Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a
family
February 14 is Valentine’s Day. And while it’s usually the perfect occasion to book a sitter
and enjoy a romantic evening at the restaurant, the current situation is forcing us to rethink the way
we do things. So this year, why not start a new Cupid-worthy tradition: celebrate Valentine’s Day
in your family bubble, surrounded by the people you love!
For an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, invite your family to sit down to a delicious meal sure to
satisfy all the senses. Let yourself be inspired by our Valentine’s Day-themed menu, approved by
the Montreal Heart Institute. A heart-healthy meal? What better way to say I love
you!
Cheers to good health!
Create a festive ambience with some mouth-watering drinks for the whole family! Become a mixologist for
the evening and create some Valentine’s Day-themed beverages for young and old alike. While the
adults sip on an
Asian-style virgin Caesar by Monsieur Cocktail, the little ones can be tickled pink by
this colourful and refreshing fruity water. In celebration of the day of love, opt for red fruit (fresh
or frozen), such as raspberries, pomegranate arils, or watermelon cubes. The kids will get a kick out of
“drinking” with the adults, and Mom and Dad can say cheers to a month without alcohol!
A show-stopping appetizer
It’ll be love at first sight with this beet and fennel
soup. With its gorgeous pink colour, rich, creamy texture, and subtle fennel taste, it’s
bound to make an impression on the whole table!
The pièce de résistance
Sushi à la maison chef Geneviève Everell has prepared a restaurant-worthy recipe for you!
You’ll definitely impress that special someone with this two-salmon
tartare with strawberries and honey nuts, served with a crisp apple, pear, and raisin salad.
Quick and delish, this dish will charm your loved ones thanks to its one-of-a-kind textures and
flavours. Garnish your plates with whole-grain toasted bread and add a romantic touch by serving your
tartare in a heart shape.
For the kids
Double the salad recipe and replace the raw salmon with maple smoked salmon bites. Call it “salmon
candy” and the kids will be clamouring to give it a try!
Tips and small additions that will make a big difference
Everyone get cracking!
Why not take advantage of the occasion to spend quality time with the family, baking
delicious
heart-shaped cookies. Before you eat them, frost them, dip them in chocolate, or top them with
little candies. Be warned, however: everyone will want more of these special treats made with love.
Let’s set the table
To break from routine, why not put the small dishes onto the larger ones. It’s the perfect time to
take out the fine china. It’s a special day, after all!
Also take out your nicest tablecloth and light a few candles. If you have young children, forget the lace
and candles and opt for a long piece of white paper to serve as a table runner. Your little guests can
draw pretty pictures on it or write sweet little notes for the occasion.
Leave a mark...
Put the kids to work making lovely placeholders. Simply have them cut out white or pink construction
paper rectangles and fold them in half. Next, write the person’s name and a quality, such as:
“Mom, the best listener.” Finally, put the placeholders on the table and watch everyone
smile as they read theirs.
Dress for the occasion
Clothes do not make the man, or so they say. But in times of confinement, a special day deserves a
special outfit. So put those everyday joggers away and take out that pretty dress or jacket you stashed
away at the start of the confinement. If you insist on dressing comfy, make sure everyone is at least
wearing red or pink!
Happy Valentine’s Day!