Flowers, plushy toys, chocolates are popping up everywhere for the red and pink hued holiday. Accent your celebration with Stella Artois.

Sophisticated and hailing from a brewing tradition with roots that trace back to 1366, Stella Artois is an exemplary European pilsener that can pair with a wide variety of dishes. Mild malt and light hops allow the beer to accentuate the richness of certain dishes. From robust meat platters to deep and chocolate flavor, Stella Artois accents the dish without overwhelming the pairing.  Pairing Stella Artois with assorted Valentine’s Day treats will create unique and delectable options for your lovey dovey festivities.

Specifically, Stella Artois is the perfect companion to salted dark chocolate. The light and crisp nature of Stella Artois serves as a contrast to the rich and salty dessert. The rich and bitter chocolate is highlighted by the salt sprinkles while sips of Stella Artois serve as a palate cleanser in between nibbles.

Another, more hearty option is to pair Stella Artois with tiramisu. The creamy and rich flavors are counterbalanced by the mildly malty pilsener flavor followed by a clean and refreshing finish. 

Stella Artois Valentine's Day Pairing

For some, a heart-shaped box of chocolates is good enough to show your love on Valentine’s Day. But to go the extra step, beer is needed to seal the deal in have a special valentine. Coincidentally, beer also makes the perfect substitute for an actual Valentine.

Whatever the case, to make the night special  you can turn to Stella Artois and show up with a pair of bottles, a couple of chalices and a box of chocolates. Better yet, try out the following recipe that cooks with beer to create a beery themed Valentines.

Herbed Lamb Chops

Directions

• Remove the lamb from the fridge 1 hour before you plan to cook it.
  
  TIP: bringing meat to room temperature allows for even cooking. If the meat is cold when you cook it, the outside will be overdone by the time the inside is cooked.
• Using a mortar and pestle, pound garlic with ¾ teaspoon salt.
• Add several grinds of pepper, rosemary, and lemon zest and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Slice your lamb into chops, like so.                                  
• Rub this mixture on both sides of the lamb chops, place in a glass bowl.
• Let the lamb marinate in fridge for several hours, or overnight.
• eat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat for 2 minutes. Swirl in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sear the lamb for 2 minutes on each side. (Do this step in batches).

• Mint Herb Sauce (Optional)
  
  In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, pulse to combine mint, scallions, lemon zest and juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  
  While the blade is spinning, drizzle in the olive oil.
  
  Taste for seasoning.

Serve the lamb alongside your mint-herb sauce. It  pairs perfectly with Stella Artois and a candle lit dinner.