
If you haven’t finalized your dinner menu for Valentine’s Day, I have a gorgeous culinary creation and a cocktail or two to add to your list of possibilities.
Butterflied Rib Steak by Marcus Bawdon ~ When I first found Marcus’ site, CountryWoodSmoke, I was originally drawn in by the photography and stayed for the delectable recipes. The carnivore in me was entranced. Take some time, poke around and sign up for updates. You won’t want to miss a single post.
“Beef ribs are a very cheap cut, and are a firm favourite when smoked low’n’slow like these Dinosaur Ribs less common is the method of butterflying the meat out to form a nice butterflied rib steak, which needs cooking over high temperature to at least medium to medium/well, they are a little harder work to eat having a little gristle here and there, but they have a wonderful beefy taste that makes it so worthwhile.” -Marcus Bawdon of CountryWoodSmoke.com
Before, during or after dinner really does require a cocktail or two. It simply wouldn’t feel like Valentine’s Day if chocolate wasn’t involved in some way, and the martini is the perfect way to get your chocolate fix.

Mocha Mint Martini by Shaun the Bartender
For this spirited cocktail, Shaun gives us Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Creme d Cacao, Creme de Menthe and Irish Cream all in one glass. This sounds a bit like a thin mint with a delectable coffee finish.
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz. Vodka
- 3/4 oz. Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua)
- 1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao
- 1/2 oz. Creme de Menthe
- 1/2 oz. Irish Cream
- 1/2 oz. Light Cream
Method: Pour everything into a mixing glass with ice. Shake a few times to blend the cream with the other ingredients. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add three coffee beans into the drink for garnish.
You can find more about Shaun the Bartender at his site.

The All-American Sweetheart Martini by Karen Miner for SheKnows.com
This next cocktail has a delightfully fresh aura for a night of love.The combination of peach, orange and strawberry flavors are a delightful prelude to spring.
- 2-1/2 ounces vodka
- 1-1/2 ounces peach schnapps
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce strawberry puree
- Ice
- Heart-shaped gummy candy (garnish)
Method and Recipe here.
If you are still on the hunt for a few more cocktails, follow the links below.
I know someone who would really love that first one!
:)