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February 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 29FOOD LOVERS UNITE!On the special lovers%u2019 day, certain foods spring instantly to mind due to their reputed aphrodisiac properties or simply their ability to delight the senses.Produce such as oysters, with their high zinc level triggering thoughts of love, honey from which the word %u2018honeymoon%u2019 comes, chocolate, which can also encourage love, and strawberries, heart-shaped and red, have long since been associated with Valentine%u2019s Day.Today, Valentine%u2019s Day off ers a variety of culinary treats, either from restaurants and pubs off ering special couple%u2019s menus, or from home cooks discovering recipes to create an intimate and exciting night with their loved one. Heart-shaped pancakes, edible gold-adorned sweet treats and hearty dishes that find the way %u2018to someone%u2019s heart through their stomach%u2019 all present opportunities to connect people with the universal language of food.Valentine%u2019s Day has evolved from its historical roots into a modern celebration that combines the power of love with the pleasure of eating. A well-known US cook and TV personality called Ina Garten created a dish called Engagement Roast Chicken, which, it has been said, led to hundreds of couples deciding to get married. The food was just that good.Since then lots of amateur cooks have tried diff erent takes on the recipe, and one of them became Marry Me Chicken which, as the name suggests, has an excellent place on the Valentine%u2019s Day dinner table.Here%u2019s how you make it:Love and food have been deeply connected throughout the years, and they especially come together when Valentine%u2019s Day comes around.INGREDIENTS:4 chicken breastsPlain fl our1 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves1 large onion 4oz sun-dried tomatoes White wine8 fl oz double cream 4 oz Parmesan cheese Chicken stock Fresh basil Salt and pepperMETHOD:In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then season generously with salt and pepper and coat in fl our. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes (with some oil). Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened.Deglaze with half a glass of white wine, allowing it to reduce slightly.Pour in the double cream and bring to a simmer.Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with some chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Return the chicken to the pan and reheat, then top with fresh basil before serving.MARRY ME CHICKEN