Valentine's Day Appetizer Suggestions?

By Alissa -
We are having another couple over for Valentine's Dinner at our house. So far the menu looks like this:

Appetizer: Uh, this is where I need your help
Entree: Beef Daube Provencal (red wine beef stew), mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, crusty bread
Dessert: Caramel Chocolate Pie or chocolate fondue with fruit (haven't decided yet)

Any suggestions for a nice appetizer? Preferably something that does not involve too much cheese or mushrooms.

Comments

Alison Kilpatrick said…
What about crostini topped with buffalo mozzarella drizzled with browned butter and sage? Haven’t made it in awhile, but perhaps I’ll post it on my blog on Friday in time for V-day. It’s a very easy appetizer that never disappoints.
11:32 AM
Anonymous said…
Something seafood maybe? You could do a shrimp cocktail, or some crab dip.
11:32 AM
Kelly said…
CRAB DIP! Seriously, and it could not be easier. Serve with cut up veg or thinly sliced toasted baguette. It's a winner every time. Maybe some edamame? Also, if you don't like that idea, what about a savory palmier? Puff pastry + shredded gruyere + thinly sliced ham = delicious.
12:47 PM
Alissa said…
I love crab dip, but I'm not sure it's the best for Dan, who is trying to reduce his cholesterol. He's already going off-diet with the beef stew, but he hasn't had it in a long time and requested it. I thought I would try to keep the appetizer low-cheese, which doesn't really make crab dip (with cream cheese and sour cream) the best option. Although now I want some. Right now. :)

I was thinking maybe some pan-seared scallops... I've never made them, but I like to get them out at restaurants.
2:02 PM
gwen said…
I was actually thinking scallops - they're pretty easy to do (but also easy to overcook, so watch out). Shrimp and crab are both high in cholesterol, but scallops aren't. And they seem sort of fancy but aren't... I think I just used Bittman's recipe.

Also, you could try baked ravioli -- http://foodgoodness.blogspot.com/2009/01/baked-spinach-ravioli.html -- there's some cheese, but it's not a huge amount in each ravioli and you can use part-skim ricotta.
7:47 PM
gwen said…
OK, what did you decide? :)
8:57 AM
Alissa said…
Lol. I decided to assign the appetizer to the guests, who asked what they could bring. They brought bruschetta.

Although, if I was going to make the appetizer, I had decided on seared scallops.
9:49 AM
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