Hearts will melt as you surprise your sweetheart with a sweet message of love. For added decadence add a dollop of clotted cream (and a kiss before serving)!

Apricot-filled Blueberry Biscuits
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 ounces) frozen blueberries, unthawed or 2-1/2 cups fresh blueberries)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup apricot jam

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees F
2. Reserve 1/2 cup blueberries for garnish.
3. In a large bowl combine baking mix, milk, sugar, cinnamon and remaining 2 cups blueberries. Stir just until soft dough forms.
4. Turn dough onto surface dusted with baking mix; knead 5 times.
5. Roll 1/2-inch thick; cut dough with a 3-inch heart or other shaped cookie cutter.
6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Gently re-roll and cut out scraps; place on cookie sheet.
8. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

To serve:
Slice biscuits horizontally in halves; spread apricot preserves on bottom halves; cover with tops. Serve with reserved blueberries and whipped cream, if desired. (Any unfilled biscuits may be frozen for later use.)

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A refreshing summer salad that is nutritious and tasty: poached salmon salad with a velvety Dijon dill dressing. Poached salmon can be served hot or cold, and is so easy to prepare. I usually poach 4 fillets and serve two hot for dinner, and two cold the next day.

Chardonnay Poached Salmon Salad with Dijon Dill Dressing

Poached salmon ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay)
• 1 yellow onion slice
• 3 lemon slices (rounds)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
• olive oil

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Care for dessert? Deliciously sweet with a rich, creamy texture, this combination of figs, port, cinnamon and ricotta cheese drizzled with honey is enough to make anyone's heart skip a beat with pure pleasure. Could it be due to the fact this recipe is loaded with with aphrodisiacs? You decide....

Port Marinated Figs with Cinnamon Spiked Ricotta Cheese
Serves 2 - 4

Ingredients:

• 5 fresh figs, cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup demerara sugar
• 1/4 cup vintage port
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of honey per serving
• optional: garnish with 3-4 mint leaves, thinly sliced or chopped pistachios

Directions:

1. Place figs cut side down in a large deep dish. Pour in port and let marinate for 1 hour.
2. Remove figs from port marinade -set port aside
3. Place figs, cut side up on an aluminum foil wrapped grill tray
4. Sprinkle figs with sugar and broil until the figs begin to brown.
5. Remove figs from oven and set aside to lightly cool
6. Place the port sauce over medium heat and cook until warmed
   
7. Place the ricotta cheese in a boil, add cinnamon and whisk together until ricotta is smooth and cream

Plating the Dish:

1. Place 5 fig halves on a plate, cut side up
2. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese on the side
3. Pour warm port sauce over the figs
4. Drizzle honey over the ricotta
5. Garnish with mint strips or chopped pistachios
   

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The way a chef arranges a meal on a plate, is for some, akin to an artist applying brush to canvas and Danny Meyer and Executive Chef Daniel Humm are truly culinary artists.  Daniel Humm won this year's James Beard Award for Best Chef New York City.  

I marvel at the seductive creations of Chef Humm with such delight, anticipating each plate as it is placed before me. Words are not necessary to capture the essence of the dining experience at Eleven Madison Park, an excellent choice for a romantic meal for two, just take a look at the captivating images in this post.

In addition to (hopefully) enjoying each restaurant experience in NY and beyond, pay attention to the chef's creative techniques for "plating the dish". Learn from the masters and apply this inspiration to your next Seduction Meal. Not only is it fun, you'll be flattered and amazed by the responses and praise you will receive.

Here is a link to an Audio Review by The New York Times: Dining : Frank Bruni on Eleven Madison Avenue

Executive Chef Daniel Humm takes a modern approach to classic flavor combinations, creating sophisticated dishes that emphasize purity, simplicity, and seasonal flavors. Chef Humm's menu is complemented by an outstanding wine list by John Ragan.

Here are some restaurant reviews I found online that add to the reasons you should try Eleven Madison Park for your next Seduction Meal:

"Four Star Worth"

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The origins of sous vide cooking, or vacuum-packing foods and cooking them at precise, relatively low temperatures for long periods, may have been largely in frozen convenience foods, but it has become standard in top kitchens worldwide, notably Kellers own. With the publication of Under Pressure, Keller aims to demonstrate the technique to a wider swath of cooks--not the masses, but at least those who can afford this lavish volume and the sous vide equipment.

One need not cook the exact recipes (which are unaltered from the restaurants) to be inspired by Kellers careful yet whimsical creations, such as a cuttlefish tagliatelle with palm hearts and nectarine or squab with piquillo peppers, marcona almonds, fennel and date sauce. And Keller, with several of his chefs as well as curious cook Harold McGee, takes pains in the introduction to explain sous vide fundamentals, arguing persuasively that it is not a fad but an important technique that allows unparalleled control over how ingredients are heated and what flavors and textures result.

