Valentine's Day

We interrupt our house hunting posts (come back tomorrow for more) with a post about our Valentine's Day. I decided to treat Michelle to a fancy dinner. I figured out the menu: new york strip steak, sweet onion potatoes au gratin, grilled asparagus, and sparkling cider. I did all the shopping and all the cooking. I did a good job cooking, but appreciate the assistance with knowing when the onions were caramelized (thanks Michelle!). I had to scramble a little when I ran out of propane and the steaks were only half way done, but was saved by a quick transfer to the grill pan. It was a very tasting dinner.

For dessert I wanted to replicate a dish I saw on the Food Network's Worst Cooks in America show. I saw them make liquid center chocolate tortes with a salted caramel sauce and caramelized bananas. I figured if the worst cooks in America could do it, I could. The one problem with the recipe was it required a creme brulee torch to caramelize the bananas. I figured this was a good chance to gain a new tool and had to buy me a propane torch! The recipe turned out to be a little challenging, but in the end it turned out really good. Michelle especially liked the caramel sauce!!!
"Honey, I have to buy a new tool for your Valentine!"

Caramelizing the bananas.

The finished dessert.

Yummy!