Peter Osborne says:

"I always build my recipes for February around Valentines Day, I suppose because I am an old romantic, no harm in that I suppose!!!

The recipes are light and flow together well, but of course they are not exclusively for the 14th, they can be used any night you fancy a quiet night in. The dessert can be prepared in advance, the cream can always be replaced by a little creamy blue cheese for a totally different taste!"

Parcels of Mozzarella & Parma Ham

• 4 slices Parma Ham, halved lengthways
• 150 grams Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
• Vegetable oil for shallow frying
• A few mixed leaves
• A few drops of extra virgin Olive Oil
• A few drops balsamic vinegar
  
  

Cut the cheese into 4 even sized pieces then roll each piece in a half slice of ham. Secure each parcel with a toothpick.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan then add the rolls and fry, turning from time to time, until browned on all sides the cheese starts to melt. Serve immediately on the leaves on which you have drizzled the oil and vinegar over.

Serves 2

Tagliatelle with Wild Mushrooms

• 150g dry weight tagliatelle
• 50g dried wild mushrooms
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 200ml vegetable stock
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2-3 tablespoons low fat natural yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth and place in a saucepan with the shallot, stock and thyme. Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelle in boiling salted water until tender. Drain.

Add the mustard to the mushroom mixture, remove from the heat, then stir in the yoghurt and dill. Season well and serve with the cooked pasta.

Serves 2

Caramelized Pears with Vanilla Cream

• 60 g butter
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 firm pears (halved and cored)
• Double cream mixed with a little vanilla extract
• Shortbread biscuits
  
  

Place the butter, vinegar and sugar in a frying pan over a medium heat. When butter is melted add the pear and cook for 4-6 mins until the pear is just soft and allow to cool.

Serve with the vanilla cream and biscuits.

Then have a cuddle on the couch!!!!

Serves 2

You can e-mail your questions or suggestions to Peter at: peter@thebigchef.com

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