Valentine's Day

BOILING STONES
(Things a man can do in the kitchen)
©February 8, 2010
By: George O. Martin, Jr.

Valentines Day

Two important events will be happening next Sunday February 14th. In case you are a man, and haven’t been told, that date is St. Valentine’s Day. Now I understand you have been very busy lately; and you may not have been aware of the subtle hints the lady of the house has been dropping, but Valentine’s Day is very important to the ladies in your life. By the ladies I mean, your wife, your mother, and your daughters. If there are any others I think we should call that a private matter. If that is the case it would probably be a good idea for you to use a great deal of discretion, because if you don‘t you will find you have an applecart that is about to become upset.
Now, for the second import matter for the 14th: That is the day for you to plant peas in your garden. Which one of these timely events you give preference to is again a private matter. But, if you want my advice you will apply importance to the Valentines Day. I remember my father advising me when I was just a young man: “Son.” He said “In choosing a wife you might consider whether you want a woman who can make mashed potatoes or Pea Soup.” I found the conundrum confusing so I asked him to enlighten me. All he said in reply was, “My boy, you will learn that any woman can mash potatoes!”
I still find his advice about women as confusing as his advice about gardening... But let us progress with the first issue first and that must be Valentine’s Day. It is a very important day, and you would do well to think it as important as Income
Tax Day on April 15. Because if you don‘t do the appropriate thing for Valentine’s Day, you may not live to pay your taxes. Or, you could certainly lose some dependent deductions.
I do understand that Valentines Day might escape your planning so I though I ought to give you a few hints about what to do that will be easy and pleasing. I want you to b successful. Start early, maybe a little earlier than usual and have coffee for the girl when she rises. When she is quietly drinking her first cup tell her that you would like to make supper for the two of you in the evening. Have a napkin or paper towel ready when you do because that kind of statement might cause her to choke up just a little, and things could get messy.
Then tell her you would like to fix a small dinner of scallops in a white wine sauce with spinach or buttered asparagus on a bed of rice. Just the sound of that menu will make you look good even if you don’t do everything correctly. Okay! Just in case there is an allergy to fish, or the scallops are not available, consider a switch and offer Filet mignon instead. I know that is expensive, both the scallops and the filet; but consider it and investment. The cost will be worth it in the long run.
Next you will have to go to the store, and you may have to go the larger store to get the scallops. You will also need the fresh spinach, or asparagus, and you may need some rice. In buying Scallops just remember they are very rich. Two scallops 2-inches across will probably be enough for one person. One pound of asparagus will do and/or one bag of fresh spinach should suffice.
Cooking the scallops is really very simple. They need to be steamed in a small skillet, in a very small amount of water and a pat of butter. As the water evaporates, and the scallops become tender you can then ad a small amount of good white wine.
The asparagus needs to have the hard bottom ends of the stalks trimmed away. It can then be steamed in a covered saucepan for about 4 minutes; when tender place on a small platter and add a couple pats of butter.
The rice takes 25 minutes to cook. Please do not get converted or minute rice. Just buy long grain rice. It is better tasting and better for you. One cup of uncooked rice will be enough for the two of you. Place two cups water in the saucepan, add a good pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the one cup of rice, return to boiling, cover, reduce the heat to simmer and leave covered for 25 minutes. If you follow those steps the rice will be perfect. Fluff it up with a fork and place in a serving bowl. A bag of spinach can be easily melted in a saucepan of water. It takes very little time 2 minutes at the most and it can also be drained and placed in a serving bowl.
There you have it; a perfect dinner for two, and you did it all by yourself. But there are a few cautions, and suggestions. No matter how much you might like them DO NOT cook and serve onions; even if you have chosen the filet instead of the scallops. That would not be good for Valentine’s Day. Secondly, flowers one, or two, or a dozen are always appreciated. Candles add to the romance for her, too. Oh yes! You can drink the rest of the white wine as you eat the scallops.
Now as to the planting of peas: Actually that can wait until tomorrow, February 15th.