Valentine's Day: Some 'Love Bites' to try

It is no surprise that this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations will bear the brunt of social-distancing, with many ditching elaborate meals at fancy restaurants, for simple, home-cooked meals, savoured in the comfort of their homes. The idea of spending yet another day at home, slaving away in the kitchen, can easily risk sounding unadventurous, when pitted against eating lavish meals outside. Chef Tamam, popularly known as Tamam’s Kitchen on social media, certainly begs to differ. The Insta-famous chef, recipe developer and food blogger of multiple cuisines emphasises the importance of celebrating the uplifting spirit of love, especially during such challenging times, albeit from home.

Tamam is a culinary chef known for her unique Middle Eastern touch that adds zest to the unique variety of cuisines she prepares in her kitchen. Food has always been a way of expressing love and celebrating families coming together, for the Palestinian chef-blogger, who adds: “Any meal that brings people together, for me, is like celebrating Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be a fancy meal.” From preparing meals together, plating dishes and setting up the dinner table, there is ample room for couples to spend some quality time together for this special occasion. The culinary artist will be spending the day, making bite-sized food canapés with her children. These mini-food items make for an aesthetic spread for your at-home Valentine’s celebrations.

SABLE

Butter: 3/4 cup

Sugar: 2/3 cup

Egg yolks: 2

Salt: A pinch

Vanilla: 1 tsp

All-purpose flour: 2 cups

Method:

*In food processor blend butter and sugar until creamy for 2 minutes.

*Add egg yolks and vanilla and process for 30 seconds.

*Add 1 cup flour and process till mixed.

*Shape the mix into a ball and cover with cling film and chill for 30 minutes in fridge.

*After 30 minutes roll the dough between plastic mat and cling film into 1/8 thickness and cut with cookie cutter.

*Place the cookies in fridge for another 30 minutes; then bake at preheated oven at 360F till edge turns golden.

*Take them out of oven and cool completely.

*Take one heart shape cookie and spread one teaspoon of strawberry or raspberry jam on top; top with another cookie sprinkled with icing sugar.

*Refrigerate till serving time.

SHREDDED CHICKEN ON TOAST

Shredded roast chicken: 2 cups

Red chilli powder: 1 tsp

Mayonnaise: 4 tbsp

Brown bread cut into medium size heart shapes with cookie cutter and toasted in oven: 8 slices

Method

Mix all ingredients together, spread one tablespoon of toppings on toast and serve immediately.

Preparation time: 15 minutes (time for roasting chicken not included)

• Dubai