Still, at least until the equipment is more affordable, (see SousVide Supreme Water Oven) most readers will admire this gorgeous book on their coffee tables, from the simple beauty of photos of ingredients in their natural states to plates with a courses elements so artfully arranged they would not be out of place in a modern art museum.

The ground-breaking under-pressure method involves submerging food for minutes or even days in sealed, airless bags at precisely the temperature required to produce perfect doneness. Flavors and textures unattainable by other cooking methods can also be achieved.

The technique has been in the pipeline for awhile--one forerunner is the boil-in bag mom used to put veggies on the table--but has only recently attracted top chefs. One is Thomas Keller, famed chef-proprietor of The French Laundry and Per Se. His mightily sized, gorgeously produced Under Pressure explores every inch of sous vide, including the ramifications of using this precision-cooking technique (once time and temperature are established, best results follow automatically) on the craft of cooking, which has always meant a potentially rewarding engagement with the possibility of failure.

The book makes no bones about being addressed to professionals. Typical recipes, like Marinated Toy Box Tomatoes with Compressed Cucumber-Red Onion Relish, Toasted Brioche, and Diane St. Claire Butter, involve multiple preparations and dernier cri ingredients, and thus resist home duplication. There's also the matter of the pricey equipment required--chamber vacuum packers and temperature-maintaining immersion circulators--not to mention the precautions required to ensure that foods, usually cooked at low temps, are safe to eat.

What the book does offer the home cook is, however, thrilling. It introduces something new under the sun--an exciting, transformative technique of great potential. Anyone interested in food and cooking--not to mention lovers of extraordinarily well produced books--will want to explore Under Pressure

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Date night in New York City; what is your routine? Reservations at the hottest restaurant in town. The latest club to open in the Meat Packing District? That small trendy wine bar on the upper east side? New York City offers so much more--from Museums and Galleries to a picnic in Central Park to a casual stroll on the High Line; here are five ideas that elevate your date to something unique and memorable.

1. China Town Food Tour- $155
Discover the delicious cuisine and unique culture that make New York City's Chinatown such a diverse and vibrant neighborhood. During this three hour tour you will "sit down" in two of China town's finest restaurants and enjoy regional Chinese cuisine, while observing the traditional etiquette that accompanies these fine foods.

The food and cultural tour then takes to the streets as you venture through the neighborhood, stopping at one of a kind, specialty food shops for additional tastings and cultural insight. You will also explore historic landmarks, busy and hidden side streets, and outdoor markets of this small district that is home to the largest concentration of Chinese people in the western hemisphere. Delicious food specialties served include:

• A unique and beautiful selection of Hong Kong Style Dumplings
• A whole Beijing Style Peking Duck with all the fixings
• The best scallion pancake in Chinatown!
• Two types of Authentic Chinese Beef Jerky
• A Traditional and Delicious Chinese Pastry
• Chinese Tea Tasting (two regions)

Of course, if you know China Town well enough, or are adventurous - you can create your own private tour for two--much more romantic! All it takes is a bit of research, planning and an element of surprise.

Details:
Mondays at 12:00 pm
China Town, New York. You will meet near Chatham Square and Bowery
Two tastings are served seated at restaurants, the others from specialty shops on the go.
Duration: 3 hours
Note: There will be up to 16 people on this experience.

2. Twilight Bike Tour - $190 for two
The Big Apple is justifiably famous for its night life and night lights. Here is a unique opportunity to see the city's brightness at twilight. This unique tour begins while it is still daylight, with a pedal through the historic and charming West Village as you ride along charming streets and pass quaint houses and boutique shops. Cycle along the new Hudson River Greenway, a splendid bike path with truly magnificent views of the New York Harbor, which leads you to historic Battery Park, Ground Zero, Wall Street and then City Hall before embarking on the highlight of our tour-- a truly amazing pedal up the Brooklyn Bridge, on its own bike path, as daylight slowly dissipates and the lights of the city emerge. Twilight on the Brooklyn Bridge is an "only in the Big Apple" awesome experience. This tour is truly a special opportunity to experience a very different side of the Big Apple.

Here is another case in which you can plan this type of adventure on your own. If you both have bicycles you can recreate this tour and save the money for a romantic dinner for two at your favorite restaurant after the twilight ride, or head home and serve up dinner at your place. 

