About Italian Food: A Happy San Valentino!

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Italian Food Italian Food Quick/Easy Recipes Le Basi Classic Recipes From Kyle Phillips, Your Guide to Italian Food. The Happiest of Valentine's Days to all who will be celebrating the holiday. As is the case with other events such as New Year's Eve, you have two options: Eat in or Go Out. if you're doing the latter, you're set. If you're doing the former, the first link has some suggestions. And who was San Valentino? In the Golden Legend, Jacopo de Voragine writes that Valentino, a Christian priest of Ancient Rome, refused to bow to the Gods at the request of the Emperor Claudius II, and was "committed to a prince of the Court, to be guarded as a prisoner." Once he got to the man's home Valentine prayed that the Lord illuminate it and its residents, at which point the Prince said, "Since thou proclaimest that thy Christ is Light, ask Him to restore site to my daughter, who is blind! And if He does this I shall do all that thou biddest." The girl was healed and the Prince converted; the miracles didn't sway Claudius, who also ordered the execution of his Prince and the man's daughter. Jacopo doesn't go into how Valentino became the Patron of lovers, but popular tradition holds that he wrote the girl a letter on the eve of his execution, signing it "from your Valentine." After his death a pink almond tree, symbol of abiding love, blossomed near his grave. Ideas For San Valentino I have several collections of Valentine's Day Recipes on site. The heading link leads to the first I did, and the explanation of the legend. And then we have: Racy Recipes: There's no getting around it, a great many Valentine's day romantic moments lead to... (ahem). Who can describe getting from table to bedroom better than Giacomo Casanova? A Few More Suggestions And yet more suggestions, featuring salmon. And finally, To Drink: Franciacorta, wonderful Bubbly! Stufati Da Polenta I know, neither polenta nor stews are particularly romantic. But they are warm, and if you live in the northeastern US or much of Europe, including my part of Italy, you will want foods that warm both the kitchen and the heart. A few ideas: Spicy Braised Beef, Brasasato Speziato: Though this packs a punch, the sauce and the polenta go together beautifully. Should you prefer it less hot, reduce the pepper content. Nonna Guli's Stewed Lamb, L'Agnello Della Nonna Guli: The recipe is very much oral, in the tradition of home recipes, and quantities are rather approximate. Capon in Salmì: Cappone in Salmì: A Piemontese classic, Capon stewed with vegetables, in a wine sauce. This will work with other meats too. Carnevale! Valentine's Day isn't the only thing coming up: Tuesday is Carnevale, or Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent and therefore traditionally the last opportunity to enjoy some fun before the period of contemplation and spiritual renewal leading up to Easter. The link leads to pictures I took of Venice's Carnival Celebrations (by far the most beautiful in Italy), and recipes for Carnival treats. San Valentino Elsewhere on About The link leads to Peggy's Valentine's Day Recipes and More page, a terrific collection of all sorts of ideas, facts, lore and more (rhymes, doesn't it?) In short, a page to mine. And here are a few specific ideas that caught my eye: Apple Streusel Coffee Cake (if you're having breakfast in bed) Warmed Oysters with Chive Sauce Swordfish with Orange-Tomato Salsa Japanese Green Tea Chocolate Balls Easy Chocolate Mousse As always on Thursdays, the featured articles below make up a menu of sorts (which could be applied to Valentine's Day). Auguri! Italian Food Ads Tuscan Italian Food Recipes Italian Pizza Italian Pasta Italian Oil Featured Articles Involtini di Peperone, Bell Pepper Involtini Linguine All'Arancia, with oranges and Sole San Pietro al Marsala, John Dory Fillets in Marsala OR: Baccalà alla Fiorentina, Florentine style Baccalà Broccoletti Gratinati, Broccoli Casserole Leonardo's Tiramisu   More from About.com Managing Dog Behavior Problems Understanding common dog behavior problems like barking, biting, and chewing is key to handling them appropriately. More > Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More > This newsletter is written by Kyle Phillips Italian Food Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Italian Food newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Wintery Vegetarian Pasta Tortiglioni with Artichokes Pasta with Sugo Finto Broccoletti alla Siciliana (over pasta or a vegetable) Advertisement