Wanted to wish all who celebrate it the Happiest of Valentine's Days! While at this late stage you have likely already made plans, should you still be wondering about dessert, I've just posted a recipe for a marblized chocolate and orange bavarian cream that will fit the bill handsomely. Auguri!

Moving in a quite different direction, a couple of weeks ago I was in Taurasi on a wine tasting trip; Luciano Pignataro, friend and colleague who covers food for Il Mattino di Napoli (and whose personal site is fantastic), took us to Da Pino. A very traditional place, where we began with a delightful mix of Antipasti (pictured are the cold cuts), and continued with home-made fusilli al ferro with a simple tomato sauce, followed by pork braciole. If you chance to visit Irpinia, the mountains inland of Naples, they are well worth a stop.

The other new thing is the list of wines that most impressed me from this year's Chianti Rufina presentation -- Classic Tuscan reds, and while the vintage wines will be nice with quick meats or pasta now, the Riserve will age very nicely.

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With the frigid weather we're having, and snow expected later today through tomorrow, practicality also demands warmth -- there's nothing romantic about shivering together -- and what better way to provide that warmth than by something slowly and lovingly cooked in the kitchen?

• Peposo, for example, will fill the house with delightful aromas, while its peppery zing will ignite fires within...
• Risotto alla Fonduta -- I know, risotto doesn't cook long enough to warm a house. But fresh from the pot it's one of the hottest things known to Man, and that has to count for something.
• Pork Loin Stuffed with Dried Fruit is rather voluptuous.
• Cosciotto d'Agnello Al Cartoccio: Leg of lamb and oranges work very well together!

Not cold where you are?

Sea Bass Roasted Al Cartoccio, i.e. in a paper packet, which you and your guest open at table, releasing heavenly aromas...

And to drink with these? Bubbly of course, and though people tend to think of France in these occasions, I heartily recommend Trento DOC. Auguri!

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San Valentino is just a few days off, and as I noted in my last blog post it's time to start planning.

Sweets of course play a very important role, and while chocolate is rightly a major player, it isn't the only possibility.

Take this Torta Rosa, for example. Easy to make, pretty to look at, and very tasty. Versatile too; it's easy to adjust the flavorings to suit your taste at the moment.

Gotta have chocolate?

Baci di Cehrasco, Cherasco's Chocolate Kisses, are of course a good idea, especially if served alongside chocolate-coated candied citrus peels. However, if you want something mouthwateringly libidinous and are less worried about presentation, a chocolate ricotta crumble might be very nice.

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One of the most popular ingredients with which to celebrate Valentine's Day in Italy is salmon: Finely sliced smoked salmon on buttered crostini, smoked salmon in pasta sauce, or fresh fish. A few Ideas:

Pasta with Salmon and Walnuts is more interesting that the standard creamy salmon sauce one often gets
Salmone in Crosta, Salmon in a Pastry Crust, is quite elegant. And very tasty too!
Rotolo di Salmone allo Zenzero, Salmon Roll with Ginger is a tasty newfangled modern Italian recipe I saw done on TV.

More Valentine's Day Ideas
And Something Racy, Too!

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