While there’s nothing wrong with the standard box of Valentine’s chocolates, we’re giving you three easy ways to WOW your main squeeze on February 14th! All you need to do is put a little love into this relatively easy 3 course meal, and your Valentine’s Day will be complete. Actually, we’ll leave it up to you to decide how to end the evening (wink, wink).
Beet Salad Recipe
Start with some candles and a nice bottle of wine, followed by this adorable heart-shaped beet salad.
- 3 roasted beets
- 4 tsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 ½ oz (3 cups) baby arugula
- 1 small zucchini, shaved lengthwise with a vegetable peeler
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- 2 tbsp shelled pistachios
Thinly slice beets crosswise. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut hearts from the beet slices. IN a large bowl, whisk the next 3 ingredients. Whisk in olive oil. Toss with arugula & zucchini & place on plates. Top with feta, pistachios & beets.
Courtesy of Rachael Ray, www.rachaelray.com.
Pasta Bolognese Recipe
The main attraction is a delicious pasta Bolognese, made easier by the fact that the sauce can be prepared in advance. Don’t be overwhelmed by the slow cooking time of the sauce – most of the time is spent with the sauce on the burner, only needing occasional stirring… the perfect winter activity!
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 celery stalk, chopped
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1 small carrot, peeled, chopped
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3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
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1 lb. ground beef chuck (20% fat), patted dry
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Kosher salt
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3 oz. thinly sliced pancetta, finely chopped
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1 cup dry white wine
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⅓ cup tomato paste
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1 bay leaf
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Pinch of finely grated nutmeg
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2 cups (or more) homemade chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup whole milk
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1 lb. fresh tagliatelle or pappardelle, or dry rigatoni
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2 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about ½ cup), plus more for serving
For more information on the recipe, please make sure to visit Bon Appetit, www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bas-best-bolognese
Death by Chocolate III Recipe
And the clincher will certainly be this ah-mazing dessert, formerly known as Death by Chocolate III, or as our grandfather used say, Chocolate to Live By. It features store-bought ingredients so that you don’t have to be laboring in the kitchen days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Throw on your favorite red A’nue top to spice up the atmosphere and you will have shown how much you care by paying attention to every detail. This meal leaves you plenty of time to catch up with the one you love the most. May you fall in love all over again!
- 1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
- 2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 3 (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered English toffee
For more information on the recipe, please make sure to visit All Recipes, www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8308/death-by-chocolate-iii/
Happy Valentine’s Day.