HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
With plenty of president birthdays and Valentine's Day in the month of February, there are a lot of themes a birthday celebrant could go for. Set yourself apart from the red, white, blue, and red or pink V-day themes.
Think "amethyst," the month's birthstone, as inspiration for this party with a menu of Caramelized Amethyst Potatoes, Japanese Eggplant Goat Cheese Rolls, and more. And, as always with our monthly birthday series, we have some February Facts and Trivia to spark conversation at your dinner party.
Recipe from Jeanne Benedict's Sophisticated Entertaining.
Japanese eggplant may be labeled as "baby eggplant" in your grocery store as they are miniatures of the big Aubergine. You can go overboard on the food-to-guest ratio with these as they are tiny and scrumptious.
Ingredients
- 10 Japanese eggplant, washed
- Salt and pepper
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
- 1 (4 oz.) package goat cheese
- 1 Cup sun-dried tomatoes
Steps
- Cut green stems off eggplants. Slice eggplants lengthwise into wafer thin strips.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place eggplant strips flat in pan and sear each side for 2- 4 minutes or until eggplant appears translucent. Season with a dash of salt and pepper. Remove eggplant to paper towels and drain excess oil. Repeat process adding 1 tablespoon oil to skillet with every batch. Cool eggplant completely. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Place sun-dried tomatoes in a small pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to rehydrate. Cool for 5 minutes and mince. Whip cream cheese and goat cheese until creamy. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes until throughout mixture.
- Place 1/2 teaspoon dollop of goat cheese mixture on wide end of eggplant. Roll up eggplant with cheese inside forming a tiny spool. Secure roll by smearing a dab of goat cheese on loose end of eggplant and adhering end to roll. Stand eggplant roll, cheese side up, on serving platter. Store up to 2 days wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.Makes about 50 rolls
"Candied" and "caramelized" are close companions if not twins separated by a couple of decades in describing cooking methods. Since purple potatoes are similar to yams but a bit less sweet, I thought this traditional yam presentation would be marvelous for these amethyst beauties.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. purple potatoes, washed
- 1/4 Cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 Cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Steps
- Add potatoes into a stockpot filled with enough water to just cover potatoes. Heat on medium-high for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Remove from heat and strain potatoes in a colander.
- When potatoes are cool to touch, peel off skins and cut on the diagonal into nice oval slices. Heat butter and sugar in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Add potatoes, turning to coat in butter mixture, for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to individual plates or large platter. Serve immediately. Makes 2 to 4 servings
Recipe from Jim McCann and Jeanne Benedict's book Celebrations.
A lovely presentation, these chicken breasts are stuffed with a blend of exotic ingredients that are sure to tantalize your palate.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless half chicken breasts, fat trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 canned (marinated in water) artichoke hearts, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan
- 1 Cup cooked instant couscous, unseasoned
- 1/2 Cup ground pistachio nuts
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon pepper
- Citrus & Yellow Tomato Coulis
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 Cup minced leek, white part only
- 1/4 Cup brandy
- 1 Cup chicken broth
- 3 cups yellow baby tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 Cup fresh orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and white pepper
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Pound chicken breast with a kitchen mallet to 1/4-inch thickness. Rub remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on chicken breasts. Mix together artichoke, garlic, Parmesan, couscous, pistachios, lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 teaspoons salt and pepper until combined. Mound 1/2 cup artichoke mixture along center on underside of chicken breast. Wrap breast around mixture by pulling edges from long sides of breast up over mixture. Overlap edges of breast on top of mixture and insert a wooden pick to secure edges closed. Place chicken, wooden pick side down, on prepared baking sheet. Cook for 40 minutes until chicken center is no longer pink.
- Meanwhile, make Citrus & Yellow Tomato Coulis. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek and cook until tender, about 3 - 5 minutes. Turn heat to high and add brandy. Cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, orange juice, lemon juice and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and pour mixture into a food processor. Process until smooth. Pour mixture through a sieve into a medium bowl and stir in salt and pepper. Makes about 2 cups.
- Remove from chicken from oven and take out wooden picks. Slice each breast on the diagonal and arrange on platter or individual plates. Drizzle Citrus & Yellow Tomato Coulis over top and serve hot.Makes 2 to 4 servings
Recipe from Jeanne Benedict's Sophisticated Entertaining.
