A Plant-Based Valentine's Day Menu

I've never been one to celebrate Valentine's Day. Early Valentine's Days in my relationship consisted of me avoiding everything red, begging my partner not to buy me flowers, and rolling my eyes at everyone making special dinner plans. 

Then something weird happened. Last Valentine’s Day I found myself buying a Valentine’s Day card, going out to dinner, and bawling my eyes uncontrollably while watching The Vow. Apparently I’ve been reformed. 

I’m still not going to be cutting out paper hearts or buying flowers, but I think it’s fair that we talk about food. 

For starters, let’s talk appetizers.  Should we serve something hot like these jalapeno pickled carrots? Or something mildly spicy like these roasted radishes?

For drinks, let's skip the traditional red wine and find some creative options. How about a Love Your Liver Juice loaded with enzymes and antioxidants? Or perhaps this divine Blood Orange Spritzer with seasonal citrus?

Getting hungry?  Would you prefer a hearty Kale Caesar Salad with these homemade crusty croutons? Or a sweet salad with mizuna, roasted cherries, cashews, and a balsamic glaze? (Note: since mizuna and cherries are terribly out of season, at least where I live, I would recommend substituting arugula and dried cherries instead.)

For our entrée, how about these beautiful raw beet raviolis? Or perhaps, some creamy broccoli and fennel soup instead?

Let’s not forget the most important part: dessert!

Do you like chocolate? I have just the thing! Try this creamy Chocolate Superfood Pudding that will energize your body and your tastebuds! 

Craving something cold? Then indulge yourself with these frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Bites with Sea Salt! (Bet you can’t eat just one!)

What's on your Valentine's Day menu?

Happy Valentine's Day!

February 14, 2012

February 14, 2011

I hope that everyone had a great Valentine's Day.  I sure did!  I spent it with these two handsome guys!

Don't let food take control of your Valentine's Day!

Trying to avoid, or at least over-indulging in, chocolate and candy on Valentine's Day? Steer clear of making the day about food, experts say.

"Focus on spending quality time with your friends and loved ones," suggests Cristina Harder, a licensed dietician at the Loyola Center for Fitness. "Trying a new activity together is a great way to share time with family and friends."(VirtualChocolate.com photo)

When it comes to eating, cook at home rather than go out to a restaurant, and get some exercise, reports research-reporting service Newswise. In one hour, a person can burn:
• 200 calories walking, ballroom dancing or bowling
• 500 calories playing racquetball
• 600 calories playing tennis

If the celebration just isn't complete with some indulgence, keep track of what it is. Five Hershey's Kisses just have 100 calories, as do 30 plain M&Ms and three Dove dark chocolate hearts. "They will satisfy a sweet tooth without killing a diet," Harder said. "If you do over-indulge, just get back on track as soon as you can," Harder added. "A minor dietary mishap is only a bump in the road and should not derail your efforts." (Read more)