Valentine's Day is for more than lovers(with recipes)

To celebrate Valentine's Day, I gave a dinner party. I was celebrating love in many forms: love of friends, food, good conversation, sharing, support, music, art, books -- you name it.

The guests included a friend of 30 years. We've been neighbours in three different places in two countries; a new neighbour who bought the house next door from the Catalan couple, an educational consultant; and a Brit friend. He and his wife had lived on my floor in Geneva and also have a place at the Port. (My table and chairs came from that flat and he bravely struggled up my stairs with it a few years back, so it is only fitting he enjoy many meals on it.) He was coming down to check his place after being at the Berlin Film Festival, but it was not an easy voyage with late trains, cancelled trains, snow etc. He had reported on his different problems from a variety of French cities, but nevertheless HE MADE IT for a meal that was only slightly delayed...

Menu

Apèro: Muscat of Rivesaltes

A salad made with fresh pineapple on an assortment of greens with raspberry/mayonaise dressing.

Polenta

Red Cabbage*

Lamb chops**

Champagne

A kiwi/fromage blanc/meringue with hot chocolate sauce

Recipes:

*1. Slice red cabbage thinly and boil just until done. In a separate pan heat the juice of a blood orange with three gloves, a few scrapings on fresh ginger and a teaspoon on cinanmon and toss onto the cabbage.

**2. Press dry thyme and origano into the chops and let sit at least 15 minutes. Brown on each side. Remove from the pan and brown one small finely chopped onion. Return the lamb chops to the pan. Add 3/4 cup of veggie or chicken broth and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and reduce by half.

Outside it was cold. Inside it was warm, not just because of the heater, but the warmth of shared stories, good food and new and old friendships.