THE FRESH MARKET OFFERS APPETIZING ALTERNATIVES TO RESTAURANT DINING THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Epicureans “In Love” with Tips and Recipes from Gourmet Grocer

Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, The Fresh Market offers an array of products and flavors to spice up the night with someone special. The specialty grocer has also created an online Valentine’s Day Guide that offers perfect last minute meal and gift ideas.

The Fresh Market helps customers lavish loved ones with a homemade meal such as its Pasta with Lobster and Mascarpone Sauce:

 Ingredients:

4 tbsp TFM salted butter, divided

1 tsp paprika

4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, divided

2 TFM Cold Water Lobster Tails

8 oz pasta (we used Cipriani Tagliarelle)

1 tbsp TFM extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp TFM tomato paste

2 c seafood stock

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

8 oz Mascarpone Cheese, room temperature

salt and pepper, to taste

2 roma tomatoes, diced

2 tbsp fresh tarragon, roughly chopped

Preparation:

In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, stir in paprika and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; set aside.

Prepare lobster tails according to instructions on the left, brush with melted butter mixture before baking. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta.  Cook pasta according to package directions.

While the lobster tails and pasta are cooking, prepare the sauce:

In a large, deep sauce pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add tomato paste, 2 tablespoons butter, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice and seafood stock. Stir to combine. Then add garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add Mascarpone Cheese, a pinch of salt and a few grinds from a pepper mill. Continue to stir until well combined. Bring to a boil and reduce Heat to low, simmer for about 5 minutes. Once pasta is done cooking, drain and add pasta to the pan with sauce. Using tongs, gently toss until well coated. Cut cooked lobster meat into large chunks. Toss with pasta and diced tomatoes. Garnish with fresh tarragon. This meal pairs perfectly with a glass of light wine and warm, crusty bread.

A Valentine’s Day dinner wouldn’t be complete without a decadent dessert. The Fresh Market’s private label dipping sauces are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth when paired with mouth-watering strawberries. Once melted on the stove top or in the microwave, the dark, white and milk chocolate sauces are perfect for drizzling, dipping and dunking with a variety of sweet treats.

Coffee lovers can cuddle up with a cup of The Fresh Market’s private label Chocolate Raspberry Kiss Coffee. This 100% Arabica bean, mild roast coffee boasts flavors of ripe raspberries and rich mild chocolate. Available in regular and de-caffeinated, this specialty blend is perfect for a chilly morning or brisk evening.

About The Fresh Market, Inc.

Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: TFM) is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing high-quality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The company currently operates 130 stores in 25 states, primarily located in the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, with plans for continued expansion throughout the country. The Fresh Market is an equal opportunity employer.  For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com.