Happy valentine’s Day!
Traditionally, spring begins today (St Valentine’s Day), the day on which birds chose their mates.
In parts of Sussex Valentines Day was called ‘the Birds’ Wedding Day’. Each year in Britain, we spend around £503m on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine’s Day. Traditionally these were sent anonymously, but nowadays we often make it clear who is sending each ‘Valentine’.
Valentine’s Day Traditions
There are many traditions and tales associated with romance activities on Valentine’s day including:
...the first man an unmarried woman saw on 14th February would be her future husband.
...if the names of all a girl’s suitors were written on paper and wrapped in clay and the clay put into water, the piece that rose to the surface first would contain the name of her husband-to-be.
...if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a rich person.
I’m cooking moussaka for dinner this evening…
Cook 3 x garlic cloves, 1 x onion and 2 x aubergines gently for 5 minutes in olive oil. Add in 1lb of minced lamb and cook until bowned. Add in 3 x plum tomatoes, 1/2 pint of chicken stock and a pinch cinnamon, cumin and nutmeg. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. season and add 1 x tsp of chopped mint. Spoon into a large baking dish.
For the sauce - melt 50g of butter and stir in 25g of flour, then add in 1/2 pint of milk stirring constantly. Add 140g grated gruyere and 50g grated parmesan. Cool slightly, then whisk in 2 x beaten eggs. Spoon the sauce on and then sprinkle some cheese on top. Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 200C. Leave to stand for 5 mins once the top’s golden and serve with salad.
I sent Mark 2 x heart-shaped brownies into his work place. He shared one round at work - and we had the other one for pudding…
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