February 2017

The candles are lit, music plays softly in the background, a vase is overflowing with freshly cut flowers and the wine glasses are filled. It's the perfect setting for a romantic dinner at home. Now all you need is the dinner! Make a few small plates to keep things light and fun.

Dilly Truffle Mousse Ball

You want to start off the evening right, and you can't go wrong with this Truffle Mousse Ball. Our Truffle Mousse is made with pork, turkey and chicken liver, sherry, wild mushrooms, spices and (of course) truffles — a delicacy that foodies delight in across the globe. Wine is a nice touch, especially on Valentine's Day. Toast each other with an oaked Chardonnay, perfectly suited to accompany this savory appetizer (just like you're perfectly suited for each other).

Ingredients

• 1 (5-oz) Alexian Truffle Mousse
• 1 1⁄2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄2 cup chopped dill pickle
• 1⁄4 cup finely chopped green onion
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley

Directions

1. Combine first six ingredients, beating until smooth.

2. Cover and chill until firm or overnight.

3. Shape into a ball and roll in mixture of nuts and parsley.

4. Serve it on a plate surrounded by assorted crackers.

Grand Marnier Pâté with Apple and Date Chutney

Our Grand Marnier Pâté is the star of this dish. This pâté is made with all-natural pork, duck, chicken, oranges and orange liqueur. In the recipe below, the pâté is sautéed with bacon, herbs and wine, then processed for an entirely new taste. Top the pâté with warm apple and date chutney for a delicious and different entrée. Pair with a pinot noir.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 slices Grand Marnier Pâté
• 4 strips unsmoked bacon, roughly chopped
• ½ cup red wine
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 fresh bay leaf
• 3 Tbsp brandy
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh rosemary and bay leaves, to garnish
• Toasted bread and warm Apple and Date Chutney, to serve

Directions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large, nonstick frying pan. Add the onion and half the garlic and cook gently for 10 minutes.

2. Add the pâté and bacon to the pan and fry for 5 minutes.

3. Now add the red wine, herbs and rest of the garlic. Bring to a boil, cover and cook gently for 20 minutes.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm.

5. Remove the herbs and process the mixture in a food processor until smooth.

6. While the pâté is being processed, add the butter in a bit at a time. Pour in the brandy and season to taste. Turn the processor off and taste. Spoon the pâté into a serving dish.

7. Spread a dollop of the finished mixture onto your toasted bread and top with Apple and Date Chutney. Round out your romantic meal with a few aphrodisiacs, such as banana slices dipped in chocolate. For visual appeal, add a few heart-shaped, chocolate-dipped strawberries. Grab a glass of wine or champagne, and enjoy dessert in front of a crackling fire — or virtual fireplace, if you don't have the real thing.

Raise your glasses in toast to your culinary skills — and to each other.