Nana loved to cook. Being British, and of a certain age, a good roast dinner was a meat and 3 veg. Don’t ask what veg because I couldn’t tell you! I loved her dearly but it‘s hard to identify something that can be served with an ice-cream scoop. With roughage like that is it any wonder my husband Martin is a devout carnivore? The meat was always amazing. Tender and cooked slow and low. Mild in flavor and very much comfort food! Martin grew up on this menu and will always associate this with London and  home. No way I’m going to seduce the man in my life with the meals he was eating before his feet could reach the kitchen floor!

In my world food equals seduction. The beginning days of our relationship, 22 years ago,  were all about saving up to be broke! I remember toasting heart shaped bread under the grill in our tiny rented house in Coventry, and then spreading on a miniscule dab of pate. We would then share a take away curry and a box of Roses Chocolates. This meant playing Roses Roulette - each of us reaching in with our eyes closed and picking one piece. You had to eat the one you picked or you lost your turn. This was all we could afford but it was fun, sweet and everything was sexy then!

Today we have managed to achieve being slightly more than broke so  we can afford  to try some more adventurous recipes and things are still sexy! With that in mind it is worth knowing that I personally believe that chocolate is a food group! It is hidden in the nutritional pyramid by the Skull and Bones, the Masons or some other powerful secret society. I adore it in just about every form, and if I can work chocolate into a recipe than I’ll try it! Then add spice with Ancho chili and there is one sexy spicy combination!

We grew to depend on all things fiery while living in India. What a world of spice! So many combinations! Mild, distinctive, redolent - mixed with coconut, lamb, seafood, chicken or just about anything we could find. Absolute Bliss! Of course what we did not have was beef - so being the beef eaters that we are, and coming home to where they are not sacred, I discovered my ultimate seduction meal.

3. Evenly coat filets with rub and place on rack in sheet pan. Roast in pre-heated 350-degree convection oven for 10 minutes or until desired doneness. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Keep warm ready to plate for serving.

• 30 ounces (2) sweet potatoes, peeled, trimmed and cut into large cubes
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon milk
• 2 teaspoon maple syrup
• 3/4 teaspoon butter, soft
• 2 ounces pecans, toasted and chopped
• salt and white pepper, fresh ground

  4. Place sweet potatoes in steamer basket in a medium sauce pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Steam for 18 minutes or until potatoes are knife-tender. Turn off heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Pass potatoes through food mill. Warm milk, syrup and butter in small sauce pan. Add to pureed potatoes; mix well. Add pecans and mix. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and hold in warm place for service.

   

Organic Mushrooms

• 16 ounces organic beech mushrooms, trimmed, cleaned and sliced
  *domestic mushrooms may be substituted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• salt and black pepper, fresh ground

  5. Heat oil in large sauté pan over high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 2 1/2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm ready to plate for serving.

To Serve

• extra virgin olive oil

  6. On eight large warm dinner plates, place a 3-ounce portion of sweet potato puree neatly in the center of each plate. Evenly slice beef filet in half and place both pieces on top of puree, cut side up. Spoon a 2-ounce portion of mushroom around beef. Drizzle 1 teaspoon high-quality extra virgin olive oil around each plate. Serve.

   

   

This is my secret weapon that I share here for those who have a chocolate craving, spice loving carnivore they want please this valentines day - or any day.