What Can I Make for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, Wednesday 14th February to be exact, and as a chef, you will understand the importance of creating a memorable dining experience. To help you craft a truly extraordinary menu, we've curated a selection of premium ingredients available from Infusions4Chefs that are sure to captivate the hearts and palates of your guests. Let's dive into the world of culinary excellence with Callebaut chocolate, Ponthier chilled fruit purees, and Essential Cuisine’s Signature Beef Jus.

Chocolate for Valentine’s:

There's no denying the allure of Callebaut chocolate when it comes to creating exquisite Valentine’s desserts. Renowned for its rich flavour and smooth texture, premium Callebaut chocolate is the perfect foundation for crafting decadent treats. 

Whether you're a seasoned chocolatier or a baking novice, Callebaut offers a vast array of products to suit all skill levels and visionaries. The most popular is Callebaut Callets – bite-sized drops of chocolate in various flavours and percentages. 

As a chocolate powerhouse with over 100 years of experience, Barry Callebaut delivers quality and consistency every time. The easy-to-melt format of Callebaut chocolate callets makes it perfect for creating chocolate confectionery or flavouring bakery products, ice cream and desserts. 

If you need some Valentine’s chocolate inspiration: 

• Create the ultimate Valentine’s chocolate fondue to dip strawberries using Callebaut Dark Callets. 
• Craft charming chocolate truffles for Valentine’s gift. 
• Drizzle melted Callebaut callets over cakes for an instant touch of elegance.

• Callebaut W2 White Chocolate Callets 28% 2.5kg - £29.59
• Callebaut 70-30-38 Dark Chocolate Callets 70.5% 2.5kg - £26.99
• Callebaut RB1 Ruby Chocolate Callets 47.3% 2.5kg - £39.99

Fruit Purees Bursting with Natural Flavours:

For chefs who seek to infuse their dishes with the essence of fresh, ripe fruits, without all the prep work, Ponthier’s Fruit Purees are an absolute must. These convenient and versatile purees capture the true taste of each fruit, providing a burst of vibrant flavour that will leave a lasting impression on your diners. 

Ready-to-use, these chilled fruit purees contain 90% fruit content, offering incredible flavour and quality. Going beyond the typical dessert limitations, fruit purees can be used for a multitude of applications in the kitchen. For instance, use Ponthier fruit puree to glaze meat and fish before roasting to create a subtle sweetness. Pipe into miniature tarts with a strong cheese to create a seductive appetiser. Or even make a Strawberry and Balsamic Risotto using Ponthier’s Strawberry Puree for the ultimate Valentine’s pink main course.

Be Inspired for Valentine’s:

We’re pleased to share this simple Passion Fruit Fluid Gel recipe created by the head chef at ICE Restaurant in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Barney O’Connell. 

Use this flavoursome passion fruit gel for an array of dishes. Mix it into salads, use it as a vibrant dipping sauce, incorporate it into desserts and mix it into classic cocktails like Pornstar Martini. 

Ingredients:

• 500g Ponthier Passion Fruit Puree
• 4g Toufood Agar 
• 50ml Water 
• 250g Silverspoon Caster Sugar 

Method: 

1. Mix the ingredients well and bring to the boil for 1 minute. 
2. Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it completely cool down. 
3. Blend the mixture until smooth. 
4. Transfer to a squeezy bottle for easier application.

Elevate Your Valentine’s Main Course:

Valentine's Day calls for a special meal, and beef dishes are amongst the most popular for creating an impressive and romantic meal. Whether it be a succulent steak or Beef Wellington baked to golden perfection, the meal isn’t complete without a rich reduction or gravy. 

For those who understand the importance of a rich and flavorful base, Essential Cuisine Signature Beef Jus is the secret weapon to elevate your savoury dishes. Many chefs and home cooks praise the Essential Cuisine jus for its authentic flavour and ease of use; making it a popular choice for busy kitchens as it saves valuable time without sacrificing quality.

Made with a blend of reduced beef stock and other classic aromatics like onion, carrot, leek, garlic, herbs, and spices, it is the ideal neutral base that allows you to add your signature touches like additional herbs, spices, or wine. 

If you’re stuck for an idea on what to cook this Valentine’s, prepare a succulent beef tenderloin, slow-cooked to perfection, and drizzle it with a reduction made from Essential Cuisine Signature Beef Jus. Accompany it with truffle-infused mashed potatoes and there you have it, an opulent main course that exudes sophistication.

Infusions4Chefs provides culinary artisans like you with the tools to turn your Valentine's Day menu into a masterpiece. With the premium quality of Callebaut chocolate, the vibrant flavours of Ponthier fruit purees, and the umami richness of Essential Cuisine Signature Beef Jus, your creations are bound to leave a lasting impression on your guests. 

Happy Valentine’s 

Love,

Infusions4chefs