This classic dessert is an excellent end to a meal and a sweet way to begin an interlude.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs, pastuerized
- 1/2 Cup heavy cream
- 1/2 Teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 Tablespoon Kahlua liqueur
Steps
- Melt chocolate over medium-low heat in top of double boiler, stirring constantly. Cool about 5 minutes. Beat sugar and eggs in medium bowl until mixture thickens and is pale yellow. Beat in melted chocolate until incorporated. Add cream and beat until cream thickens. Dissolve espresso powder in Kahlua and stir into mixture until blended. Pour chocolate mixture into 2 to 4 stemmed glasses. Refrigerate uncovered until chocolate mousse sets, about 3 hours. Place glasses on individual plates and serve cool. Store covered in plastic wrap for up to 4 days. Makes 2 to 4 servings
In addition to being the most misspelled month, February is a misfit of days from leap year (every 4th year) to its standard 28 days in a collection of 30 . February's name comes from the Latin word "februum," which translates to "purification." Given the amount of "purifiyng" rain that typically falls during this winter month in the Northern Hemisphere, the name seems appropriate.
As is the case with most holidays and observances in ancient times, seasonal or climate fluctuations were often a reason to celebrate and give thanks to the Gods. February 15th marked the festival "Februa" or "Febratio" on the old Roman calendar, which was believed to be a purification ritual, quite possibly in preparation for the vernal equinox when the promise of crops and warmer weather were nigh. Fill dinner party guests with these February fun facts as you celebrate the birthday guest of honor.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
- Amethyst (pictured) is the vibrant violet birthstone for the month of February. The consensus from jewelers and crystal healers is that this radiant purple stone brings on a sense of calm and serenity. The word "amethyst" is believed to be derivative from the Greek language meaning "a (not) and methustos (intoxicated)," therefore the stone has been embraced as a symbol for sobriety. Whether the stone is presented in a ring, pendant, or as a glorious geode, this quartz crystal is as beautiful as it is meaningful.
February Zodiac Signs: Aquarius and Pisces
- The two Zodiac signs for the month of February are Aquarius (@January 20 to February 18) and Pisces (@February 18 to March 20).
- Aquarius is symbolized by a water bearer and is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac. Those born under this air sign are said to posses a sense of fairness, independent thought, and perhaps, a resistance to change.
- Pisces completes the Zodiac, which essentially means "circle of life," as the twelfth astrological sign even though the sign occurs within the beginning months of the year on the Gregorian calendar. Two fish are the symbol for this water sign and those born under it are said to be sensitive, resourceful, empathetic, and adaptable.
- With all the experiences life has to offer, one's personality can hardly be summed up with these breif descriptions. Consider the qualities attributed to these Zodiac signs as a fun musing or take it to heart if you so desire.
February Fun Facts:
- February is Black History Month in the U.S.A. and Canada serving as a remembrance of important people and events in African American history.
- February is also National Cherry and Chocolate Month (among countless others), which explains all those Valentine's Day gifts of chocolate-covered cherries.
- The first United States president and founding father George Washingon was born on February 22, 1732. George was as great at business as he was at leading the troops to victory during the American Revolution. Many know Mount Vernon as an historical tourist destination but in its hey day it was a working plantation with many crops including marijuana.
- Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. Lincoln's most notable act as the United State's 16th president was freeing the slaves. Lincoln has no surviving heirs to date, although he fathered 3 sons all of whom passed away before the age of 20. Many know that Lincoln was a tall man standing 6' 4", and he was also physically adept as both a wrestler and axe man. Lincoln appeared even taller because of his top hat where he supposedly stashed cash.
- February 2 is Groundhog Day. Since 1886, many people have gathered in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and elsewhere to see a groundhog climb out of his hole and predict the season's forecast. If the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will be prolonged for 6 more weeks. If the groundhog does not see his shadow, winter will end soon.
- In February 1847, the United States Post Office introduced adhesive stamps, which simplified post office operations along with one's mailing process for Valentine's Day, February 14th.
Feel free to leave a February fact as a comment on this article!
Birthday Dinner Party Menus
Invite friends and family to dinner in style with one of these themed invites.
A menu of luscious ingredients is ideal for a February birthday. Celebrate with purple potatoes inspired by February's amethyst birthstone, Chicken, Artichoke, & Pistachio Paupiettes with a Citrus & Yellow Tomato Coulis, and so much more for an indulgent and poignant birthday.
Feburary Birthday Menu
Japanese Eggplant Goat Cheese Rolls (recipe)
Candied Amethyst Potatoes (recipe)
Chicken, Artichoke, & Pistachio Paupiettes with a Citrus & Yellow Tomato Coulis (recipe)
Chocolate Espresso Mousse Birthday Dessert (recipe)
Feburary Birthday Menu
Japanese Eggplant Goat Cheese Rolls (recipe)
Candied Amethyst Potatoes (recipe)
Chicken, Artichoke, & Pistachio Paupiettes with a Citrus & Yellow Tomato Coulis (recipe)
Chocolate Espresso Mousse Birthday Dessert (recipe)
Great Gift Ideas for
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Any Occasion
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