Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Cooking with heart
Food Network will get you ready for Valentine’s Day
Food is an expression of love any time of the year, but it takes on a whole new meaning on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to put a little romance on the table this Friday, champagne, strawberries and oysters are some of the foods that famously help set the right mood. But whether you’re planning a dinner for two or a gathering for family and friends, there are less-exotic ingredients and recipes that will just as easily convey your feelings for the special person(s) in your life.
In fact, Food Network has devoted an entire weekend cooking block to Valentine’s Day foods, beginning Saturday, Feb. 8, and continuing the next day. Dubbed “Chocolate Weekend,” viewers can expect a mix of new and repeat episodes that could provide some last-minute inspiration (no judgment here) for a romantic meal or a chocolate treat for your sweetheart — like the chewy chocolate-covered nougats featured in “Girl Meets Farm.”
But February is also American Heart Month. This is a good opportunity to serve up a few heart-healthy options that are every bit as romantic as high-fat and high-sugar treats, with the added bonus of showing you care about your loved one’s health.
And for that, you’ll want to tune in to the Feb. 9 episode of “Valerie’s Home Cooking.”
In the new episode, titled “A Heart-y Valentine’s Day,” Valerie Bertinelli stealthily cooks up a heart-healthy meal for friends and family. Ingredients include red wine and 70% dark chocolate.