Doesn’t it just seem that during the weeks before Valentine’s Day, ads are everywhere enticing you and your sweetheart to spend the “perfect romantic dinner” at a local restaurant? Sure, some places will draw you in with offers of a long stemmed red rose or a free glass of wine with dinner. However, in MPM’s experience, the food can be lackluster, (not to mention costly) and the service just fair, even in the best of restaurants due to the sheer volume of meals served that night. Not to say, it’s impossible to have an absolutely magical experience, but why take the risk when with some pre-planning and a bit of extra effort, you can whip up a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner just for two?
MPM created such a menu which she is delighted to share with you! Your evening begins with Veggie ‘n Spinach Stuffed Baby ‘Bellas. So simple. So elegant. So classic. What more can you ask for when looking for that perfect nibble to take the “edge off” off without spoiling your appetite for the goodness yet to come?
Don’t even consider an ordinary green salad for this special night! Roasted Butternut Squash Ribbon Salad with Apple-Honey Vinaigrette will make your Sweetie Pie wonder when you suddenly developed such amazing culinary skills. Truth be told, all you need is a good vegetable peeler to create this dazzling salad. (P.S.-”ribbon salads” are trending as one of the most popular salads of the year!)
A really good roasted chicken can be completely ethereal on its own, but Pan-Roasted Pomegranate Chicken with Caramelized Lemons definitely climbs to the next level. Squeezing fresh lemons over chicken before roasting is a “natural,” but caramelizing your lemons during the roasting process creates a whole new depth of flavor.
Crunchy Quinoa is a whimsical play on a typical pilaf. Nutty tasting with just a hint of crunch, this quinoa pairs well with any veggies, seasonings and textures you’d like to mix in.
A piece (or 2!) of Dark Chocolate Bark or a Baby Brownie Biscotti Ice Cream Shooter would be a super-simple ending to your romantic dinner. And with “minis” being all the rage these days, you can decide (if you like) to safely indulge without the calorie overload most Valentine’s Day sweets provide.
Will there be more than two of you dining this Valentine’s Eve? No worries as the recipes in MPM’s menu feed two very hungry people (with leftovers) or will also serve at least four. Whether you decide to re-create this entire menu, or perhaps just a dish or two that catches your eye, MPM hopes you have a magical evening spent with those you love.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Ceeya Next Time!
