Dining with Three Bloggers - February 14th., 2007

Even though I tried to NOT have it this Valentine-y way, it seems there is no way around it - these three all have love, love, love written all over them - so feel free to make any of these as a treat for your loved one - they come with my warmest recommendations!

Anything more sexy than a fig? Okay, maybe a couple of things springs to mind, but when in the world of fruits, I think we have a winner. Wanna do something good to it, head to Melissa's Traveler's Lunchbox and grab yourself a piece of Fig and Goat's Cheese Clafoutis. Sounds like an odd combination to you? Bannish the thought, 'casue people - it works. The "cake" is slightly squidgy and wet, with a pronounced, but never overwhelming, savory taste from the cheese and a sweetness from vanilla and figs. Good. I like how it's sweet, but not too sweet, yet not a cheese course either. And it's good on the second day, too. If there's any left, that is.

Traveler's Lunchbox was previously featured with a lovely recipe for Chai.

You want cupcakes? You got cupcakes! These are from, you guessed it, the Queen of Cupcakes, Cheryl at Cupcake Bakeshop. Peanutbutter Filled Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache. Chocolate is an afrodisiac, you say? Well, pair it with peanutbutter that, in this filling, reminds me of marzipan, tastewise (take care you don't go too easy on the milk when making it, 'cause you might end up with a more liquid version than you wanted - yes, speaking from experience) and add a thick chocolate ganache and you have what I, in the spirit of the season, wouldn't mind calling a Chocolate Orgasm. Ahem. Goes especially well after a Mexican dinner. Wait, no - goes especially well with just about anything!

Cupcake Bakeshop was previously featured with Red Velvet Cupcakes - oh, what color!

And now, for the sweetest story you ever heard - a man making his girlfriend lunch. Not just lunch, but a brown bag-able lunch. Can we hear you all go: aaaaaaaaaaaaww! And yes, that's right - there I go again, another recipe from Orangette. There are two things that make it borderline ridiculous for me to write about this thing here. One: it is from Orangette, and I have done tons, tons and one more TON of Molly's recipes, so much so that really, I oughta think about renaming Food & Thoughts "Orangette Wannabe";-). Anyways - the other reason? It's barely a recipe - it's more of an assembly instruction. The name just about says it all - Chickpeas with Parmesan. But oh, what an assembly. This is, as Molly said it herself, really one of those cases where the sum is so, so much more than it's parts - "like 200% more". Quick to put together, and scraping-the-bottom-of-the-tupperware-container-good. It's fast become a standard lunch item to bring to school in this household. Just make it. Or have your chosen one make it for you, or make it for your chosen one - 'cause it's all about the love, Baby.

Orangette has previously been featured with Shortbread Waffles, Alsatian Onion Tart and Bouchons au Thon.

Happy Valentine's Day!