Happy February 15th Day

Riley made her valentine late in the day so she didn't get to post it. She can be so lazy.

Our Valentine's day was very nice, but very low key. I'm not really a V-day kind of girl truth be told. I told Dave "do NOT get me flowers" because I find it offensive that the flower stand outside Gloucester Road tube station was selling a bunch of roses for 50 pounds, yes FIFTY pounds, that today probably cost 20. I'm no sucker, that's for sure.

I made him dinner, although poor Riley couldn't have any so she was mad. My mom did send her some treats, heart shaped ones, so that made her sort of happy. I made Marta's Classic Meatballs (what is it about Valentine's Day that makes meatballs seem appropriate? It's kind of...weird) and her Basic Red Sauce. Both were really good. I also made a dessert recipe I found on her site, but it's actually from Gale Gand. It is a Chocolate-Almond Upside-Down Cake. It was good, easy to make, and I am stuck with about 3/4 of it left so I have been picking at it all day. I sent Dave an email this morning telling him I am mad he left me alone with a chocolate cake, so much for any nice and lovey feelings left over from yesterday. I asked him to take the leftover cake to work, but he didn't so I am eating it. I have no willpower. And I have leftover ice cream so you know I am having some of that AND some cake for dessert tonight. Good times.

Here's some cake porn if you are interested. The cake top (bottom) is slightly roasted almonds, butter, brown sugar and honey. So you have a topping of slightly caramelized, toffee-like almonds on chocolate cake. If you like nuts and chocolate then this porn's for you. (And please note, I am in no way claiming to be a food photographer, I just like playing around with my new camera...)

Awww, hearts. My (slight) nod to Valentine's Day.