Romantic Gestures

Looking to treat your special someone but just don't know what to do? How better to show someone you care then by taking the time and effort to create the gift yourself? Making something with your own two hands is always considered thoughtful and is appreciated by the recipient.

A number of recipes in the 1001Recipes2Send.com Recipes Database make truly fantastic gifts or great additions to a romantic gift basket for your loved one.

How does a romantic bath sound? Perfect for the hard worker is a nice relaxing soak with your own homemade Bath Salts. These also make a perfect addition to a romantic gift basket.

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Bath Salts

• 1/2 cup epsom salt
  
• 1/2 cup baking soda
  
• 1/2 cup borax
  
• 2 drop food coloring
  
• 40 drop scented oil

Directions:

Mix together and put in a pretty bottle.

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There are many more options, enough to fill a huge spa/pampering gift basket. Find recipes for Bath Crystals, Oil, Powder, Bubble Bath, Massage Oil, Easy Scented Soap, Gel Potpourri, Herbal Baths and so much more all in the "Other Category" at:
http://www.1001Recipes2Send.com/Other/

While your special someone is soaking out all of the cares of the world, your pièce de résistance can be cooking away. What would be more appropriate than Herbed LoveBirds for your romantic dinner? This Cornish Hens recipe is not hard to make but it will certainly make a terrific impression.

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Herbed LoveBirds

• 1 package Perdue Cornish Hens
  
• 2 cups dry white wine
  
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
  
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  
• 2/3 cup oil
  
• 8 fresh rosemary sprigs
  
• 10 scallions

Directions:

Whisk wine, vinegar, garlic, pepper, dried rosemary and oil, blend well. Set aside 1 cup of marinade for basting. Add remaining marinade and hens to plastic zip-locking bag. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Cut long green end from 2 scallions and tear each lengthwise into 2 strips. Using strips, tie together 2 sprigs rosemary and 2 scallions. Mince white part of remaining scallions and add to reserved marinade. Place rosemary/scallion bouquet into cavity of each hen.

Bake at 350 F, occasionally basting with reserved marinade for an hour or until juices run clear. Meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh should reach 180 F.

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If there was ever such a thing as a love potion, The Classic Cupid Cocktail would be it. Before you move on to dinner, how about a romantic cocktail hour?

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The Classic Cupid Cocktail

• 3/4 oz. (20 mL) brandy
  
• 1 sugar cube
  
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
  
• 3 oz. (75 mL) chilled, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut, or semi-dry, Freixenet Carta Nevada

Directions:

In a champagne glass, combine sugar cube, bitters and brandy.

While stirring, add the sparkling wine.

Garnish with orange slice and cherry.

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Finally, a tiramisu made just for the two of you. Prepare it just before serving, then sit back and savour each deliciously creamy spoonful with the one you love.

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Frozen Tiramisu for Two

• 8 to 10 small soft ladyfingers, halved 8 to 10
  
• 1/4 cup hot water 50 mL
  
• 2 tsp Instant Coffee granules 10 mL
  
• 1 bar (44 g) Nestle Crunch candy, chopped
  
• 1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur or dark rum 50 mL
  
• 2 cups vanilla, coffee or chocolate Ice Cream, softened 500 mL
  
• Fresh berries (optional)

Directions:

Line bottom and sides of two 1-cup (250 mL) dessert dishes with ladyfingers.

In small bowl, combine water and coffee granules until granules are dissolved; brush over ladyfingers. Divide half of the chopped candy bar evenly between dishes.

In food processor or blender, blend together ice cream and liqueur until smooth; spoon into prepared dishes.

Top evenly with remaining chopped candy bar. Serve immediately, garnished with berries (if using).

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Romance can be in the air anytime of year so don't throw away these recipes, pull them out anytime!