Wednesday, February 11, 2015

FABBY: Romantic Valentine's for Two


Hello sweet friends!

   I baked a heart "Chocolate Chip Cake" for mother who will come to have lunch with us and than I will freeze the rest for next Saturday, Valentine's Day to enjoy with Alejandro, my sweet Mr. Living.

The Pink Valentine's was used up with friends already.

I used a stack of place mats, chargers and dishes, with pops of red to go with the Valentine's Season.

                                     
  "WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND ROMANTIC VALENTINE'S 2015!"


Romantic Valentine's Table for Two, 2015


My red Valentine's for two is a bit more masculine this time...as opposed to the Pink one I did last week for friends.

I baked the 'Chocolate Chip Cake' way before Saturday because mother will come for lunch tomorrow and I will share it with her, than I'm freezing the rest for the two of us on Saturday evening.

The restaurants are usually packed to the ceiling with people and we don't enjoy going out to these places on Valentine's evening.


 
 
 
A pair of vintage French dog figurines.


I will be making a Cocotte as an entrée in the cute bowls.
Main dish will be 'Beef Stroganoff' with wild rice and salad.

For the dessert we'll have a piece of 'Heart-Chocolate Chip
Cake' with 'Chinese Jasmine tea and little chocolates.'

We'll also have Champagne to cheer for us and our family.

We will also be having an Anniversary of 40 years of happiness this February 25th.

Quite an Anniversary, ha!




Each place setting is composed of a gold placemat, a surfside charger, white Noritake with gold dinner plate, red salad and saucer from Corona-Colombia  and a small cocotte bowl.

The white doggies are vintage French and they are a couple.

A bleeding heart?...NOT at all, lol!

If anyone wishes, the recipe is at the end of this post.


All set for our Jasmine tea.

I couldn't help it and I cut two pieces for tea time today for hubby and me and it was yummy...really!

 
"Our Romantic Valentine's table for Two. 2015"




You know I'm always so thankful when you come to visit, as you leave me such sweet and kind comments, that you make my day...every time!

Thanking the lovely hostesses for having me at their great parties.

A special thanks to the supportive and generous hostesses that feature me at their special parties, such as:

Mary for "Masterpiece Monday"
Maria Elena for "Tuesdays at our Home"

LOVE,
FABBY



CHOCOLATE CHIP POUND CAKE


10 oz. (1-1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; more for the pan
  • 10-1/4 oz. (2-1/2 cups) cake flour or 11 oz. (2-1/3 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour; more for the pan
  • 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. table salt
  • 1-3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 4 oz. very finely chopped semisweet chocolate or 2/3 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  •     
  • Confectioner's sugar and lemon juice for the icing  (optional)   



  • Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-cup Bundt pan, (in this case I used a heart shaped pan)dust the pan with flour, and tap out the excess.
    In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
    In the bowl of a stand mixer, or Kitchen Aid, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and the sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
    On low speed, beat in the yolks until smooth. Stop the mixer and scrape the bowl and the paddle. With the mixer running on medium-low speed, add the whole eggs, one at a time, mixing for at least 20 seconds after each addition. Stop the mixer and scrape the bowl and paddle again.
    With the mixer running on the lowest speed, add half of the flour mixture and mix just to combine, add the milk and mix until combined, and then add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until combined.
    Scrape the bowl one last time, add the vanilla extract, and mix at medium speed until the batter is smooth and fluffy, 20 to 30 seconds.

    Fold in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
    Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Run a knife through the batter and tap the pan against the counter to dislodge trapped air.

     Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only moist crumbs clinging to it, 45 to 55 minutes.
    Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes and then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
    If desired, sprinkle the cake with confectioners’ sugar before serving...or:

    I always love a 'lemon icing' with confectioner's sugar and some lemon juice. (optional)

    I will be partying at:

    Tablescape Thursday     http://betweennapsontheporch.net
    Tasty Tuesdays    www.anyonita.nibbles.co.uk
    Before & After Wednesday    www.thededicatedhouse.com
    Share Your Cup Thursday    http://jannolson.blogspot.com
    Home & Garden Thursday    www.adelightsomelife.com
    It's a Party    http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
    Creative Ways Link Party    www.posedperfection.com
    Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop    http://katherinescorner.com
    Simple and Sweet Fridays    http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
    Foodie Friday    http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com

    Home Sweet Home    http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
    Home Matters Link Party     http://lifewithlorelai.com
    SATURDAY SHOW OFF    http://malevikrosentradgard.blogspot.com
    Food and Crafts-Friday Frenzy    www.mostlyfoodandcrafts.com
    Saturday Sparks Link Party    http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
    The Chain Linky CLIMB Party    http://sewcraftangel.blogspot.com
    The Bouquet of Talent Linky Party    http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
    Create with Joy    www.create-with-joy.com
    Creative Blog Hop    www.clairejustineoxox.com









     








     


    32 comments:

    1. You make everything so special and so pretty Fabby! Love it! And I adore those French dogs, they are exquisite!

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    2. That is such a pretty tablescape, Fabby -- perfect for Valentine's Day! The cake looks good too. :)

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    3. It's beautifully arranged. Happy Valentine's Day.

