This Valentine’s Day, take the opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms. And what better way to do that than by preparing a special dinner, made with love?
A menu starring Montasio, a cheese that has been enchanting taste buds for centuries. Its soft texture, delicate aroma, and rich, enveloping flavor will set the perfect scene for a romantic evening.
We’ve selected three recipes to create a complete dining experience—one that will melt hearts and delight the senses.
Montasio Stravecchio & Rosemary Bites
A simple yet irresistible appetizer, perfect for kicking off your romantic dinner.
Ingredients:
- 30 g flour
- 1 egg
- 60 g of grated Montasio Stravecchio
- 30 g melted butter
- 25 g semi-skimmed milk
- 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary
- pepper
In a bowl, mix the flour with the Montasio Stravecchio. Add the melted butter and stir until fully incorporated. Beat in the egg, then slowly mix in the milk until smooth. Finally, add the rosemary and a pinch of black pepper.
Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and fill heart-shaped molds (or use mini muffin tins if you don’t have heart-shaped ones). Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 220°C for another 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve warm or at room temperature.
For a twist, try replacing the rosemary with crushed pink peppercorns or simply enjoy them plain!
Beef Rolls with Fresh Montasio & Polenta Hearts
A rich, flavorful main course that brings together the savory taste of beef, the creamy softness of Montasio, and the comforting crunch of polenta.
Ingredients:
- 6 thin beef round slices
- 6 slices of Montasio Fresco cheese
- 3 Speck slices
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- ½ glass of dry white wine
- salt
- 4 slices of pre-cooked polenta
Lay out the beef slices, gently flatten them, and place a slice of Montasio on each. Roll them up and wrap each one in half a slice of speck, securing with a toothpick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the polenta into heart shapes.
In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the beef rolls with the rosemary until golden on all sides. Deglaze with white wine, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, grill the polenta hearts in a pan until crispy. Serve everything hot, pairing the beef rolls with the polenta hearts for a visually stunning and delicious dish.
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
A luscious, heartwarming dessert—one bite, and you’ll be head over heels!
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons hazelnut spread
- 50 g butter
- 60 g chopped dark chocolate
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 20 g flour
Spoon two small heaps of hazelnut spread onto parchment paper and freeze for at least two hours.
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Melt the butter and chocolate over a double boiler, then stir in the sugar. Beat in the egg, then fold in the sifted flour.
Fill two oven-safe ramekins about ¾ full with batter. Place the frozen hazelnut spread in the center, then cover with the remaining batter. Bake for 13-15 minutes, let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
For the ultimate treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
