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Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love and creating cherished memories with your significant other. While traditional romantic gestures are always appreciated, this year, why not take your celebration to a whole new level by infusing it with the irresistible charm of Italy?  

Italy, known for its passion, rich culture, and sumptuous cuisine, offers a unique and romantic way to celebrate this special day. By incorporating Italian elements into your Valentine's Day celebration, you can transport yourselves to the heart of Italy without leaving the comfort of your home. From the enchanting ambiance to the tantalizing flavours, Italian-inspired Valentine's Day celebrations are sure to ignite the flames of love and create lasting memories for you and your partner. 

Central to any authentic Italian dining experience are the ingredients themselves. To truly capture the essence of Italian cuisine and create dishes that evoke the romantic spirit of Italy, it's essential to use high-quality Italian ingredients.  

Lucky for you, Vincenzo’s is your gateway to the finest Italian culinary treasures. From artisanal pasta to exquisite olive oils and flavourful cheeses, our store is stocked with the authentic ingredients you need to bring Italy's culinary magic to your Valentine's Day table. Visit our store, located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo at 150 Caroline Street South (in the Bauer Buildings) or shop online. We carry local products from around the world and have done so proudly since 1967. You’re sure to leave our store with a basket full of delicious items to cook up a romantic, Italian-inspired meal at home.  

Let’s get cooking! 

Setting the Scene for Romance 

Creating a romantic atmosphere at home is essential to set the mood for a memorable Valentine's Day celebration. Pay attention to details like soft lighting, elegant table settings, and tasteful decor, so that you can transform your space into a cozy and intimate haven where you and your partner can fully immerse yourselves in the enchantment of the moment. 

Cooking Together: A Bonding Experience 

Cooking together can be an incredibly bonding and joyful experience for both of you, as it encourages teamwork, communication, and shared creativity in the kitchen. It provides an opportunity to strengthen your connection while creating lasting memories as you collaborate on preparing a delicious Italian meal for Valentine's Day.  

Before you get cooking, take a shopping trip together at Vincenzo’s, where you can explore and select the finest ingredients for your recipes. This is half of the fun! 

Italian Valentine's Day Appetizers 

Appetizers play a crucial role in setting the tone for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. They offer a delightful introduction to the main course and allow you to enjoy a variety of flavours while savouring each other's company. 

Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its appetizers, known as "antipasti." These dishes are perfect for a romantic meal because they often feature fresh, high-quality ingredients that burst with flavour. 

Take, for example, the Caprese salad. It’s a simple dish, yet the creaminess of burrata cheese contrasts beautifully with the freshness of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil.  

Ingredients 

• 4 ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma or vine-ripened) 

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) fresh mozzarella cheese 

• 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves 

• Extra-virgin olive oil 

• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling) 

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 

Instructions 

Prepare the Tomatoes 

Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. 

Slice the Mozzarella 

Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick rounds as well. 

Assemble the Caprese Salad 

On a large serving platter or individual salad plates, start by layering the tomato slices. 

Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each tomato slice. 

Add Fresh Basil Leaves 

Take fresh basil leaves and place one or two leaves on top of each cheese slice. You can tear the basil leaves or leave them whole for a more rustic look. 

Season and Drizzle 

Season the Caprese Salad with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. 

Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil generously over the salad. The high-quality olive oil enhances the flavours of the ingredients. 

Optional Balsamic Glaze 

If you prefer a slightly sweet and tangy touch, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the Caprese Salad. The balsamic glaze adds depth and flavour. You can find balsamic glaze in most grocery stores, or you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens. 

The Main Course: Italian Delicacies 

Italian cuisine offers so many delicious main course options that are perfect for a romantic meal. Consider featuring classic dishes such as: 

Osso Buco: A Milanese specialty featuring tender braised veal shanks cooked in a flavourful broth and served with gremolata. 

Linguine alle Vongole: A pasta dish from the coastal regions of Italy, it combines linguine with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a touch of red pepper flakes. 

Chicken Piccata: A quick and elegant dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a lemony, buttery sauce with capers. 

These dishes not only taste divine but are also relatively manageable for couples to prepare together. Here is our favourite recipe for Osso Buco. 

Ingredients 

• 4 veal shanks, about 1 1/2 inches thick 

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 

• All-purpose flour, for dredging 

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 

• 2 carrots, finely chopped 

• 4 garlic cloves, minced 

• 1 cup dry white cooking wine 

• 1 cup canned tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) 

• 1 cup chicken broth 

• 1 bay leaf 

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 

• Gremolata (optional, for garnish): 

• Zest of 1 lemon 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 

Instructions 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 

Prepare the Veal Shanks 

Season the veal shanks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. 

Brown the Veal Shanks 

In a large ovenproof Dutch oven or heavy skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. 

Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides until they develop a rich golden-brown color. This step is crucial for building flavour. 

Sauté the Vegetables 

Remove the veal shanks from the pot and set them aside. 

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. 

Deglaze the Pot 

Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (fond). Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine has reduced by half. 

Add Remaining Ingredients 

Return the veal shanks to the pot. 

Pour in the canned tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) and chicken or beef broth. 

Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. 

Stir everything together, ensuring the veal shanks are partially submerged in the liquid. 

Braise in the Oven 

Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it braise for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until the veal is tender and easily falls off the bone. 

Prepare Gremolata (Optional) 

While the Osso Buco is cooking, prepare the gremolata by combining lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Set it aside. 

Once the veal shanks are done, remove them from the oven. 

Serve the Osso Buco hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of gremolata, if desired. 

Irresistible Italian Desserts 

Italian desserts are well-known for their decadence and ability to end a meal on a sweet, indulgent note.

For a romantic Valentine's Day celebration, consider featuring classic Italian desserts such as: 

• Tiramisu - A luscious dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa, and a touch of liqueur. 

• Panna Cotta - A creamy, custard-like dessert infused with flavours like vanilla, coffee, or berries and topped with a vibrant fruit compote. 

• Cannoli - Crispy pastry shells filled with a sweet ricotta cheese mixture, often studded with chocolate chips or candied fruits.

• Valentine Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Heart Mini - Layers of raspberry and chocolate mousse around a chocolate biscuit; red mirror glaze & dark chocolate heart.

Due to the nature of the product, supply is limited. Please order in advance. Call 519-741-1437 or email [email protected] 

These desserts not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also evoke the essence of Italian culinary traditions, making them perfect for a romantic meal shared with your loved one. We serve these, and more, at our dessert counter, so come on by and browse! 

Vincenzo’s is your gateway to the finest Italian culinary treasures. From artisanal pasta to exquisite olive oils and flavourful cheeses, our store is stocked with the authentic ingredients you need to bring Italy's culinary magic to your Valentine's Day table.

Visit our store, located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo at 150 Caroline Street South (in the Bauer Buildings) or shop online. We carry local products from around the world and have done so proudly since 1967. You’re sure to leave our store with a basket full of delicious items to cook up a romantic, Italian-inspired meal at home.