Latest recipes, kitchen notes and food ideas from MJ’s Fun with Food.
Blushing Strawberry-Basil Crostini with Whipped Feta
Set a romantic tone with these Blushing Strawberry-Basil Crostini, featuring juicy strawberries, fragrant basil, and creamy whipped feta atop crisp toasted baguette slices. This effortless starter is perfect for Valentine’s Day—fresh, vibrant, and ready in minutes. The sweet-and-savory combo is sure to make hearts flutter!
Cooking for one?
I wrote a short, practical guide on building simple, low-waste meals for one person — without batch cooking or stress.
Velvet Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Creamy Mascarpone Swirl
Set the mood for your Valentine’s Day dinner with this silky, vibrant roasted red pepper soup, finished with a dreamy mascarpone swirl. Each spoonful is a cozy blend of sweet peppers, aromatic garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika, making it an elegant yet effortless starter. Perfect for impressing your sweetheart without spending all afternoon…
Rose Petal Ricotta Tartlets with Honeyed Walnuts
Set the mood for your Valentine’s Day celebration with these enchanting Rose Petal Ricotta Tartlets. Creamy ricotta, a drizzle of honey, and crunchy walnuts nestle into crisp pastry shells, while a scattering of edible rose petals adds romantic flair. These easy starters are as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for impressing your sweetheart with minimal…
Luminous Beet Carpaccio with Citrus-Mint Vinaigrette
Start your Valentine’s Day celebration with this radiant Luminous Beet Carpaccio, elegantly sliced and drizzled with a zesty citrus-mint vinaigrette. Each bite is a burst of freshness, marrying earthy beets with bright orange and lemon, and finished with a sprinkle of creamy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios. It’s a show-stopping, easy-to-assemble starter that sets the…
Blushing Strawberry-Basil Crostini with Balsamic Drizzle
Set the mood for your Valentine’s Day dinner with these Blushing Strawberry-Basil Crostini. Juicy strawberries, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil come together on crisp toasted baguette slices, finished with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. This easy starter is a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, ready in minutes but sure to impress your special someone.
Pistachio Rose Mousse Dessert Parfaits with Silken Texture
Indulge in romance with these Velvet Rose Pistachio Mousse Parfaits—a dreamy, elegant dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day. Lush pistachio mousse is delicately scented with rose water, layered with tart raspberry coulis, and crowned with whipped cream and crushed pistachios. This no-bake treat is as stunning as it is effortless, sure to impress your sweetheart with…
Crimson Berry Mascarpone Tartlets with Almond Shortbread Crust
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these stunning Crimson Berry Mascarpone Tartlets, featuring a buttery almond shortbread crust, silky mascarpone cream, and a vibrant medley of fresh berries. Each bite is a harmony of delicate sweetness and tangy fruit, making them the perfect romantic finale for your special evening. Effortless yet elegant, these tartlets will wow your…
Blushing Strawberry Champagne Trifle with Vanilla Bean Cream
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this blushing strawberry champagne trifle, a show-stopping dessert layered with fluffy vanilla bean cream, champagne-soaked sponge cake, and luscious macerated strawberries. Each spoonful bursts with romance and elegance, making it the perfect sweet finale for a special night. No baking expertise required—just a love for decadent flavors and a flair for…
Blushing Strawberry Mousse Parfaits with Almond Cookie Crumble
Sweep your sweetheart off their feet with these Blushing Strawberry Mousse Parfaits, layered with airy strawberry mousse and a delicate almond cookie crumble. This no-bake dessert is as easy as it is enchanting, perfect for Valentine’s Day when you want something light, romantic, and bursting with fresh berry flavor. Each spoonful is a dreamy blend…
Rose-Kissed Pistachio Panna Cotta with Pomegranate Jewels
Enchant your Valentine with this ethereal Rose-Kissed Pistachio Panna Cotta, a creamy, dreamy dessert crowned with glistening pomegranate jewels. The subtle floral notes of rosewater mingle with velvety pistachio and a whisper of vanilla, creating a romantic finale that feels both luxurious and light. This make-ahead treat is perfect for a stress-free, showstopping end to…
Luscious Chocolate-Raspberry Lava Cakes with Hazelnut Crunch
Indulge your sweetheart with these Luscious Chocolate-Raspberry Lava Cakes, featuring a molten chocolate center and bursts of tangy raspberry. Each cake is topped with a golden hazelnut crunch, making every bite a heavenly contrast of textures and flavors. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, these decadent desserts are surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress!
Velvet Red Velvet Soufflé Hearts with White Chocolate Ganache
Sweep your Valentine off their feet with these delicate Velvet Red Velvet Soufflé Hearts, crowned with a silky white chocolate ganache. Light as air yet decadently rich, these individual soufflés rise to the occasion—literally!—making for a romantic, show-stopping dessert that’s easier to master than you think. Whether you’re celebrating with a sweetheart or friends, this…