Details:
Year Round; Sundays Only.
Departure time between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM depending on sunset
Bike and helmet included. Duration: 3.5 hours

3. Champagne Brunch Sail - $190 for Two
There are few better ways to enjoy Sunday brunch than aboard an 82 foot, meticulously maintained, vintage sailboat built in 1929. This elegant and classic 1929 sailing yacht provides an intimate and sophisticated ambiance for you and your guests to casually revel on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy a delicious brunch that includes a Champagne toast, orange juice and menu items such as: assorted miniature muffins, homemade breads, cakes, miniature bagels, sliced Nova Scotia salmon, ham and cheese platters, and more. Sip your mimosa as you enjoy the sensory experience of sailing in Manhattan's busy harbor. You will see the Statue of Liberty, tugboats and ferries hauling their cargo past the famous bridges and islands of New York harbor as you lay back and take it all in. Whether you are looking to spend a romantic brunch with a loved one, or a memorable afternoon with family and friends, this is an experience you will not soon forget!

Details
May - October
Tours are Sundays only and start at 11:00 AM
Location; North Cove Yacht Harbor at the World Financial Center on the Hudson River; New York, NY
Duration: 2 hours

4. Tandem Skydiving - $479 for Two
Experience the thrill of Sky Diving in Long Island at one of the most experienced skydiving centers in the world! As your plane reaches an altitude of over 10,000 feet your instructor tells you its time.  Your heart starts pounding from the adrenaline and excitement as you inch closer to the open aircraft door. You peer over the edge and then, in a split second, you are on the most exciting thrill ride of your life with an expert instructor at your side. As you fly through clouds at over 100 mph, for nearly a minute, you feel a complete and total sense of freedom not found anywhere else in the world. Once the canopy opens, and you parachute deploys, you can take in views of the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Beaches and the New York skyline as you glide smoothly towards the ground.

Details:
Available May - October
Location: East Moriches, NY

5. Hot Air Balloon Ride - $480 for Two
Picture yourself floating serenely over the magnificent New Jersey countryside with nothing but the occasional blast of the burners to disturb the peace. Float majestically through the sky in a graceful hot air balloon enjoying the romance, the tranquility and breathtaking views. Evening flights are concluded with complimentary champagne, soft drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Ballooning is an intoxicating experience, and an absolute must for any romantic.

Details:
Sunrise or Sunset flights available year Round.
Location: Pittstown, NJ

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Growing up on a farm we enjoyed nature's bounty with fresh corn, potatoes, string beans, raspberries, blueberries, carrots and so much more. We welcomed Spring with the first crop of fresh peas. Hand picked,we would eat them straight from the pod. In celebration of the first batch of peas displayed at my local market, I created this recipe. For me, along with Forsythia and Daffodils--fresh peas signifies Spring has arrived. Welcome!

Tuscan White Beans, Fresh Peas, and Roasted Tomato and Grilled Lamb Chops
Serves 4 - 6.

Tuscan White Beans
Prepare on day/night before - as the beans need to soak for many hours (read package for instructions)

• 1 pound dried Tuscan White Beans
• 6 cups cold water
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• salt and pepper

Directions:

• Sort through the beans picking out any pebbles (yes pebbles!), rinse, drain and then place in a large saucepan. Add cold water to cover by several inches and leave to soak overnight.
• Drain the beans and return to the saucepan.
• Add the 6 cups of cold water, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and garlic. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are just tender but not falling apart (45 minutes to 1 hour.)
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Set aside.

Fresh Spring Peas

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups raw shelled peas
• 1  teaspoon Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.  
2. Add the peas and sauté for about 4 minutes until tender  
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set Aside

Roasted Tomatoes

• 6 Roma Tomatoes
• Kosher salt
• fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon splash of Balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbs olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. Line a cookie sheet or pan with foil and spray with a non-stick spray.
3. Slice the tomatoes in half vertically and remove the seeds with your fingers.
4. Place the tomatoes, flesh side up on the cookie sheet.
5. Mix Oil and vinegar together. Drizzle over tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for 2 hours.

Grill Lamb Chops (preferably medium rare)

Plating the Dish

1. Salad Dressing: Whisk together 5 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 small clove garlic crushed; freshly ground black pepper to taste
2. In a bowl, mix one cup of beans for each person you are serving (at least 2 cups) and the peas
3. Place the Tuscan Bean Salad on a plate
4. Add 2-3 roasted tomatoes to the plate and add a small handful of micro greens
5. Add salad dressing over the beans, peas and micro greens
   
6. Place 1 or 2 lamb chops on the plate
   
7. Using a potato peeler, Top with 3-4 ultra thin slices of fresh Parmesan cheese

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Each season there are special foods that drive foodies to the market and into their kitchens eager to prepare and serve exotic dishes made with noted delicacies like Squash blossoms, soft shell crabs, pomegranates,  and fiddlehead ferns. I was thrilled when I went to the market and stumbled upon a basket of spiraling fiddlehead ferns.  I had a party to attend and was asked to bring a side dish, so I opted for a pasta salad made with fiddlehead ferns, caramelized mushrooms, dandelion leaves, and cherry tomatoes. There were a few people at this gathering of friends that never heard of, or have seen fiddlehead ferns. With one bite they were hooked.

