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Prawn and strawberry salad with poppyseeds + a 'good things' Valentine's Day Recipe Roundup

9/2/2014

 
Prawn and strawberry salad with poppyseeds
'From the obligatory [special] dinner to the unexpected glass of fresh-squeezed juice, the act of preparing food for another (or with another) speaks louder and clearer than most words. It says, with no exceptions, I love you. I want you. I care for you. You are worth the effort.'
                                                        — Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge, InterCourses : An aphrodisiac cookbook

Food and the language of love. Makes sense, doesn't it?! Strawberries, asparagus, oysters and chocolate are among the foods listed as aphrodisiacs in the chapter titled Seducing through the Seasons (pp 8-127) in InterCourses — a quirky and interesting cookbook that I reviewed in 1997 when it was first released. Each of the chapters delves into the history of said aphrodisiacs and 'helps the love-hungry' to integrate these sensual foods into their lives. With Valentine's Day falling on 14 February next week, I thought it only appropriate that I share my take on a favourite recipe that I have adopted (read that, adopted) from the book. 

There are strawberries in the salad?!

That's what my daughter (who was around 11 years old then) exclaimed the first time I served this little number to the family.  Suffice to say, she loved it as soon as she tasted it. Yes, there are indeed strawberries in this divine salad and the flavour combination may also pleasantly surprise you and your beloved.

PRAWN AND STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH POPPYSEEDS
10 large cooked prawns
225g mesclun or mixed greens
200g strawberries

Dressing:
50ml extra virgin olive oil*
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon raw sugar
1-2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Peel and devein the prawns, then set them aside in the refrigerator to chill. Rinse the mesclun and drain well. Wash the strawberries and pat dry with paper towelling. Slice the strawberries in half, or quarters if they are particularly large. To make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a screw top jar and shake till thoroughly mixed. Arrange the mesclun or salad greens on a serving platter, topped with the prawns and the strawberries. Top with the dressing and serve immediately. Serves 2. *If you have citrus infused olive oil, use that. Recipe adapted (and adopted) from InterCourses by Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge, Hamlyn.

A whimsical (and rather naughty) caramel fondue...

This caramel fondue has been hugely popular with my loved ones and all those who have tried it for the last 30 years or so. I hope you'll enjoy it too. Oh, just one word of advice, do try not to eat it all at once!
WHIMSICAL CARAMEL FONDUE
350g  Jersey Caramels+
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup pouring cream

To serve:
pineapple chunks
banana slices
strawberries
apple slices
lemon juice

Combine the caramels, milk and cream in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until the caramels have melted. Whisk until smooth. Set aside and keep the mixture warm. Meanwhile, cut your fruit into chunks or slices and sprinkle with a little lemon juice to stop the fruit from turning brown. To serve, transfer the warm caramel mixture into a fondue pot and serve with a platter of fruit. Serves 6-8 and will keep well in the refrigerator. + Store bought or make your own.
Caramel fondue

My 'good things' Valentine's Day recipe roundup...

I've asked a few of my fellow cooks and food enthusiast friends from around the globe to share their favourite Valentine's Day dishes, and here they are. Enjoy. ♥

Sensually savoury...

Sophia from An Ode To... shares her secret for how to keep your loved one close to your heart, and presents her special Valentine's Day Mediterranean-style eggs. 
Sophia's ode to Valentine

Rachel from The Food Sage says, 'Oysters. What's not to love? Especially when they can be eaten natural and fuss free. Here's a simple recipe for a retro way to serve them for your loved one this Valentine's Day.'
Oysters a la The Food Sage

Eva from Kitchen Inspirations presents French Onion Soup Pillows. Imagine a tender pasta dumpling filled with braised beef broth and caramelised onion with brûléed gruyère exploding in your mouth as the broth is released immediately reminding you of French Onion Soup. Ooh la la!
French Onion Soup pillows

Krista from Rambling Tart says 'I like to add something beautiful yet nourishing to my Valentine's Dinner, like these gorgeous roasted radishes. The roasting caramelises the radish itself, while turning the leaves into crispy, salty goodness.'
Roasted baby beets

Maureen from Orgasmic Chef loves baking this soft and creamy Asparagus, Potato and Cheese Tart in a light phyllo pastry shell, and says it's perfect for lunch or a small-sized dinner on Valentine's Day.
Asparagus cheese tart

Manuela from Manu's Menu offers this superb-looking dish of Purple Gnocchi on a Parmigiano Reggiano Fondue, topped with toasted Hazelnuts and crunchy Italian Speck. Buon appetito!
Purple gnocchi

Sweet bites...

