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When it comes to spoiling your Valentine this year, breakfast in bed may just do the trick. Something fancy, but not too fussy; something absolutely delicious -- with much of the preparation done the night before to minimize the morning cooking time so that you're out of the kitchen and back in bed, ready to enjoy a delicious, romantic morning adventure for two. (Remember -- romance doesn't come with an age limit!)
A Manhattan Morning
Our first breakfast is reminiscent of many we experienced from room service in a hotel high above New York's Central Park and magnificent bridges. It requires New York-style bagels (you can order them by 2nd day or overnight air from our Country Store) and a sleek, modern setting. If your comforter or blanket is colorful, cover it with a white duvet or plain white sheet. Set the breakfast tray with bold black & white patterned placemats and napkins. Use plain white china or earthenware and a simple-patterned silverware. Set a single red rose in a small white vase on the breakfast tray. If you already subscribe to the Sunday New York Times as we do, terrific. If not, make sure you have a local Sunday paper to peruse together. Tune the radio to a local jazz station or select your favorite jazz CDs or tapes for the player.
The night before: If the bagels are not pre-sliced, slice them and wrap in foil to keep fresh. Since we're watching our salt intake and bagels contain considerable salt, we've elected to forego the usual salty smoked salmon and opt for a delicious low-fat ricotta spread, partially made ahead and refrigerated. With the main course we'll serve spa Bloody Marys and follow with strong coffee and chocolate drizzled meringue kisses , also made the day before. Set the tray the night before, and prepare the coffee machine to turn on (or set up a French press coffee maker), using a special gourmet coffee such as Kona Blend, Mocha Java, Hawaiian Macadamia, or Colombian Supreme.
The next morning, make the Bloody Marys and toast the bagels. Remove the ricotta spread to soften and add the herb mixture. Once the coffee's made, you're ready to serve. Don't forget to unplug the phone.
(for the recipes, click on The Recipes or click on the individual recipe above)
California Spa Breakfast
Spend a relaxed morning indulging with a fluffy spa omelet full of the seductive flavors of fresh wild mushrooms and fines herbs, accompanied by whole wheat English muffins, strawberries and sour cream, and a pot of your favorite herbal or Chinese green tea. It's a romantic meal that is delicious and beautiful, but easy and quick so that you are not in the kitchen when you really want to be with your significant other. We can't think of a better way to refresh the body and renew the soul!
We have decorated our tray with variegated tulips, but a red rose or any red flower will fill the romantic bill. You'll need a wake-up call about 25 minutes before you want to serve. Start the tea first, filling the teapot with boiling water. Let stand for a few minutes and then pout out the water. Drop in your favorite brand and flavor herbal tea (or green tea) bags, adding a few whole cloves to the pot. Refill the pot with boiling water and let brew to desired strength.
Meanwhile, start the omelet and while the mushrooms are sauteing, toast the English muffins. Arrange the strawberries and sour cream on a pretty plate. Once the omelets are done, gather everything on your serving tray. Set the tea pot and a pitcher of ice water, refreshed with thinly sliced rounds of lemon on a nearby table. Finally, slip into matching white terry cloth robes and enjoy your dazzling breakfast for two.
(for the recipes, click on The Recipes or click on the individual recipe above)
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