Happy Tuesday, Noshers! Today, I’m super excited to share an early Valentine’s Day post and spread some Valentine’s Day cheer with a few recipes and a GIVEAWAY! This year, I’m partnering with Le Creuset to highlight a few of their adorably drool-worthy Valentine’s Day offerings – such as the petite heart cocotte and the slightly larger heart cocotte. I looooove my two Le Creuset Dutch ovens and a heart-shaped addition is just out of this world! I mean, just look at this:
For Valentine’s Day this year, I will be making use of two Le Creuset products – the 5 3/4 quart round Dutch Oven and the new large heart cocotte. I’m following the tried and true recipe of Mrs. Julia Child herself to make beef bourguignon, and my own recipe for a large molten salted caramel chocolate cake. Yes – you read that correctly! And, I’m happy to share both recipes with you so you can create your own Valentine’s Day meal!
Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon
- One 6-ounce piece of chunk bacon
- 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pounds lean stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups red wine, young and full-bodied
- 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups brown beef stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves mashed garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- A crumbled bay leaf
- 18 to 24 white onions, small
- 3 1/2 tablespoons butter
- Herb bouquet (4 parsley sprigs, one-half bay leaf, one-quarter teaspoon thyme, tied in cheesecloth)
- 1 pound mushrooms, fresh and quartered
1. Remove bacon rind and cut into lardons (sticks 1/4-inch thick and 1 1/2 inches long). Simmer rind and lardons for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 quarts water. Drain and dry.
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
3. Saute lardons in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a flameproof casserole over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly. Remove to a side dish with a slotted spoon.
4. Dry beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Heat fat in casserole until almost smoking. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and saute until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the lardons.
5. In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the excess fat.
6. Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes.
8. Toss the meat again and return to oven for 4 minutes (this browns the flour and coves the meat with a light crust).
9. Remove casserole and turn oven down to 325 degrees.
10. Stir in wine and 2 to 3 cups stock, just enough so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic, herbs and bacon rind. Bring to a simmer on top of the stove.
11. Cover casserole and set in lower third of oven. Regulate heat so that liquid simmers very slowly for 3 to 4 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.
12. While the beef is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter with one and one-half tablespoons of the oil until bubbling in a skillet. Add onions and saute over moderate heat for about 10 minutes, rolling them so they will brown as evenly as possible. Be careful not to break their skins. You cannot expect them to brown uniformly. Add 1/2 cup of the stock, salt and pepper to taste and the herb bouquet.Cover and simmer slowly for 40 to 50 minutes until the onions are perfectly tender but hold their shape, and the liquid has evaporated. Remove herb bouquet and set onions aside.
13. Wipe out skillet and heat remaining oil and butter over high heat. As soon as you see butter has begun to subside, indicating it is hot enough, add mushrooms. Toss and shake pan for 4 to 5 minutes. As soon as they have begun to brown lightly, remove from heat.
14. When the meat is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan. Wash out the casserole and return the beef and lardons to it. Distribute the cooked onions and mushrooms on top.
15. Skim fat off sauce in saucepan. Simmer sauce for a minute or 2, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly. If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons stock. Taste carefully for seasoning.
16. Pour sauce over meat and vegetables. Cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce several times. Serve in casserole, or arrange stew on a platter surrounded with potatoes, noodles or rice, and decorated with parsley.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Lava Cake
For Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
1. In a medium saucepan over medium flame, heat granulated sugar, stirring constantly. The sugar will first clump (it took me about 5 minutes) and then melt into a golden syrup.
2. Once sugar reaches syrup form, add butter immediately and stir until melted. It will bubble – that’s ok!
3. Slowly add in whipping cream, continuing to stir. Once thoroughly combined, remove from heat and stir in salt. Allow to cool completely.
