In Italy, St. Valentine’s Day is called La Festa Degli Innamorati -the Feast of Lovers. While in America, it is quite common to send a Valentine card to a friend or anonymously to someone who you would like to get to know better, this isn’t the case in Italy.  In Italy tradition dictates that St. Valentine’s Day is strictly for lovers.

Also, it is proffered that St. Valentine’s Day actually originated in Italy during the days of the Roman Empire, when Juno, the goddess of love and marriage did some matchmaking as she aided and protected women in love. To delve deeper, it is also theorized that this day devoted to lovers was a very special day and celebrated specifically on February 14^th.

As you can imagine there are numerous stories related to St. Valentine’s Day including one about a man called St. Valentine, who was in reality a priest.  It is believed, also that during the days of the Roman empire when marriage was banned during war time, he secretly married those in love. Once 

 this secret was discovered he was put to death.

Just like here in our Country, the giving of chocolate, flowers and cards is a huge St. Valentine’s Day tradition in Italy.  One can imagine that this time is a super busy and popular time for gifting Baci as lovers and loved ones open the wrappers and contemplate the message inside.

If you are planning on a special meal to show your affection to a loved one, you can write your own romantic phrase and slip it in a box of candy or in a bouquet of flowers or a single red rose. Romance is almost like a necessity for Italians. It’s everywhere, it’s in books and films and music.  In Italy it’s in the air.

Simple things to write are: Ti Amo, I love you – Fu amore a prima vista, It was love at first sight – Amo te oggi e sempre ,I love you today and always – Tu sei mio unico solo -You are my one and only, Sii – Be mine. That little added surprise will surely win her over.

But don’t forget the Baci!  Buona Fortuna!

BUON MANGIATA!

NOTE: The e. 48^th Street Market – 770-392-1499 – has a special “Valentine for 2”, take out dinner. Give them a call and place an order.

GRAND MARNIER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

A Sweet to Enjoy with Your Sweetest on Valentine’s Day

(Un buon dolci da gustare con i tuoi cari)

8 Oz Bittersweet Chocolate – finely chopped
2 Large Eggs and 2 Large Yolks
¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar – packed
½ tsp Orange Zest – grated
1 Cup Heavy Cream
3 Tbs Grand Marnier

Microwave chocolate in a glass bowl, slowly, stirring often and scraping the sides, until melted. 

Stir and let cool.

In a blender, add eggs, yolks, sugar and orange zest and blend until foamy and light in color. About 1 minute.

Add cream and Grand Marnier and cooled chocolate and bend until combined and slightly thickened.

Divide evenly among 4 – 6 custard cups or fancy glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.  Before serving, uncover and let sit for about 15 minutes. 

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and maybe some chocolate shavings. For Valentine’s Day you can substitute Framboise (a raspberry liqueur) for the  Grand Marnier and top it off with a few swirls of whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Or add 2 tsp vanilla instead of the liqueur and top with fresh strawberries drizzled with Fragola Fabbri which is strawberries in a heavy syrup imported from Italy.  So delicious!

Then let Cupid work his magic!

Buon Mangiati!