circle that date

I can’t believe Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I don’t know about you, but my January wasn’t what I’d envisioned. I was really looking forward to a fresh start to the new year. Hitting the town, trying new restaurants, entertaining, dressing up. Instead, everything seemed to once again take an insular turn. I was hoping getting back out there would add some much-needed oomph to life. Let’s be honest it’s hard to have a spark when your days and nights show little differentiation. That’s when I decided to bring back date-night, even if it had to be in-house.

Every Friday Whole Foods has this incredible special; they offer $1 oysters. For the last couple Friday nights I’ve put on a Shaw-worthy raw bar at our very own dining room table. 

For those of you who saw my last post, this is where I encountered Penelope Pandemic and her cart full of ill will. Since then I’ve become decidedly more strategic. 

I arrive early, head straight to the fish counter, and make sure no one is in sight. The reason- procuring a seafood sampler for two has a high probability of perturbing anyone waiting their turn on my side of the glass. But the result is exceedingly uplifting. And isn’t it much better to annoy a fellow shopper than to be annoyed with one’s spouse?

An upshot of this dinner is that the grocery store does all the heavy lifting. 

A dozen oysters. Be sure not to let them sit in a sealed bag, it’s important that they can breathe in the refrigerator. 

Eight large shrimp.

Six smoked salmon toasts from two ounces smoked salmon on toast points with a smear of whipped cream cheese and a sprig of fresh dill.

Two lobster claws.

And one crab cake.

Portioned into four mini bites, that I bake at 350 degrees for ten minutes until cooked through.

You’ll need a strong glove to protect your hand and an oyster knife.

Lucky for me my hubby has proven to be one stellar shucker.

Only a few ingredients are needed to make this fresh cocktail sauce.

And only a minute to prepare.

A little plate of deviled eggs…

A salad of mixed greens tossed with a bright vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese, craisins and toasted walnuts that I pick up from the store’s salad bar.,,

A quarter recipe of my mom’s famous curry sauce and fresh lemon wedges round out this lavish feast.

Circling this date has really helped remind me who and what’s important. Hon- for me that will always be you!