For Cake:
- 8oz of good quality dark chocolate
- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar plus more for sprinkling
- 4 eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup flour
1. Preheat oven to 425F, and butter large cast iron heart cocotte
2. Melt chocolate and butter over double boiler, stirring until completely combined.
3. Remove from heat and stir in confectioner’s sugar.
4. Add in egg and egg yolks until combined, then stir in flour until combined.
5. Pour batter into buttered cocotte and bake for ~20 minutes, or until top center is set but jiggly.
6. Pour caramel into a squeeze bottle, or a plastic bag with one corner cut off to make a nozzle. Using a chopstick or knife, poke 3-4 holes into the top center of the cake. Using bottle or bag, gently and slowly fill cake with caramel sauce until you see some overflow
7. Sift powdered sugar onto cake and serve immediately.
Yup, both the beef bourguignon and the molten cake were bowl scraping, finger-lickin’ good, if I do say so myself. But don’t take MY word for it. That’s right – you have the chance to win your very own large Le Creuset heart cocotte to brighten up your kitchen and try your hand at making a dessert for your Valentine (or for yourself)! Offered in pink or red (a tough decision, I know!), the lucky winner gets his or her choice of color.
For your chance to win your very own Le Creuset heart cocotte enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. This 52 second video provides a tutorial on how to enter a giveaway for Rafflecopter newbies! There are 6 methods of entry, with the first method (commenting on this blog post) being mandatory and the rest just extra gravy (4 via Rafflecopter and 1 via Instagram tag)!
Good luck, and happy Valentine’s Day! 🙂
Note: Prize and review product provided by Le Creuset, opinions are my own. Please note that prize can be shipped to a US shipping address only.
93 Comments
Katie
February 2, 2016 at 11:33 amSome day I will make Julia Child’s Beef Bourguinon, but if I won the heart cocotte, I might have to make a gluten free chocolate cake because I’m drooling over yours! Mmmm!
rebecca
February 2, 2016 at 11:34 amI would make a nice, hearty chicken soup. Something warm and comforting!
Susanna
February 2, 2016 at 11:37 amGrowing up, my mother cooked many Julia Child recipes – but I’m not certain I’ve had this one yet. The heart cocotte is darling!
Bailie @ Brightly Bailie
February 2, 2016 at 11:47 amI would try a traditional Swedish kladdkaka which I love and is really indulgent and perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Jill Hopkins
February 2, 2016 at 12:07 pmThat cake sounds so good! I already have that pot so I won’t get in on the giveaway I just wanted to come here to say it’s SUCH a great pot! 😀
Liz
February 2, 2016 at 12:08 pmThat looks so delicious!!! What a great give away 🙂
Amy @ The Nifty Foodie
February 2, 2016 at 12:15 pmI would totally make this in the heart cocotte! It looks and sounds fabulous! 🙂
Amy Carter
February 2, 2016 at 12:15 pmI would make braised short ribs… yum!
Ayesha
February 2, 2016 at 12:16 pmMust try that cake! And it would be amazing if my first piece of Le Creuset was heart-shaped!
Liz
February 2, 2016 at 12:18 pmYum!! I’d love to try making a molten cake too, my husband is obsessed with dark chocolate cakes.
Amy
February 2, 2016 at 12:24 pmi would have to make that cake! looks so yummy and so cute in the heart cocotte!
Kristen
February 2, 2016 at 12:58 pmI would whip up a delicious vegetable & ramen soup (perfect for this cold weather)!
Ashley
February 2, 2016 at 1:06 pmI would make a pie! Berry or apple 🙂
Josie
February 2, 2016 at 1:06 pmI’d make a nice pot of homemade mac and cheese.
Akua
February 2, 2016 at 1:07 pmThat pan is so cute. I def want to try to make the beef bourguignon.
Tabitha
February 2, 2016 at 1:18 pmi’d make chocolate cake!
Danielle
February 2, 2016 at 1:22 pmI would DIE for red Le Creuset to match my red kitchen!!!!! and I’ve always wanted to make pork shoulder in one!
Kathy
February 2, 2016 at 1:26 pmI’ve always wanted to try making bread in one
Catalina
February 2, 2016 at 1:46 pmI’d like to make the beef plate!
Jeannine | The Small and Chic Home
February 2, 2016 at 1:48 pmFirst of all, I want to eat every mushroom in your images. They look delicious!
Second, I haven’t bought myself a dutch oven and every time I’m about to do it, I shy away, wondering if I won’t use it enough to justify the cost. Maybe this will get me started!
Slicey
February 2, 2016 at 1:52 pmI would make the beef bourguignon or my favorite cumin-crusted chicken with sweet potatoes and black beans.
Madison
February 2, 2016 at 2:13 pmI would totally make chocolate cake! The heart shape would be adorable!