Jamie at Life's a Feast shares her musings on love, romance and chocolate, as well as this sublime French Pudding au Chocolat. Oh my!
French pudding

Viviane of Chocolate Chilli Mango suggests that we select the most perfect sweet and fragrant raspberries for her exquisite Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tarts. The lemon thyme pastry crème is not overly sweet and has a fresh tang.
Raspberry lemon tarts

Barbara from Creative Culinary knows that brownies are the way to a loved one's heart and says her Bourbon Chocolate Brownies with Bourbon Buttercream Sauce are definitely for adults only, and yet are not overly boozy.
Bourbon chocolate brownies

Marian at Apricot Tart will be making heart-shaped meringues topped with seasonal berries and watermelon bites. She says these sweet mouthfuls of loveliness complete an intimate Valentine's dinner.
Meringues with berries

Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake says this Chocolate Mousse Torte is rich and decadent. Perfect for your Valentine. Just top with whipped cream and berries for an elegant dessert.
Chocolate mousse torte

Shulie from Food Wanderings says, 'My idea of Valentine’s Day is not chocolates, though I do love chocolate, but these delicate French sable cookies with a twist. I have it with a cup of Earl Grey and I am happy. That’s my idea of a romantic moment.' I think we agree!
French sable cookies

Azita from Fig and Quince is offering this Persian mulberry-shaped marzipan concoction made with sugar, rosewater, ground almonds, cardamom with slivers of pistachio. A dainty and pretty pop of sweetness for you and your sweetheart to nibble on as you whisper sweet nothings to each other on Valentine's Day.
Persian marzipan

Janie from The Hedge Combers suggests these no-bake Individual Summer Puddings, sweet and very pretty little morsels of deliciousness for your Valentine.
Summer puddings

And a romantic little libation, with a cherry on top...

John at Kitchen Riffs suggests a Pink Lady cocktail that's retro, romantic and just a little silly; and has a pleasantly tart elixir. Chin-chin!
Pink Lady

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Tell me dear readers, do you agree that the act of preparing food for (or with) another says 'I love you'? Which foods speak L-O-V-E to you?
Krista Bjorn link
6/2/2014 08:01:23 pm

So much deliciousness!! :-) Thanks so much for including my recipe alongside such marvelous and inspiring recipes. :-)

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:47:32 am

Krista, thank you kindly for contributing xo

Jamie link
6/2/2014 08:12:41 pm

What a fabulous buffet of Valentine's Day delights! Some of them are just astonishing in their beauty! Thank you for including my pudding in this perfect, festive and romantic line up of dishes!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:48:03 am

Jamie, aren't they just! Thank you kindly for contributing xo

The Food Sage link
6/2/2014 08:14:21 pm

A lovely round-up, Liz. Those raspberry lemon and thyme tarts have my name written all over them, but my partner would be all over the chocolate mousse torte. Would it be naughty to make both??

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:49:03 am

Thank you, Rachel, thank you for contributing… in answer to your question, my theory is that life is short, go for both!

