… it begins with the heart …
There was a TV drama series about a man, who for many years, went through many struggles and failures, endured great suffering and personal tragedies, but eventually overcame tremendous odds to be the most renowned tea producer and merchant in one of China’s tea-producing regions.
After being judged the best tea producer in an annual competition, the man was asked to make a speech. He stood before the crowd and spoke with heartfelt emotion and conviction. The entire scene was very moving, but one thing he said jumped out at me.
“In life you will rise and fall; you will experience happiness and sadness. But what is important is having someone who will be there for you in moments of joy and in times of sorrow.”
A few days ago, I was in my kitchen preparing three dishes for The Weekend Chef’s Valentine’s Day issue. Stephanie, the editor, was there to scrutinise my cooking and witness firsthand a true bachelor’s pad - she still hasn’t gotten over how neat and clean it is!
Little did I realise that apart from the scrutiny, she was also there to pry open my tiny brain for answers to a simple, yet challenging question. Leaning casually against the kitchen’s wooden door frame, she shot this at me - “What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?”
Whoops! I had never really thought about it and so, in the midst of chopping some spring onions I gave her my two cents worth, but I wasn’t sure if any of it made sense. As such I will take this opportunity to bare my thoughts on this fascinating day of romance and also share with you three recipes, which I hope will enable you and your partner to enjoy a wonderful Valentine’s meal together.
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some spend it celebrating or indulging each other, while others don’t see the significance or necessity for such pomp. I personally think any day is a perfect day to love and be loved, and to do something nice for someone, even if it seems insignificant. Remember, small things done with a big amount of sincerity go a long way.
I feel that relationships and friendships should be experienced or celebrated over the expanse of time and through the infinite depth of the heart. On a day like Valentine’s, one is simply reminded that every thought, every gesture, every moment, every opportunity and every day does add that little bit more love to our lives.
As such it does not matter if you are in love or out of love; whether you are just casually fond of someone or madly in love; whether you are a day or seventy years into your marriage; or whether you are just simply two good friends. What matters is that it is a time to let that someone know how much he or she means to you.
This brings me to the Valentine’s Day meal. When preparing a meal for that special someone, there are three important things to consider.
First, what should you cook? I have always believed in cooking and sharing something close at heart. For me close at heart simply means a thought, an experience, an activity or a meal that has certain significance in my life.
Second, what is that special someone’s favourite food? Well, if she or he is a vegetarian you can forget about fillet mignon. The labour of love is about the little things - knowing the other’s palate and making the effort to please it.
Third, remember that the focus of the occasion is not really about the food. It is about the person sharing the meal experience with you. This is well and good if you can whip up a ten-course dinner in an hour, but otherwise don’t get too caught up in trying to make an impression. Whoever you are cooking for is there more for your company, than the food. As such, try not to run around the city trying to get ingredients or slog in the kitchen the whole day, only to sit through dinner in a haze of exhaustion.
One way to cut back on cooking time is to make preparations the night before or get some help in doing your shopping or cooking. Try to avoid dishes that need excessive deep-frying. You don’t want to smell of fried fish throughout the night!
The recipes I decided on for this occasion take into account all of the above. My girlfriend loves Chinese food, particularly tofu and vegetables. These recipes are reasonably simple, wholesome and homely, and I will probably have Chinese tea to go with the meal. As for dessert, you can’t go wrong with chocolates, strawberries, ice-cream or even, tong sui or kwai ling ko!
The three dishes are Home-Cooked Chicken Stew with Green Peppercorn and Chinese Mushroom, Steamed Soft Tofu with Minced Meat and Diced Prawn in Chili Bean Paste Garlic Sauce and Stir-Fried Fresh Choy Tham (or other types of green vegetables).
I hope you will enjoy the meal. Have a wonderful and memorable Valentine’s Day!
… and ends with a kiss …
Setting The Stage For Love
Even sparkling water can look like champagne if it’s poured into a crystal goblet. Similarly, the simplest meal can take on a luxurious look if you put some extra thought into the table setting.
- Dine somewhere else instead of your usual spot. Move a small table into the garden or on your balcony, especially if you have a beautiful view.
- Use special placemats. Gather some sheer fabric in the center of the table or layer a ruby red tablecloth with sheer fabrics.
- Use classic table elements like a crisp linen tablecloth, china, stemware and flatware. This is also the perfect opportunity to bring out your precious bouillon spoons or fish knives, depending on what you are serving.
- Have a centerpiece. Arrange flowers in an antique vase, scatter rose petals across the table, use a bowl of floating candles or gather candles of different heights in the centre of the table.
- Serve the drinks in tall, delicate champagne flutes and tie a flower or ribbon around the stem. You could even serve the drinks on a pretty tray with ice and special napkins.
- The grand finale: a bowl of fresh strawberries as a palate cleanser between courses.