Kate F
February 2, 2016 at 2:21 pmWell now the only thing I want to make is the chocolate lava cake! And not share once single bite of it. Nope, all for me one pretty heart cake. Drooooolll…
Lauren
February 2, 2016 at 2:49 pmIs it bad if I cancel my plans tonight and just make that chocolate lava cake instead? Because I’m drooling right now.
Raina DelRio
February 2, 2016 at 3:34 pmI would make that delicious chocolate cake. It is perfect for Valentines day!
Ali
February 2, 2016 at 3:36 pmTotally a chocolate suffle!
Ali
February 2, 2016 at 3:37 pmComment saying you followed @bigapplenosh on Instagram
taryn
February 2, 2016 at 4:06 pmI’ve always preferred savory over sweet – I think i would use this to serve a creamy lobster bisque! Or a lava cake!
Maya
February 2, 2016 at 4:28 pmI would definitely make a beef stew of some kind — so lovely for winter!
rust
February 2, 2016 at 4:41 pmThe first thing I would make is spicy seafood gumbo!
chickie brewer
February 2, 2016 at 4:48 pmI’m not sure, but I like that cake you made!
Eileen
February 2, 2016 at 4:50 pmI love Creuset and would most likely make a big meatloaf or roast chicken – both are my husband’s favorites!
Amanda
February 2, 2016 at 6:09 pmI don’t even know what I would make but it would be something fancy and delicious! I might just start with these recipes! 🙂
Kelsey
February 2, 2016 at 7:49 pmEek!! I would love to make a little cake too!
Lindsey
February 2, 2016 at 7:58 pmThis is so darling. I’d love to add it to our kitchen equipment.
brooke @ claremont road
February 2, 2016 at 8:33 pmI’d make that lava cake, pronto!!
sixsixsickgirls
February 2, 2016 at 8:35 pmI would copy your lava cake recipe. What are the chances that it will show up one day at a Tongsgiving dinner?
Marissa J.
February 2, 2016 at 8:40 pmWhat a delicious Valentine’s Day meal! The cake looks especially decadent, too. That recipe would be my perfect way of breaking in a new Le Creuset heart cocotte. ❤️
Emily
February 2, 2016 at 8:48 pmI would obviously have to try this lava cake recipe!!
Nicole Huckins
February 2, 2016 at 9:13 pmThat salted caramel chocolate lava cake looks like Heaven!! First recipe for sure.
Samantha
February 2, 2016 at 10:20 pmI would totally make this first, it looks so delicious. Chocolate and Caramel are my favorite together.
Butter
February 2, 2016 at 10:48 pmI would make a heart shaped apple pie! And maybe a baked French toast…
Cassie
February 2, 2016 at 11:06 pmI’d have my Valentine make up a giant batch of my favorite dish: lobilla pollo!
Jenna
February 2, 2016 at 11:13 pmI think my husband would be really disappointed if I didn’t make that salted caramel chocolate lava cake! That’s right up his alley!
Sarah
February 3, 2016 at 12:29 amI’d make this, looks great!
Jenn
February 3, 2016 at 1:14 amI’d make some matzo ball soup first if I won.
Julie
February 3, 2016 at 2:03 amI would make some sort of dessert
Leah
February 3, 2016 at 8:48 amI would make this for sure! Looks so delicious!
Bridge
February 3, 2016 at 11:24 amThat cake looks divine!!
Bridge
February 3, 2016 at 11:26 amI would love to make chocolate souffle or blackberry crumbles in the heart cocotte with my daughter if we won!
Bridge
February 3, 2016 at 11:29 amI follow you on instagram!
Brooke
February 3, 2016 at 11:46 amThis is the most adorable pot ever!
Vanessa pennachio
February 3, 2016 at 12:29 pmThat chocolate lava cake looks amazing! That would definitely be the first thing I would make if I won!
Ngoc
February 3, 2016 at 12:55 pmlamb curry!
rust
February 3, 2016 at 7:56 pmI followed you on instagram as rusthawk1.
Cyndi br
February 3, 2016 at 8:40 pmI would make beef pot roast.