SophiaTerraZiva link
6/2/2014 08:47:54 pm

Lizzy, this is the best company of ladies I've been!!!
It feels like a gentle Tsunami of love-inspired dishes and I don't know what to choose to try first - everything looks so enticing and exploding with flavours!
Dear friends, I wish you all to be loved, to be cherished and deeply appreciated!
<3

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:49:41 am

Dear Sophia, thank you for your very kind words… and thank you too for contributing. <3

Marian@Apricot Tart link
6/2/2014 09:02:27 pm

What amazing food is being planned for intimate Valentines Day dining! So many tempting choices! Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate, Liz!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:50:08 am

Marian, thank you so much for contributing : )

Janie link
6/2/2014 09:28:13 pm

Amazing round up & thank you for sneaking in my summer puddings too! I feel honoured to be part of such a wonderful love fest!
Janie x

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:51:33 am

Janie, thank you so much for taking part xo

azita link
6/2/2014 09:43:13 pm

Appropriate to the Valentine's Day spirit: LOVE this amazing round up! So many tempting choices! Thank you for including me, Liz & Happy Valentines Day

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:52:12 am

Thank you Azita, happy Valentine's Day to you also xo Thanks for contributing.

Maureen link
6/2/2014 09:47:22 pm

Wow, what an assortment of orgasmic food. One thing's for sure, someone somewhere is gonna get pregnant over this post. :)

Kiran @ KiranTarun.com link
11/2/2014 06:08:24 pm

The salad looks so delicious, summery and mouth-watering! Thanks for the roundup!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:53:04 am

Kiran, thank you for your very kind words!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:52:39 am

Maureen, you are hilarious! Thank you for contributing xo

Tandy | Lavender and Lime link
6/2/2014 11:34:38 pm

I have to get purple potatoes to try Manu's gnocchi :)

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:53:35 am

It's outstanding, isn't it, Tandy! : )

Eva Taylor link
6/2/2014 11:42:49 pm

What a gorgeous round up, thank you so very much for including me!
Your salad looks and sounds incredible, I really love the combination of sweet and savoury.

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:54:06 am

Eva, that is so very kind… thank you so much for contributing.

John @ Kitchen Riffs link
7/2/2014 02:57:27 am

I love that shrimp and strawberry salad! I'll be making that -- probably with roasted strawberries. Great roundup -- and thanks for including me!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:54:48 am

John, roasted strawberries sound divine! I love how you always find a way to add a delicious twist to a recipe!

Glamorous Glutton link
7/2/2014 05:06:53 am

A truly original salad and lovely fondue. I'm slightly behind for valentines day, I really need to step it up. Thanks for the round up. Love the look of the spiced marzipan and pistachio balls. GG

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:55:20 am

GG, thank you so much! They do look more-ish, don't they!

Hotly Spiced link
7/2/2014 09:33:28 am

I'm so sorry I didn't get around to participating. I've had such a full-on week there are so many emails I haven't responded to. I seem to have been at the dentist's every second day and I have another session next week. What a beautiful round-up! So much inspiration. I'd like to start the day with the breakfast eggs and work my way up to John's cocktail and your melted jersey caramels xx

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:56:06 am

Dear Charlie, may the tooth fairy come visit you, in a good way, and make the dental trips go away! Thank you for your kind words on the round up xo

Jane @ Shady Baker link
7/2/2014 01:34:02 pm

I like it Lizzy! Such a fun post. I love your salad and the other food looks delicious too, I particularly like Sophia's hearty meal. That cocktail is a piece of retro gold!

I think I could have a little taste of all of these! I am planning an easy antipasto platter for Valentines dinner. With 42 degrees forecast for Friday I will be keeping the heat out of the kitchen. Happy weekend x

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:56:55 am

Dear Jane, so delighted that you like this post, sorry you couldn't participate. Happy Valentine's Day to you and may the day be cooler for you xo

ela@GrayApron link
7/2/2014 04:46:20 pm

Oh mine! Quite a round up there. I might just get in the mood for love...:) ela. Your little prawn salad up on top looks freshly delicious, Liz :) ela

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:57:35 am

Ela, thank you kindly… imagine feeding the prawns and strawberries to your beloved xo

Mrs Mulberry link
7/2/2014 08:30:35 pm

What a lovely round up Lizzy, so many fantastic ideas for valentines day... and I love the recipes you have shared. I'm a huge fan of strawberries in salads!!! And with those lovely poppy seeds - just divine!!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:58:22 am

Mrs M, how lovely to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words. The strawberries and poppy seeds go surprisingly well together!

