Valentine Menu Starter: Roasted Tomato Salad with Asparagus and Black Olives

Feeding the Family

Recipes

Published on Wednesday, 23 January 2013 09:02

Last Updated on 29 January 2015

Monica Costa

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A Roasted Tomato Salad with Asparagus and Black Olives will be a perfect Valentine Menu Starter. Avoid the set menus and create an aphrodisiac-filled feast at home this Valentine’s Day with London Mums Valentine Menu.

We all know that using asparagus, strawberries and chocolate are tried and tested ways to stimulate your senses, but did you know that olives are equally as effective? True story; the black olive increases desire and passion in ladies, while the green variety improves the strength and energy of men.

Don’t believe us? Well you can only try this Valentine Menu at home that is guaranteed to get hearts racing…

– Aphrodisiac one: 6 garlic cloves peeled and halved. Improving blood circulation, garlic makes erogenous zones more sensitive.

– Aphrodisiac two: 24 asparagus spears. A well-known mood-boosting food, asparagus stimulates both mind and body in both men and women.

– Aphrodisiac three: a handful of chopped, pitted black olives. Encourages energy and makes women feel more passionate.
– 750g cherry tomatoes
– 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Main: Fillet Steak with Green Olive Tapenade

– Aphrodisiac four: 60g pitted green olives. Proven to make men stronger and more energetic.

– Aphrodisiac five: 1 crushed garlic clove
– 4 beef fillet steaks
– 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley
– 2 tsp baby salted capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Dessert: Millionaire’s Shortbread with Black Olive Caramel

Check the full recipe here.
Olive caramel
– Aphrodisiac six: 100g pitted black olives
– 200g caster sugar
– 50g liquid glucose

Chocolate topping

– Aphrodisiac seven: 200g plain chocolate. Full of mood-lifting agents that cause an increase in heart rate and feelings of well being, chocolate provides feelings of euphoria associated with love.
– Knob of butter

Shortbread

– 175g butter
– 5 tbsp caster sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 175g plain flour
– Pinch of salt

Garnish

– Aphrodisiac eight: a handful of strawberries. Containing essential vitamins and minerals, strawberries boost libido. They’re the food of love, after all!

Starter: Roasted Tomato Salad with Asparagus and Black Olives

– Aphrodisiac one: 6 garlic cloves peeled and halved.

– Aphrodisiac two: 24 asparagus spears.

– Aphrodisiac three: a handful of chopped, pitted black olives

– 750g cherry tomatoes

– 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to fan 180c/ conventional 200c/gas6. Spread the tomatoes out on a large baking tray and prick each one with a fork. Sprinkle with olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and scatter with the garlic cloves. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.

2. Lay asparagus flat in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Splash with 3 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roll the spears until they are hot and evenly coated with oil.

3. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and pour off the excess juice. Push tomatoes to one side of the tray and lay the asparagus next to them. Return to the oven and roast for a further 15 mins. Sprinkle with the olives before serving them warm or at room temperature.