Martine
February 3, 2016 at 9:01 pmThat heart shaped Le Creuset is everything!! Awesome recipes 🙂
Kristin Goodson
February 3, 2016 at 10:07 pmI would make a homemade sweet potato casserole in that dish!
mita
February 3, 2016 at 11:34 pmI would make a pie
Tina W
February 4, 2016 at 3:16 amI would make my honey a beef pot pie loaded with mushrooms, just the way he likes it.
Tina W
February 4, 2016 at 3:20 amI followed @bigapplenosh on instagram.
*jealous that you have full access to KC barbecue!
Brenda Haines
February 4, 2016 at 10:03 amI would make chocolate souffle first! Thank you so much for the chance to win this amazing Le Creuset Heart Cocotte! 🙂
cyndi br
February 4, 2016 at 11:50 amI followed you on instagram
latanya
February 4, 2016 at 4:09 pmI would make pot roast
David
February 4, 2016 at 5:18 pmMost of our meals are made on the stovetop in a dutch oven. I would use this for chicken breasts, home fries, desserts, etc.
Jessica To
February 4, 2016 at 6:10 pmI would make a roast and potatoes.
Kenya F
February 4, 2016 at 7:40 pmThe Salted Caramel Chocolate Lava Cake for sure!! Omg it looks soooo good!!!
Kenya F
February 4, 2016 at 7:43 pmI follow @bigapplenosh on instagram…mines is kfloveinme
DJ
February 4, 2016 at 8:39 pmI would make minestrone soup.
DJ
February 4, 2016 at 8:40 pmI am following on instagram.
Lili
February 5, 2016 at 3:13 pmOmg this would be fantastic for my weekly meal
Prep!!!
Valerie
February 5, 2016 at 3:26 pmThis would be wonderful for making stews and shredded chicken
Terri
February 5, 2016 at 3:29 pmI’m moving towards an induction cooktop system, and I want all the LeCreuset! I would love to step up my dessert game and try this chocolate dish:)
Jody
February 5, 2016 at 3:39 pmI’d make some kind of cake, for sure. Probably a French vanilla or plain white cake (because those are my husband’s favorites) and serve with fresh berries.
Maria
February 5, 2016 at 3:40 pmThat little heart cake is just too cute! I would probably make something similar — a cake or similar that would hold the adorable heart shape!
Kate
February 5, 2016 at 3:42 pmThat pot is to die for!! I’d make that cake 🙂
Jess
February 5, 2016 at 3:48 pmI would make allll the cakes (and cobblers and other yummy desserts).
Elle
February 5, 2016 at 3:59 pmI would make an apple cobbler.
Francez
February 5, 2016 at 4:08 pmThat looks perfect to make some type of chocolate dessert
NYC Food Blog: Big Apple Nosh | New York | Restaurants | Recipes | Reviews | SuperBowl Eats – What Will You Be Making?
February 5, 2016 at 4:30 pm[…] Only 2 days left to enter my Le Creuset Valentine’s Day giveaway! What are you waiting […]
Geek in Heels
February 5, 2016 at 4:36 pmI’m not much of a cook but I would love to win this for my sister!
Kelsey
February 5, 2016 at 5:33 pmUm, can I move in?? You make complicated dishes look so easy and so beautiful!
Kelsey
February 5, 2016 at 5:34 pmI followed you on IG, too 😉
Melissa
February 5, 2016 at 5:42 pmIf I don, I’d make your salted caramel molten cake. It looks incredible!
Galen
February 5, 2016 at 8:48 pmAhh that salted caramel cake sounds amazing. I need a heart coquette!! Adorable.
Laura
February 5, 2016 at 9:59 pmLove!!!
susan mongeau
February 5, 2016 at 11:05 pmLamb stew!
Susan Christy
February 6, 2016 at 2:08 pmI’d make a roast – it’s been a long time since I had a good one!
Lynda M.
February 6, 2016 at 3:54 pmI would bake a chocolate lava cake for Valentine’s Day!
Amy Z.
February 6, 2016 at 4:46 pmI would make an almond cake! But the beef bourguignon sounds amazing too 🙂
Ty
February 6, 2016 at 8:19 pmI would make chicken and dumplings!
jodi
February 7, 2016 at 12:29 pmI am thinking that cake. it looks delish!
Bridgett Wilbur
February 7, 2016 at 2:58 pmI would make a nice comfort food of home made mac and cheese.