Treat of the Week: A Pre-Valentine’s Day Feast

Since we weren’t going to be together for Valentine’s Day, my mother prepared a special feast when last we visited so that we could enjoy a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration as a family. Of course, when next we gather, we’ll relish in our annual Valentine’s Tea—my favorite treat of all. You’ll be seeing that in coming days. 

This fabulous dinner was an ideal reminder of family-togetherness. Heart-shaped red and white cheese raviolis were smothered in a delectable sauce brimming with flavor and made all the more special with sautéed baby Portobello mushrooms and lovely eggplant. A fantastic, cooling, salad was a neat counterpoint to the spicy meal, and, of course, there was a beautiful, crusty bread to sop up the sauce.

My father commented that the shape and color of the ravioli reminded him of the cover of my novel, The Garnet Red. I found that amusing, and, especially so when I saw that day’s dessert which was made in a fleur-de-lys pan—emblematic of the book’s New Orleans setting. 

And, what a cake! One of my favorites, in fact, this moist, luxurious dessert is a symphony of cardamom and spices. This is the sort of cake that only gets more flavorful after it sits for a day, becoming all the more moist and delicious. Served with whipped cream and fresh berries, it was a truly lovely end to a magnificent meal.