A Little Effort Goes a Long Way on Valentine’s Day!
Many of us enjoy chocolates, flowers and champagne for Valentine’s Day, since they are fun, festive and delicious! However, if your budget, or your nutritional goals, interfere with these options
Using Up Late Summer Garden Produce
We have experienced a pretty decent tomato and zucchini crop this year. There are hundreds of recipes to enjoy your late season harvest or those from your neighbors!
Tomato Gazpacho
Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/222331/chef-johns-gazpacho/
Spicy Tomato Chutney
This Spicy Tomato Chutney is a sauce or a dry base for a sauce that is a great tomato relish.
Summer Bounty!
Spring and early summer has arrived and the farmer’s markets and local grocery stores are bringing in the bounty of our Oregon spring! Some of our favorite shops offer fantastic ingredients and inspiration for creative meals.
Middle Eastern Fattoush Salad
A fattoush salad is the Middle Eastern version of an Italian bread and tomato salad. Pieces of toasted pita bread are tossed in the salad, soaking up extra moisture and flavors from the vegetables and dressing.
Barbecued Honey-Brined Chicken, with Grilled Onions and Peppers
This recipe can also be made with a boneless pork tenderloin, which is easy to grill and perfect for two.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler with Almond Crumble
These are also lovely in individual cobbler dishes, served warm with vanilla ice cream! Source: www.smittenkitchen.com/2016/09/plum-squares-with-marzipan-crumble
Serves 6-8
Healthful Valentine’s Day Menu Ideas
How can you tell your favorite Valentine how much you care, without expensive flowers or sugar-laden chocolate? Make them a special meal!
Valentine’s Day Breakfast Smoothies
We think the banana adds just enough sweetener, but you may want to add a little sugar.
Valentine’s Day Egg in a Hole with Heart-Shaped Sausage
Valentine’s Day Egg in a Hole with Heart-Shaped Sausage
Roast Beef Wellington with Horseradish Sauce
Due to using puff pastry, the end result is beautiful and impressive, but it takes only a bit of time to prepare. Mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower and some steamed green vegetables would be lovely additions to this special meal.
Salmon Pillows
This recipe comes to us via Food and Wine and is from Chef Grant Achatz, who makes this simple, creamy and sublimely silky zucchini soup without any cream at all.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Impressive and couldn’t be easier to make your own.
Festive Holiday Drinks
While wine and beer are always classic, it’s quite fun to offer something unexpected to your friends and family, especially as a welcoming cocktail.
Aged Egg Nog
Aged eggnog has become a new holiday tradition in my house but it takes a lot of forethought and planning if you’re going to enjoy this nog in its most delicious form on Christmas this year.
The Rusty Rooster
One of my favorite, festive drinks for the holiday season is nicknamed “The Rusty Rooster” in our family. The “recipe” is pretty simple.
Sweet Potato, Apple and Carrot Soup
This recipe comes to us via Food and Wine and is from Chef Grant Achatz, who makes this simple, creamy and sublimely silky zucchini soup without any cream at all.
Brussels Sprouts Latkes
A fun and different take on Brussels Sprouts and Mashed Potatoes. A great side dish for those enjoying Gluten Free meals, tasty with Turkey Gravy or a dollop of Sour Cream.
Raw Cranberry Relish
A super simple fresh Cranberry relish, made with Fresh Cranberries, Granny Smith Apples, fresh Oranges, and Sugar. Making it ahead gets it off your to-do list, and also mellows the flavor significantly.