Chef Schulz’s Valentine creation? We’re calling it “A PLATE FULL OF HEARTS, BON BONS AND FLOWERS
A note from the Chef: It’s that time of year, the Christmas rush is over, New Year’s has come and gone, and now we look forward to Valentine’s Day (February 14th). The most popular gifts people give their Valentine’s Day sweethearts are candy, flowers, jewelry, and romantic dinners. As a chef, I am particularly moved by dinners, which I take to mean food, so I have put together this really simple, easy-to-make dish for Valentine’s Day.
I have taken three of the most popular gifts; candies (chocolates), flowers and a romantic Dinner (food) and created what I think will make you a superstar on Valentine’s Day…my red heart-shaped ravioli stuffed with three cheeses surround the bowl or alfredo sauce to form a flower, and accent the plate with a few chocolate bonbons between the ravioli.
Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
• 4 Tbsp of butter
• 2 cloves of crushed or finally chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 oz finally grated Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 leaves of Sweet Basil
• Kosher salt optional
• Heart-Shaped Ravioli
• Bon Bon chocolate/truffles of your choosing
• Edible mini flowers
Directions – The Alfredo Sauce
• Take your pot and melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the crushed/chopped garlic and stir frequently for about two minutes.
• Stir in the 2 cups of heavy cream and bring the contents to a simmer. Cook and stir occasionally for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Remove your pot from the heat.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
• Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
• Pour the sauce into a small bowl, as it will be used as a dipping sauce and be the centre piece of your heart-shaped romantic Valentine’s Day ravioli meal.
Note: Cook the heart-shaped ravioli by following the Manufacturer’s package directions. (Please understand that these red-heart-shaped ravioli are unique and sell out fast at the few grocery establishments that do sell them. Some restaurants offer them for that special day, but hurry to make your reservation.
• Most large grocery stores do sell edible microgreens/flowers. Gently wash them first, and then decorate your plate.
• Pick up their favourite bonbons/truffles and place a few in between the heart-shaped ravioli.
• Place 1-2 leaves of the sweet basil on top of the Alfredo sauce for decoration because it gives off a nice aroma.
• Remember, put the dish together with love.
• By the way, a single rose next to the plate is a nice touch, and if you want to go over the top, surprise your loved one with a little bling (jewelry) after dinner. And now you have covered all the popular gifts for Valentine’s Day…Enjoy!
Chef Stephan Schulz:
Chef Stephan Schulz is a Corporate Chef and trainer for many companies across Canada. He works with corporations introducing new tested products to the menus of restaurants and works with food brokers developing recipes for major restaurant chains across Canada. He has now been inducted into the “Taste Hall of Fame” in the USA, is a multi-international award winner for his “How-To” YouTube channel, and for his food photography and his interactive ebooks.
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