love Triangle

It is finally here! The much anticipated Valentine’s Day.

A day set aside for lovers to express their love in a special way. Everyone is waiting patiently or impatiently, to see if their partner will surpass last year’s surprises. Others really can’t be bothered with the hullabaloo that has ensued in the build-up to the 14^th of February. Whichever category you fall under, I bet valentine’s can’t come soon enough.

You see I’m a sucker for love, always have, always will… I love love, giving it, receiving it, sharing it, you name it, if it’s about love, I am first in line.

You already know I have a knack for creating so I have come up with a yummy platter for Valentine’s Day.

This can serve as breakfast in bed, dessert or just a good ‘ol aphrodisiac. A glass of bubbly won’t go amiss…

It is pretty easy to whip up when you follow the steps.

 

Menu

Array of cream filled Strawberries

Heavenly chocolate pancakes topped with a lone strawberry on a bed of cream

Strawberry swirl cheesecake

 

Array of Cream Filled Strawberries

• A couple fresh large strawberries
• Whipped cream

 

Method

Wash the strawberries; ensure they can sit flat without toppling over. If they are unsteady, cut the stems off.

Using a small sharp knife, make an indent “X” into each strawberry. Starting at the top and cutting all the way until almost at the bottom of the strawberry. (The cut should be deep enough for the strawberry to open up but not fall apart.) Gently spread each strawberry apart using your fingertips to make petals. Shake the pressurised can well, angle the nozzle vertically and pipe. Run the nozzle under the tap after each use. (The cream may melt, so it’s best to top the strawberries with cream last or refrigerate afterwards if not serving immediately)

 

 Heavenly Chocolate Pancakes Topped with a Lone Strawberry on a Bed of Cream

• 1 pint of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• Chocolate powder
• Yoghurt
• A strawberry
• Pressurised can of cream
• Heart Stencil

Method

Beat one egg, add 1 cup of milk, mix these two and then add sugar. Mix thoroughly; add 1 cup of chocolate powder and then 1 cup of flour. If the batter is too thick, add some more milk and mix until smooth. Use a heart stencil to create the perfect heart shape. Pour the batter into the stencil carefully using very low heat, when the pancake is ready to be flipped, remove the stencil. Top each layer with yoghurt and create a bed-nest for the topmost layer using whipped cream for the lone strawberry.

 

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

• 250g of digestive biscuit
• 100g butter, melted
• 1 vanilla pod
• 600g soft cheese
• 100g icing sugar
• 284ml pot double cream

* This recipe will produce 12 slices. Tailor the recipe to your  requirements

Method

You will need; 23cm loose-bottomed tin, baking parchment, plastic food bag, rolling pin, large bowl, dessert spoon, chopping board, kitchen knife, electric mixer, spatula, serving plate, blender or food processor, sieve.

 

1. Put the 250g of digestive biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush with a rolling pin.
2. Transfer crumbs to a bowl then pour 100g of melted butter. Mix thoroughly then pour mixture into a tin and press firmly to create and even surface layer. Transfer into the fridge and chill for 1hr.
3. Place the 600g of soft cheese, 100g of icing sugar, vanilla seeds (Remove the vanilla seeds from the pod and scratch the surface with a small knife) then beat with a mixer. Pour in 284ml pot double cream and continue beating until the mixture is completely mixed. Spoon the cream mixture onto the biscuit base, working from the edges inwards, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Smooth the top of the cheesecake with a spatula. Leave to set overnight.

Alternatively,  purchase an already made cheesecake from the closest grocery shop 🙂

Voila!!

 Try this at home for that special someone. Please send photos to thechichimorris@gmail.com and I will post your photos.

All handmade by my humble self 🙂

 

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