Fiddle head ferns look like the scroll of a violin or fiddle--a tighly coiled fern frod with a stem trimmed to a two inch length from the coil. Very high in nutrients, the taste is reminiscent of asparagus,  with a firmer, somewhat crunchy texture and a hint of a nutty, earthy undertone   Be sure to wash thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. You find Fiddlehead ferns in early May (the same time we are blessed with sortshell crabs), and only for a two, maybe three week period. So when you see them, grab them up! 

Ingredients

• 1 box of pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 cup Fiddlehead ferns, tips trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 package button mushrooms, sliced
• 8 large dandelion leaves (about 4 inches x 2 inches), 4 roughly chopped, 4 set aside
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• parsley for garnish

dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/8 cup Tamari Soy Sauce
• 1 large clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cook pasta al dente according to directions. When done, drain and set aside to cool. This salad can be served cold or warm.
2. In a skillet, over high heat, add olive oil. When hot, add garlic and turn down to medium heat. Add mushrooms and fiddlehead ferns and cook until mushrooms are caramelized (a nice golden brown color), about 15 minutes, stirring from time to time. When the olive oil disappears add a tab of sweet butter.
3. Prepare the Dandelions, parsley and the cherry tomatoes, set aside
4. In a large bowl, toss together the pasta and all ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place pasta in a large serving bowl.  Add parsley as garnish and serve.

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Creating a Music Play List for your Date Night

If you like to shake your hips to the sounds of Salsa, Bossa Nova and Afro Cuban sounds---here are two intriguing CDs to help create a stimulating play list for your next Spanish,Portuguese or Latin inspired Seduction Meal.

Putamayo's Latin Lounge

Amazon Review:
A remarkable revolution is taking place in Latin music these days, as electronica and remixing meet the more traditional rhythms of Argentinean tango, Afro-Cuban son, Brazilian bossa nova and Colombian cumbia. On Putumayo's new collection, Latin Lounge artists such as Sidestepper, Si*Sé, Charanga Cakewalk and others prove that there can be a magical blend of modern musical trends and traditional Latin styles. 

The Greatest Salsa Vol 2. is for those that prefer the authentic sounds of Salsa.

Amazon Reviews:

A Smoker!
The companion CD to volume 1 and every bit as good. This release has the top cream of old school salsa in it. Not one bad track in the lot. Of all the salsa compilations I have come across, this and vol. 1 are as good as it gets. Whether you are a hard core Latino or are just a lover of great music, I highly recommend this. You just can't go wrong here. Bon appetit.

Truly Great Salsa
Although the title may seem a bit smug, this truly is great salsa from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. This is an ideal collection not only for a genuine salsaholic but also someone who is looking for an overview of the genre. There is not a single lame groove on this disc, and some of my favorites are songs I had never even heard when I bought it. Some of these songs also have things to say, like the heartbreaking story of "El Gran Varon" (The Great Male) and the scathing social commentary of "Plastico." For real old-school salsa, check out "Las Caras Lindas" (Beautiful Faces) or The Queen of Salsa herself, Celia Cruz, on "Quimbara." Another great tune is "A la Hora que Me Llamen Voy" (At the moment they call me, I go) by Jose Alberto "El Canario": It starts with a crowd scene like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," then the intoxicating chorus begins, the beat kicks in, and El Canario starts singing in a voice so sensual that it could melt iron. This is the rare CD on which you will find yourself listening to every song and not skipping over a single one!

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Here is an enticing recipe that is so tasty and healthy, made with all fresh ingredients, AND its super easy to prepare. I could enjoy this meal all summer long. It is also a fun dish to serve for your romantic meal for two since you prepare each taco as you desire. Take a look at the photo below to see your plate of seductive flavors to enhance the fish tacos: Chopped cilantro, cherry tomatoes, sliced roasted poblano peppers, sliced avocado, grilled onions, fresh limes, and mango. End this meal with creme brulee or Flan for a full night of culinary delights.

Simply grill the swordfish, onions and poblano peppers to your liking, warm the taco shells, and chop all fresh vegetables and herbs. Plate your dish and serve. Add chipotle sauce to each taco. That's all there is to it!
Easy, delicious, and healthy. Can't beat that combo!

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