Valentine’s Day brings to mind love notes, flowers, Elvis Presley and cupid. Celebrated annually on February 14, it is even a holiday in some countries. It is a time when foods of all kinds morph into hearts of all colours (mostly red), tastes (mostly sweet) and dimensions. Brood not, singles, for Valentine’s Day isn’t just about spending time with your partner – it could be your family, your friends, your pet or even yourself.
No matter who you are spending this year’s Valentine’s Day with, these stories from Gulf News readers and UAE expatriates will tell you how food lies at the heart of all things love.
A day baked with love
For 30-year-old Gulf News reader, Razia Ali based out of Bangalore in India, Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to baking. “I look forward to February 14 because that’s the only time I can get back to baking. I love cooking but I can’t do it as often. Moreover, baking sort of reduces the mess a lot and I get to spend quality time with my husband.”
I typically turn towards gluten free, dark chocolate mousse cake or when not cakes, it’s got to be our all-time favourite ‘oat peanut cookies’, which we first made on Valentine’s Day, a few years ago
Ali works in the media industry in Bangalore, and her tight work schedule has made her opt for a healthier lifestyle as well. “Eating healthy is a choice we made few years ago, and I try to incorporate as much goodness into home cooking as possible. When it comes to home baking – I typically turn towards gluten free, dark chocolate mousse cake or when not cakes, it’s got to be our all-time favourite ‘oat peanut cookies’, which we first made on Valentine’s Day, a few years ago. I also have my daughter help a little, because she loves to watch the baking process. So, while most people go out and eat food, we actually love to stay in and eat what we baked and drink a hot cup of coffee.”
Every day is Valentine’s Day
Gulf News Food caught up with Dubai-based Spanish expatriate and Executive Chef of Asador de Aranda Restaurant, Antonio Santos, who believes that Valentine’s Day is every day. “I have celebrated Valentine’s Day for almost 20 years now. I grew up watching my parents celebrate it in their own little way and then I decided to make it special in my own way. I often prepare two-part meals for my fiancée, which is dinner, followed by dessert. Last year, I made a seafood meal, with prawns, lemongrass and wasabi. For dessert, we had a chocolate and coconut parfait. This year will be different for sure, but a unique meal is a must every year.
I’ve understood that once you find the right person for you, you should celebrate your love throughout the year, without missing out on Valentine’s Day
“I never liked the idea of Valentine’s Day initially, because I thought you should celebrate it all year and not just on a particular day. Over the years, I’ve understood that once you find the right person for you, you should celebrate your love throughout the year, without missing out on Valentine’s Day, where you can make it extra special. Today, I try to make a meal for my partner whenever I can, but I do put in a little more effort on February 14.”
Love is a cup of instant noodles
I celebrate with extra spicy Korean instant noodles... I wish every day was Valentine’s Day and I could do this more often
For 24-year-old Abu Dhabi resident and Indian expatriate Briji Jose, Valentine’s Day is the time to indulge in some self-love. “On Valentine’s Day, I celebrate with extra spicy Korean instant noodles, which have spicy sauces added to it. It’s easy to make, makes me happy and it’s love at first bite. Pair it with a soft drink and watch a funny movie – it is absolute bliss. I wish every day was Valentine’s Day and I could do this more often.”
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