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    4. Fabby, it all looks so delightful and romantic! Now come to Florida and make my table look like that and bring all the goodies you've there with you! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    5. Aww, Fabby, Happy 40th Anniversary to and Alejandro! Cheers to you both, and to your mother's visit - enjoy!

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    6. How pretty, Fabby! Of course, you have so many beautiful dishes to work with. I can see a very delightful evening spent at this table. It's lovely! Wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day!

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    7. I love how you always give us the recipe!!!
      We will be having a romantic dinner for two at HOME!
      I always read your posts at least twice! Once through and then usually I leave a comment and then I go BACK to linger over the photos one more time!!
      Happy Valentine's Day!

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    8. Thank you for the recipe! I love your 'masculine' table. I also love how all your evening shots are just that little bit more glamorous because of the view of the city lights through the window. Just beautiful!

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    9. Thank you for sharing as usual Fabby, and Happy Anniversary, how beautiful! Forty years! Wow. I love those frenchie poochies, they look sweet. You look ready to have a lovely time. :)

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    10. Dearest Fabby,
      As always, you keep surprising us with lovely and perfectly themed table settings. For your ruby anniversary you still keep surprising your love!
      Sending you hugs and blessings,
      Mariette

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    11. Oh, red and gold...perfect for an intimate dinner with your man, Fabby!
      Yummy looking cake.
      Have a Happy Valentine's Day.

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    12. I love your table! Funny I am making a chocolate chip cookie for Valentine's Day. My husband and I never go out for dinner on Valentine Day. It is very crowded and rushed.
      Everything looks so pretty. Thank you for sharing your beautiful red table!
      Blessings My Friend,

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    13. Fabby, that heart shaped pan is so fun. Your cake looks delicious! Sounds like you have a wonderful meal planned for Sat. Hubby and I hate fighting the crowds as well. We will have a fun fondue dinner for two. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
      hugs,
      Jann

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    14. Your choice of colors for this table is bright and cheery! The cake looks delicious, I know your mother and Alejandro will both enjoy it. Congratulations of your 40th anniversary!!!! Wishing you two many more!

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    15. What a truly lovely AND romantic table. And my oh my, what a gorgeous view. I would really enjoy this table with my loved one. Valerie (candlelightsupper2.blogspot.com)

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    16. Your cake turned out beautiful Fabby! Happy Valentine's Day Weekend-enjoy:@)

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    17. That tablescape is so beautiful, you have one lucky husband to have such a caring you. Enjoy the day.

      http://60-TheNew40.com

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    18. Two is all it takes for romantic dinner and you've certainly set the scene for that.

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    19. Beautiful and romantic Fabby! Love the gold and red colors and that dessert looks way too good! My favorite is the two French dogs nearly nuzzling- so sweet! Have a Beautiful Valentine's Day!

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    20. So beautiful! And much nicer than fighting the crowds out at a restaurant. Enjoy your Valentine's day! Thanks for joining the #HomeMattersParty - we hope to see you again next week. :)

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    21. Your table is perfect- and not so foo foo that it will scare your love away, haha.

      The cake looks yummy, thank tyou so much for the recipe!

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    22. Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Anniversary, Fabby. Your table for two is the perfect way to celebrate. We'd rather dine at home on Valentine's too.

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    23. Love it all, especially the dogs, tea pot and choice of bubbly !

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    24. Fabby,you husband is sure to enjoy the beautiful tablescape that you have ready for him. The cake he will surely indulge in again! Enjoy your quite and romantic evening to the fullest!
      JP

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    25. Happy Valentine Day to you Fabby. Beautiful table as ever. Simple and elegant. Have all the fun on 14th Feb...Love and hugs Sujatha:)

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    26. Lovely table...the gold and reds are perfect together. Elegant!

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    27. Yes, a bit more masculine tablescape today! Lovely dogs!
      We are having some nice cod for dinner today, I think. At it's best right now!
      May be I shuold find the heart shaped cace mold?
      Happy anniversary, and Happy Valentine's Day :-)

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    28. Happy almost Anniversary Fabby!! Your table looks so pretty and that chocolate chip cake looks devine!! Happy Valentines Day my friend!

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    29. Thank you so much for linking up to the CLIMB! I just shared this lovely post on google+ - hopefully you will get some extra traffic.
      Thanks again
      Angie

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    30. Beautiful table Fabby, aww I could just eat a slice of your cake :) Love your candle sticks...

      Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays

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    31. Hi Fabby,
      Lovely table as always, perfect for the occasion that is for sure, loved the addition of the cute Dog couples, they
      are adorable.
      Your cake looks mighty yummy too.
      and Congrats on that upcoming 40 years,
      that is a Hallmark Anniversary, so hope yall have a fun time celebrating.
      We just had our 44th in November, and it is hard to believe it has been that long, course, I can hardly remember being without him........
      Blessings Hon,
      Nellie

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    I love to receive your sweet and generous messages. You always make my day !

    FABBY