Happy Valentine's Day

We began at noon. Twelve hours later I was walking home. Full. Happy. And celebrated.

When Lauren called to ask if I would be her valentine, I was delighted. The thought of spending this saint’s day alone was unpleasant. As our plan developed we decided to include Blanca.

The plan. Shop the market on Boulevard de Grenelle. Go back to Lauren’s. And cook. And drink wine. And eat. And celebrate Valentine’s Day.

What is Valentine’s Day without roses and chocolates? Exactly. So, I met Lauren and Blanca with both in hand at the Dupleix Metro. They were after all, my valentines.

We shopped for over an hour. Picking up carrots, onions, celery and leeks for an aromatic. We discovered fresh, young, whole chicken. Found a variety of cheeses, olives, and dried fruit. Ordered a wonderful terrine de canard. Greens for a salad. Scallops and cooked shrimp for a starter. And – it goes without saying – four baguettes.

My hand basket was overflowing and Lauren’s hot pink market-bag was stuffed to the rim. We were set. Almost set. Of course, we needed to pick up some butter and cream. Don’t forget that we are in France!

Upon arriving back to Lauren’s the three of us got busy. I prepared the charcuterie platter. Including our cheeses, olives, dried apriots, and terrine. Blanca trimmed and prepared the chicken and roasting vegetables. Lauren jumped right on the scallops – quickly pan frying with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

As the afternoon moved forward there was a progression of food exiting the kitchen. We created whipped squash with Comté cheese. Roasted carrots, onions, zucchini, and chanterelle mushrooms. Seared Ahi tuna. Salad with dried cranberries, walnuts, and a Dijon dressing. The food just kept coming.

In the end we had a feast – one worthy of any lover’s celebration