Pinkies Beauty Blog

Valentine’s Day 2010 is fast approaching. Still clueless as to what to do or what  to buy for that special some one in your life? We don’t see any reason to stress because we’ve got you covered in this blog with recipes, gift ideas, and fun activities. Read on for hints on how you can make the most of your Valentine’s Day.

Things to Do

Of course you and your special someone should indulge in deluxe services at your favorite Pinkies. Come in with your mom, sister, best friend, and especially your significant other Valentine’s weekend. Check out our website for a complete list of services perfect for you and your sweetheart. http://www.pinkiesnailsalons.com/

Enjoy a delectable prix fixe menu for 2 at Nibbler’s Eatery and Wine Bar in Pleasant Hill. Each course has an indulgent wine pairing. http://www.nibblerseatery.com/documents/ValentinesDay2007_000.pdf

Drop your kids off at Habitot Children’s Museum in Berkeley for Valentine’s Day Parents’ Night Out. You can have a date night while your kids get to eat pizza and do arts and crafts. http://www.habitot.org/hab/events.htm

San Francisco will host its annual Valentine’s Day Pillow Fight at Justin Herman Plaza. Bring a friend, bring a pillow, and let the feathers fly! http://www.sfstation.com/pillow-fight-2010-e261481

The Exploratorium will guide you through unique exhibits to help you get to know your date and test your compatability on their “Ultimate Date Tour.” http://calendar.exploratorium.edu/index.html#/?i=2

Gift Ideas

Pinkies has a fabulous collection of jewelry, handbags, headbands, and lotions to pick from. We carry so many styles that we are sure you can find just what you are looking for. Use this coupon for ‘”buy 2, get one 1 free” on our accessories through the end of February. http://www.pinkiesnailsalons.com/promotions/feb_jewelry.php?source=homepagePromo

Learn how to make your own special flower bouqets using Sunset Magazine’s online guide http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-valentines-day-00400000040216/

Here is a list of family friendly home made gift ideas http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-gifts-gallery-838248/#Clap Happy;1

7X7 Magazine shares their favorite finds from etsy.com http://7×7.com/blogs/glamwatch/our-pick-litter-etsy-local-v-day-gifts

Is your husband or boyfriend hard to buy for? Marie Claire magazine can help with their top 10 gifts to buy for men for Valentine’s Day http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/relationship-issues/articles/valentines-day-gifts-for-men?click=main_sr

Romantic Recipes

Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze, courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

*serve with asparagus and baby red potatoes

• 2 (4 ounce) filet mignon steaks
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
• salt to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup dry red wine

1. Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over both sides of each steak, and sprinkle with salt to taste.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place steaks in hot pan, and cook for 1 minute on each side, or until browned. Reduce heat to medium-low, and add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Cover, and cook for 4 minutes on each side, basting with sauce when you turn the meat over.
3. Remove steaks to two warmed plates, spoon one tablespoon of glaze over each, and serve immediately.

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini, courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com

• 1 pound linguini
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 shallots, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves

For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguini. Stir to make sure the pasta separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. Drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.

Midnight Chocolate Cake

Cake

• About 1/4 cup salad oil
• About 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/3  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon  baking soda
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1 1/4  cups  sugar
• 2  large egg whites
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla

1. Oil a metal 8-inch-square or 8-inch-wide round cake pan, or a 9-inch-wide, 1 1/2- to 2-inch-deep heart-shaped pan. Line pan bottom with waxed paper cut to fit; oil paper. Dust pan with cocoa, shaking out excess.

2. In a bowl, mix 2/3 cup cocoa, flour, soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl with a mixer, beat to blend sugar, 1/4 cup salad oil, egg whites, vanilla, and 1 cup water. Add flour mixture; stir to mix, then beat until batter is smooth. Scrape batter into prepared pan.

4. Bake in a 350° oven until cake begins to pull from pan side and springs back when lightly pressed in center, 35 to 40 minutes.

5. Let cool in pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Run a thin knife between cake and pan rim, invert cake onto a rack, lift off pan, and gently pull off and discard waxed paper. Let cool about 1 hour. Invert a flat plate onto cake; holding rack and plate together, turn cake over onto plate. Spread cake with whipped frosting, swirling with small spatula. Lightly dust with more cocoa.

Whipped Frosting

• 1  large egg white
• 1/2  cup  sugar
• 1/8  teaspoon  cream of tartar
• 1/2  teaspoon  vanilla

1. Use a double boiler, or snugly nest a 2- to 3-quart metal bowl in a 2- to 3-quart pan. Add 1 inch water to base of double boiler or pan. Bring to boiling over high heat.

2. Meanwhile, in double boiler top or bowl, combine egg white, sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and cream of tartar. Beat with a portable mixer until blended. Nest over boiling water; immediately reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. With mixer on medium speed, beat icing until it holds peaks that curve slightly, 5 to 7 minutes (overcooked, the icing gets grainy).

3. At once, remove icing from  hot water. Mix in vanilla. Use, or if making up to 1 hour ahead, set pan or bowl in cool water to stop cooking, and cover airtight.