Romantic Valentine's Day Wine and Tapas Dinner

Valentine's Day is this weekend, and although I'm not a huge fan, I still enjoy doing something special for my lover. I'd rather do something low key and enjoyable than succumb to the commercialized pressure of going out and buying stereotypical Valentine's gifts. So, since my man and I are big food and wine lovers, I'm planning to put together a romantic table with an eclectic spread of cheese, charcuterie, fruit and all his favorite goodies like nuts, olives, peppers and roasted artichokes. My suggestion to you is: skip the madness out on the streets and the jam-packed restaurants of the world, and enjoy a relaxing night in - spending quality time with your significant other. Also, put away your phones, give the moment your undivided attention.

I'm contemplating making a dinner, but we'll see how things go. After a few glasses of wine and a spread of munchies, a whole dinner might be too heavy. We wouldn't want to get too full now would we... ha! ;)

Without further ado, let me share some inspiring ideas with you for planning your very own intimate wine and tapas dinner party for two (or five - if it's a couples or friends affair). When it comes to this idea, anything goes - you're only limited by your imagination, and the possibilities are pretty much endless.

First things first, wine! My favorite wine is red, more specifically Malbec and Syrah. There's no way I can recall all the different wines I've savored, and since my memory for wine only extends back a year or so, here are my current favorites:

 Luca                                           Dreaming Tree

The Federalist

    

Alamos                                      Gascon



Achaval Ferrer

       

La Finca                                                                Trapiche

Trivento 

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Now, for the food. Here is a list of ideal foods to include in your spread, including hor 'doeuvres, tapas, charcuterie, and the classic cheese and fruit combinations:

   
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Brie, oh brie! Let's talk about Brie, it's a delicious creamy cheese that is best served warm, in my opinion. Cold brie and warm brie are two different animals. Th good news is, it goes with almost anything, so feel free to get as creative as you want. You can serve it whole, with honey, nuts, and dried cranberry on top, or add savory sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, and once you get started inventing little individuals brie hor'doeuvres on crackers, the unique combinations will flow far and wide.

A few of my favorite combinations:
Brie and Chutney with Walnuts
Brie and Honey with Dried Cranberry and Nuts
Brie with Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke
Brie with Caramelized Onions

Here's a link with Fifteen Easy Brie Recipes

   
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For a sinful treat, how about some Bacon Wrapped Dates?


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Stuff the dates with goat cheese or blue cheese before wrapping in bacon for a trip to paradise!

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Caprese salad is always a simple and delicious idea, especially when converted into the form of an appetizer:


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How about Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic glaze?


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Another appetizer that also serves as a meal are homemade flatbread pizzas! Get over to Costco and pick yourself up a pack of Naan tandori bread by Reya, it's the best naan I've had by far, although the Stonefire brand is yummy too and you can find it at your local grocery store. Slap whatever you want on one of those babies, I promise you - you can't go wrong. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

Brie with Caramelized Onions and Garlic Béchamel Sauce
Caprese Salad - Mozzarella, Basil, and Tomatoes with Balsamic Glaze
Caramelized Mushrooms in Madeira Wine Sauce
Goat Cheese, Sundried Tomatoes and Basil
Chorizo and Manchego Cheese

Thai: Spicy Peanut Sauce, Mozzarella, Chicken, Peanuts, Carrots, Cilantro, Bean Sprouts

   
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Next up, the cheese platter:


Gorgonzola, Goat, Gouda, Parmesan, Romano, Gruyere, Cheddar, the list goes on... It's all a matter of preference!

   

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My boyfriend and I recently bought this "Rugged Mature English Cheddar" by Coastal on a trip to Costco. and let me tell you - it's amazing! It's dangerous! It tastes just like Parmesan cheese, wit the same gritty crunch and depth of flavor. I highly recommend it:






As for charcuterie, to name a few there's Prosciutto, Salami, Dry-Cured Ham, and the tasty Chorizo...
 
 
Don't forget to include pretty little bowls of:

Chutney Spread
Jellies
Hummus
Olives
Pepperocini Peppers
Roasted Red Peppers
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Chocolate covered nuts/coffee beansAssorted Nuts
Dried Fruits
Strawberries
Blueberries
Blackberries
Raspberries
Grapes
Dried Figs
Dried Apricots
Raisins

   

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And last but not least, your table. Once again, get creative, think outside the box - in fact, remove the box altogether - you don't need that thing in your life! Gather candles, special mementos from your relationship, a pretty framed photo, flowers from the garden and all your special dishes. Make your own floral arrangement, you'd be surprised how many resources you will find in your yard, even if you're not a gardener. For example, palm fronds or ferns make the perfect backdrop for a tropical arrangement. Don't be afraid to add a touch of whimsy to the whole setup:

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If you happen to live by the sea, you might be lucky enough to arrange an oceanside candlelit dinner...


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(All images in this post have been sourced via Pinterest, to the best of my knowledge the original sources noted below each photo.)