Comments on: Take Her Around the World for Valentine’s Day…Without Ever Leaving the Kitchen

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:41:18 +0000

The topsoil in the rosewater really made the meal for me.

By: Masha Dowell

Masha Dowell — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:09:05 +0000

This is a GREAT post :) I hope all men are taking notes.

- Masha
@culturatist

By: Sasha @ Global Table Adventure

Sasha @ Global Table Adventure — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:14:51 +0000

Sounds like several great meals were had – I’m so glad!

TheJimmer, you did the works and I am smiling thinking about how amazed your wife was. That’s so great!

Lance, I’m sorry the dough balls didn’t work out. They definitely need to float *and* be cooked through. I like to cut one in half to check the status. I know what you mean about being a meal not soon forgotten – sometimes it is the epic failures that stick with us as funny family memories. Perhaps next year you can surprise everyone with a “round two” :)

Scott – rose water is a lot to get used to… but I think it’s great that you gave it a go. It’s really fun trying new recipes.

Jared, glad you liked the lamb seasonings. I think the shanks are incredible and even better as reheated leftovers.

Trimegistus – I’ve been told I’m a pretty old fashioned gal so I’m not surprised at your comment. I have to admit that your idea of a nice Valentine’s Day sounds great, too… just wish either grandparents lived in town.

Hey Kolby – I list the ingredients that way because I prefer to scoop an 1/8 of a cup once, rather than a Tbsp twice… just personal preference.

By: Kolby

Kolby — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:49:50 +0000

In the Australian Damper bread recipe it lists 1/8 cup for baking powder and sugar. Why doesn’t it just say 2 TB?

By: Trimegistus

Trimegistus — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:49:47 +0000

I know the intent is sincere, but this article sounds like something that might have run in Woman’s Day in 1956 or thereabouts. Since when did the Art of Manliness become Home Economics?

If you can’t afford to take your wife out for Valentine’s Day, send the kids to Grandma’s, light a fire in the fireplace, open a bottle of cheap red wine and share a bar of dark chocolate before screwing like a pair of teenagers. She’ll remember that evening with a lot more affection than the night you made a mess of her kitchen.

By: Jared

Jared — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:48:00 +0000

I had to substitute the shanks for rack of lamb and reduced the cook time by about an hour since it wasn’t as much or as thick of meat, but it was definitely a hit with the missus. We will be trying it again when we can get some shanks in.

By: Scott "Badchef" N.

Scott "Badchef" N. — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:42:06 +0000

Awesome meal! Substituted Lamb Chops and pan seared them. My younger valentines (girls, ages 5 & 8) enjoyed the meal as well.
I will substitute regular coffee next time rather than the White Coffee. The Rose Water was a bit much for both of us.

By: Lance

Lance — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:58:23 +0000

I epic failed on the dumplings (I think). At least I had the two boys helping me with the dough. I believe I made the balls too big, as they were raw in the center more or less. I’m not sure if that’s how they should be, as they were floating, and I was turning them. Out of respect for pops, my youngest son held back on tossing, and pretending he was just coughing. Older son tried his best, but stopped about 3/4 done, and my lovely wife made it to about 1/2 way. I choked mine down like the man I am…apoligized…and the who family broke out into laughter, once I started laughing. Win some, lose some, but this will be a Valentines day we won’t soon forget! :-)

By: TheJimmer

TheJimmer — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:39:35 +0000

Success! I had a bit of trouble with timing everything, or I guess you could say luck depending on how you like to eat your courses, because it all came together at once; except for the bread, which came out just in time. :)

The Mrs. is just astounded that I would cook at all, and this meal really blew her away. Thanks AoM!

By: Marvin Velazquez

Marvin Velazquez — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:25:05 +0000

Love it! These are some great recipes and truly a unique idea to give to your girl. It shows that you’re thinking outside-the-box and doing work to make her feel special. Can’t get any better than that.