Karen (Back Road Journal) link
8/2/2014 06:52:21 am

It seems that we are traveling most years during Valentine's but all the beautiful suggestions are certainly special enough for any occasion when you want something memorable. What a terrific roundup…thank you, Lizzy. What a great post.

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:59:01 am

Hi Karen, where are your adventures taking you to this year? Thank you for your very kind words xo

celia link
8/2/2014 08:24:06 am

What a wonderful round-up! Your salad and fondue both look amazing! We don't celebrate VD here, but all those dishes would be spectacular at any time! :)

Lizzy
12/2/2014 06:59:44 am

Hi love, thank you kindly… do you know what… we don't actually celebrate Valentine's Day either… every day is romantic and fun for us xo

Manu link
8/2/2014 07:53:38 pm

What an AMAZING roundup! It's such a huge honour to be featured on your blog and to be in such great company! Thank you so much Lizzy! :-)

Lizzy
12/2/2014 07:00:26 am

Manu, thank you for contributing such an outstanding recipe xo

Anne@FromMySweetHeart link
9/2/2014 02:56:00 am

What a fabulous round up of enticing recipes for Valentine's Day! I don't know where to start! But your prawn and strawberry salad is just beautiful and light. And I'm dying to try it! : )

Lizzy
12/2/2014 07:00:56 am

Dear Anne, thank you so very much! : )

foodwanderings link
9/2/2014 06:04:44 am

What a fantastic Valentine's Day roundup, Liz. Thank you so much for including my cookies. Waving hello all the way from America. Your friend, Shulie

Lizzy
12/2/2014 07:01:39 am

Dearest Shulie, thank you so very much for contributing your beautiful recipe xo

David link
9/2/2014 09:34:08 am

Count me among the surprised at this combination! But I trust you p, so will try it. Happily, strawberries have just come into season so this is perfect for Valentine's Day! Love all the other recipes, too!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 07:02:30 am

Hi David, trust me, it is good… perhaps you might try John from Kitchen Riffs suggestion of roasting the strawberries? : )

Laura (Tutti Dolci) link
9/2/2014 06:02:18 pm

I love prawns, what a delicious salad!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 07:03:06 am

Laura, I love prawns too and this is such a fresh and simple recipe xo

Liz link
9/2/2014 09:49:51 pm

Oh, my are these some magnificent holiday recipes!!! Thanks so much for including one of mine. And I felt the same way when my mom put cooked green beans into one of our salads...but now I love all kinds of fruits and veggies included with my greens. Your salad looks amazing!!! xo

Lizzy
12/2/2014 07:03:55 am

Liz, thank you so much for contributing to my round up. Funny how our tastes change. Thank you for your kind words xo

Kiran @ Kiran Tarun
12/2/2014 06:50:57 am

The salad looks so delicious, summery and mouth-watering! Thanks for the roundup!

Lizzy
12/2/2014 07:04:22 am

Kiran, thank you very much.

Karen S Burns-Booth link
13/2/2014 03:33:59 am

An absolutely STUNNING selection of recipes/images for valentines day Lizzy, and such a GREAT idea of yours too! I am so sorry I did not get to send anything over, I was travelling in the UK and living out of a suitcase! Karen

Lizzy
17/2/2014 03:54:24 pm

Oh Karen, thank you so much for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed this round up, there are some really lovely recipes here! Enjoy your trip.

Adri link
15/2/2014 02:19:21 am

Wow! What a wonderful collection! May I now call you a culinary curator? Well done, and compliments to all!

Lizzy
17/2/2014 03:54:43 pm

Adri, thanks so much! Much appreciated.

Jess link
15/2/2014 09:58:56 am

Looks so tasty- great recipe round up! :)

Lizzy
17/2/2014 03:54:54 pm

Jess, thank you kindly!

Andrea
14/2/2018 03:54:24 am

Absolutely loved this post! Happy Valentine’s Day!!! Looked so yummy! 😘


Comments are closed.

    Welcome...

    Üdvözölöm
    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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