Food

Valentine's Side Dishes

January 26, 2009

Asparagus, fennel, and oysters—in elegant presentations—add sophistication and flavor to a romantic meal.

The cooking time for white asparagus depends on its age and thickness. Test for doneness as you go.Christopher Hirsheimer

Ordinary balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar in the syrup accompanies these seared asparagus stalks. See the recipe for Seared Prosciutto Asparagus »Meredith Heuer

Lobster and Avocado Salad — Sliced ripe avocados add a silky bite to an elegant salad tossed with lobster and juicy grapefruit segments. Get the recipe for Lobster and Avocado Salad »Nicole Franzen

See the RecipeChris Granger

Broiled Stuffed Oysters — Grated gruyere can be substituted for garlic in this dish.Jorg Brockmann

This recipe is borrowed from: Sally Clarke's Book: A Restaurant, Shop and Bakery (Mc Millian). Sally Clarke is a top chef and restaurateur in London. See the Honey-Roasted Belgian Endives and Parsnips RecipeMartin Brigdale

Oyster Stew — This dish, made creamy with milk and butter, smells like a beautiful day at the beach.James Baigrie

Asparagus covered with luscious, full-flavored hollandaise is a simple yet satisfying vegetarian side-dish. ** See the recipe for Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce »**André Baranowski

Braised Artichoke Hearts with Mint
This classic antipasto calls for mint, a popular herb in Roman kitchens. See this RecipeTodd Coleman

Switch up your classic risotto with nutty spelt, sweet beets, and horseradish for that extra kick.Todd Coleman

The addition of sweet white miso updates a traditional corn cake recipe, perfectly balanced by a zesty topping of pesto.Leah Koenig

Parsley and Onion Salad — Fresh onions add cool spice to this simple parsley salad.Todd Coleman

Risotto alla Milanese — Saffron gives this risotto its vibrant color and flavor.Todd Coleman

Asparagus Mint Slaw — Raw asparagus, carrots, and radishes get tossed with fresh mint and vinegar in this bright and crunchy slaw.Helen Rosner

Pappardelle with Butternut Squash, Walnuts and Baby Kale — A brown butter sauce complements toasted walnuts, roasted butternut squash, and baby kale in a rich pasta dish that perfectly captures the flavors of fall.Helen Rosner

Sautéed Green Beans with Pickled Shallots — Shallots are quick-pickled and sautéed with green beans in this refreshing side.Ariana Lindquist

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