A Guys Guide to a Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

The key to a perfect Valentine's Day is to show your loved one just how much they mean to you

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Nothing says romance like a man who can cook! Cooking at home is a cost effective and interactive option. Forget crowded restaurants, impossible reservations, slow service and overpriced champagne -- This year, impress your loved one with a gourmet dinner at home.

Remember food can be a natural aphrodisiac and what better way to spice up your Valentine's Day evening than with an intimate dinner for two. Celebrate the one you love with Savoury Moroccan Lamb Shanks. Don't let this meal intimidate you. With the right tools and simple recipe, you'll be a gourmet chef in no time.

Slow cookers should be a man's best friend. With Valentine's Day landing on a Tuesday this year, a slow cooker will let you prepare the meal in the morning and come home to the delicious aroma of a finished dish. The Breville Slow Cooker with Easy Sear will ensure your Savoury Moroccan Lamb Shanks dish is rich with flavours and that the meat melts in your mouth. The mixture of cinnamon, cardamom and cloves will make your lover blush.

Savoury Moroccan Lamb Shanks

6 lamb shanks
2 tbsp fresh ground black pepper
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp ground cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
3 tablespoons grape seed oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 carrots, chopped
1 celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, whole
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 bottle Merlot wine
1 litre of stock: chicken, beef, or vegetable

The night before:

In a small bowl, combine the ground pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom. Rub this mixture onto each lamb shank. Place in a glass rectangle pan, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 12 hours (it is worth the wait).

Remove the shanks from the refrigerator, and sprinkle salt to taste.

In the morning:

Place the Breville EasySear Insert onto the stove top and turn the heat to medium. Add enough grape seed oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Sear each lamb shank until a rich dark golden colour is achieved.  Remove the shanks from the EasySear Insert and set aside. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until golden (about 8 minutes). Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the entire bottle of red wine. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Return the lamb shanks into the EasySear Insert and add enough broth to barely cover the shanks. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Turn off the stove, and using oven mitts, place the EasySear Insert into the Breville Slow Cooker. If selecting Low, cook for 8 to 10 hours; If selecting High, cook for 4 to 6 hours; if Selecting Dual cook for 6 to 8 hours.

Serve lamb over couscous, or buttery mashed potatoes.

After your romantic dinner, consider making a naughty beverage that can be as sinful as desert. The Breville Milk Café will make any coffee base or hot drink simply lovely as it turns milk or a combination of milk with Baileys into the most velvety drink topper.

For information on essential kitchen products, visit www.breville.ca. For more recipe ideas, visit www.foodthinkers.com.

About Breville

Founded in 1932 in Sydney, Australia Breville has grown to become an iconic Australian brand and now delivers kitchen products to over 30 countries around the globe.

Breville designs and engineers small kitchen countertop appliances to deliver commercial quality performance that look great and are easy to use.  Breville is passionate about listening to what obstacles the home chef encounters and creating a simple solution.  Breville's Mission is to design the best kitchen tools in the world. Additional information can be found at www.breville.ca.

Jennifer Beck
Breville Public Relations     
Birchall & Associates Inc.
905.338.7600
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