Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine’s Day: For The Family, For Two Or Just For You

If you’re like me, you completely forgot today was Valentine’s Day. So if you’re not in the mood to do a last minute hunt for somewhat decent looking flowers and rubbish candy, here are some ideas that you can throw together last minute to show your love. Just head to the grocery store, pick up a few things, and you’re well on your way to a memorable V-Day.

For The Family: Personal Pizza Pies (And Cookie Pops), That's Amore!

I am a firm believer that food is filled with love. For dinner tonight, get the whole family in the kitchen to help make an easy and super fun meal.

For the pizzas, you’ll need:
  • Pita Bread
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
  • Pepperoni (regular, low fat, turkey or vegetarian work well)
  • Italian blend seasoning
  • Olive Oil
Preheat the oven to 350*. Place the pita bread on a cookie sheet and lightly brush with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes.

Cut the pepperoni into heart shapes and set aside.

Take the pita out of the oven. Top with marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni hearts. Bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

For the Oreo pops, you’ll need
  • A pack of Double Stuffed Oreos
  • Popsicle or lollipop sticks
  • Chocolate (white, milk or dark will work fine, depending on your preference)
  • Valentine’s day sprinkes
In a pot, bring water to a slow boil. Place a heat resistant bowl (one that is safe for oven use as well) over the pot. Pour chocolate into the bowl and stir until the chocolate is melted.

Insert sticks into the Oreos and dip them into the chocolate. Before the chocolate sets, add the sprinkles.

Set on parchment paper to dry while you enjoy the pizzas.

For Two: Honey (Salmon), Oh Sugar Sugar...

If you didn’t already make a reservation for dinner, or if going out to eat isn’t in your budget, try this easy meal for you and your honey that will be sure to please. Plus, the dessert is perfect for a romantic night. Feed each other chocolate dipped fruits and enjoy each other.

For the salmon dish, you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • two 6-ounce pieces salmon fillet
In a small bowl whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, mustard, and water. In a small non-stick skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and cook salmon 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden and just cooked through. Transfer salmon to 2 plates. Add honey glaze to skillet and simmer, stirring, 1 minute. Pour glaze over salmon.

Serve with either rice or a spring salad and enjoy! A Sauvignon Blanc is a great option to pair with this meal.

For the chocolate dip, you’ll need:
  • ½  c. milk (almond or soy milk are fine.)
  • 1 Tbs. butter
  • 2 Tbs. Kahlua or other liqueur
  • 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • dash of salt
  • Kabob skewers
  • Fresh fruits and/or cake for dipping
In a sauce pan, melt butter and chocolate with the milk, stirring to combine. Stir in the liqueur, then pour into a bowl. Place bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool off. Serve with the fresh fruits and cake.

Just For You: Love yourself!

Today doesn’t have to be Singles Awareness Day (S.A.D.)! You can show love to the one person who deserves it the most… YOU! You can make yourself the meal above (and save the rest for lunch tomorrow). But if you’re not in the mood to cook, indulge in an at home spa treatment. Try this bath that will moisturize the skin as you relax.

You’ll need:
  • 2 bags of green tea
  • 3 tablespoons of oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh, grated ginger
  • Cheese cloth
Combine green tea and oatmeal in a food processor. Mix in ginger and place the blend in cheese cloth. Tie a knot at the top Fill bathtub ¼ full with hot water, add the bag, steep 5 to 10 minutes, then fill remainder of tub with cool water. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

- The Sassy Gal

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