Thank you so much for your kind birthday wishes yesterday!! Even though Frog Prince is in Atlanta right now, I had a fun day celebrating with my sister and family members. A few of you suggested yesterday that I add a counter to my side bar to have you click in if you've chosen to donate to Feed My Starving Children. See exhibit A to the right.
Switching gears, we're talking romantic treats today! Like these yummy cupcakes with decadent dark chocolate frosting. But, I digress.
Growing up, Valentine's Day was never a big deal at my house. Likely because it was so close to my birthday. And, yes, I got pink heart everything for my birthday. Since then, it's taken a while for me to appreciate Valentine's Day. That said, we still don't celebrate Valentine's Day.
Frog Prince and I, instead, celebrate our own love holiday - Best Friend's Day. Frog Prince was sweet enough to propose this idea when we were dating when he found out about my love-hate relationship with pink hearts and candies.
Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or are just looking for some great date night/day meals, I have a few of our favorite, romantic recipes below. These recipes are quick and easy and can easily become a special tradition in your family -- light a few candles, and have a special date night rather than go out this year.
For Breakfast, consider:
{either put the raspberries in the batter, or serve with raspberry syrup}
These go together quickly and are an extra special treat.
Make this ahead the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning,
and you have a delicious breakfast.
Let your loved one sleep in!
Assemble this casserole the night before,
turn it on in the morning, and 1.5-2 hours later, you have
a delicious breakfast to serve in bed.
Have a lunch date? I recommend:
A tangy twist on a traditional soup.
And, what could be better than the rich red color?
A real special treat soup.
It's not every day you get to enjoy a soup like this.
Both of these soups are excellent served with
(garlic herb butter and mozzarella is one we love!)
or, our personal preference
They're even shaped like a heart!
If dinner is more your style:
This is the dish Frog Prince and I serve only on our anniversary.
It's a re-creation of our wedding meal, and we love it!
Either way you serve this one, you can make them the night before
and bake before your romantic dinner.
This is a light and refreshing dinner.
The white wine makes this amazing.
These chops have great flavor and
it only takes you a few minutes to get them in the oven.
All of these dishes pair wonderfully with green steamed veggies
and, No-Knead Fococcia Bread.
The evening eats typically end with something sweet...
Our favorite romantic dessert is dark chocolate raspberry cake.
Make half a recipe, and bake it in a pie plate or heart-shaped pan for an extra treat!
Another real treat is our Sweetheart Cake.
Cherries, vanilla, and chocolate along with
fresh whipped cream.
Maybe you like a bit more chocolate...
Delicious.
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
One dish + 2 spoons = ....
This one will be a hit too.
Especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Are you cooking for Valentine's Day, or heading out? Or, is your honey cooking for you?
PS - Today is the last day to enter the Kitchen Organization Giveaway -- be sure to enter by commenting on this post.
Linked to: URS, Recipe Swap Thursday, Feasting in Fellowship Friday, I'm Lovin' It, Fun with Food Friday, Sweets for A Saturday, This Week's Cravings
