Valentine’s Day on February 14 is an opportunity – an excuse even – to enjoy good food and wine and to linger over a meal longer than normal. The recipes below for a creamy goat’s cheese soufflé and fragrant crème caramel are simple to make, but look and taste really special.
Serving a two-course meal has several advantages: the stress and amount of time spent in the kitchen on Valentine’s Day is minimized (the dessert can also be made the day before and kept in the fridge); the likelihood of leaving the table feeling bloated and sluggish is reduced; and last but not least, there is time left over after the meal for other romantic activities.
Four individual, ovenproof dishes (ramekins) are required for these recipes, ideally two deep ones for the soufflé, two shallower ones for the crème caramel.
Wine tips: Pair the soufflé with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Sauternes, a white dessert wine, nicely complements the sweetness of the crème caramel.
Recipe for Goat’s Cheese Soufflé
A light, cheesy soufflé with aromatic fresh herbs.
Serves 2.
Preparation time: 20 minutes.
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz / 25 g butter
- ½ oz / 12 g flour
- 4 fl oz / 125 ml milk
- 4 oz / 100 g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled
- 1 oz / 25 g parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 oz / 25 g fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 oz / 25 g fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 eggs, separated
Preparation:
- In a small saucepan over a medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually stir in the flour and mix to a smooth paste. Cook for about 20 seconds, stirring all the time, then slowly mix in the milk. Turn down the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cheeses and stir until they have melted. Stir in the fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper. Take off the heat and put to one side.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg whites into stiff peaks with a whisk with a tight coil, about five minutes. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and fluffy. Gently fold the yolks into the goat’s cheese mixture, and then gradually fold in the egg whites.
- Lightly oil the soufflé dishes and pour in the mixture. Put in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the soufflé is puffed up and golden. Serve immediately with steamed green vegetables such as beans or broccoli.
Recipe for Crème Caramel with Roses
This sweet, creamy dessert brings together French elegance and Moroccan flavors.
Serves 2.
Preparation time: 20 minutes.
Cooking time: 45-55 minutes.
Ingredients:
Caramel sauce
- 2 oz / 50 g granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Custard
- 4 fl oz / 125 ml semi-skimmed milk
- ½ oz / 12 g granulated white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon rose water (available from Moroccan grocers and some delicatessens)
- A few drops vanilla essence
Preparation:
- Place the ramekins in a shallow, ovenproof dish (such as a quiche dish). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
- Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan over a low heat. Stir continuously as the sugar begins to melt. It may become dry and form lumps as it cooks. Don’t worry; it will liquefy again after a few minutes, and then start to change color. As soon as it is a dark golden brown, take off the heat and immediately divide between the two ramekins, making sure both the bottoms are completely covered.
- In another small saucepan over a low heat, heat the milk and sugar just until the milk is warm and the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil. Take off the heat.
- In a bowl, beat together the egg, egg yolk, rose water and vanilla essence. Slowly pour this mixture into the saucepan of milk and stir well.
- Divide the custard between the ramekins. Fill the oven dish with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Put the ramekins in the middle of the oven and cook for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard has set. Take the ramekins out of the oven dish and leave to cool. Store in the fridge until needed.
- When ready to serve, loosen the caramels onto two plates. Shake gently if necessary to loosen. Decorate each plate with rose petals for additional color and fragrance.
Find other romantic recipe ideas here.
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