One of the most alluring aspects of Asian food, beside the exotic flavors and spices, is the elegant presentation that chefs skillfully employ to seduce our senses, even before taking a first bite. The Asian theme allows you to have fun when crafting your romantic soiree.  Go for bold colorful serving platters, soft lighting, and lots of color. And my all means aim for creative presentations of each dish that have that "wow" factor. Select music that will complement the desired tone of the night; dim the lights, bring out candles or Japanese paper lights, go for exotic flowers, and be sure to have on hand chop sticks and saki serving vessels.

For our Asian Valentine's Day Menu we have chosen to rely on the skills of your local Japanese restaurant for the main course and an appetizer. An hour before your meal is to be served, after you have taken care of everything else: the ambiance of the room, setting the table, putting together your music play list, cooking the dishes you have selected, and selecting the cocktails you will serve; go to your favorite Japanese restaurant (or have them deliver) a serving of edamame and a selection of your favorite sushi so you can create a sushi/sashimi platter. When ordering out, be sure to get plenty of soy sauce, wasabi and extra ginger.   Serve each course with your choice of Hot or Chilled Saki, Prosecco, Champagen or Asian Beer.


Green Tea Shortbread
By Jenna Short / ShortBreadNYC.Com

Ingredients: Makes 3 dozen

• 2 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for rolling
• 2 tablespoons sencha green-tea powder
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 2 sticks earth balance butter substitute, room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, or granulated sugar

Directions
Sift flour, tea powder, and salt into a small bowl; set aside. Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream on medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add sugar; continue to beat until very light in color and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add flour mixture; combine on low, scraping sides of bowl with a spatula if necessary, until flour is just incorporated and dough sticks together when squeezed with fingers.

Place a piece of parchment on a clean surface; dust with flour. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness; chill in refrigerator or freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Cut chilled dough with 2-inch leaf cutters. Using a wide spatula, transfer to baking sheets. Chill until firm. Gather scraps together, re-roll, chill, and cut shapes. Bake until firm and barely starting to color, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool completely on wire rack; store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 weeks.