So, what are your plans for the big day? February 14th is less than one week away and while some of us opt for a gift and a night on the town, others prepare an intimate dinner for two. Below you will find heart-healthy choices for each course with prep times less than thirty minutes. This provides more than enough time to decorate and make sure everything is perfect just in case he decides to propose. (All of the recipes can be found on The Food Network)
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Clam Oreganata – Clams are a great start to a wonderful night. Preheat your broiler, and begin mixing fresh herbs and spices with breadcrumbs and a dozen shucked clams. Your appetizers will be tossed in the broiler for a few minutes until baked. Then add a grain to your Garlic bread. Whether you bake it as an appetizer or an extra hors d’ouvre, whole grains are everything. {Whole Grain Garlic Bread}
Meat and Mushroom Lasagna – If you and your funny Valentine share a love of pasta try your hand at mushrooms in your V-day Lasagna. In addition to the taste, lasagna can stand-alone or serve as the main dish with a salad on the side. While your lasagna is baking, feel free to add Pan Roasted Carrots with Mint and Gremolata on the side. Instead of the typical boiled carrot, mint, parsley, grated lemon and other seasonings are added to a vegetable chicken broth. Believe it or not, you will not be able to recognize your average rooted carrot, and you’ll never go plain again.
Linguine with Shrimp Scampi– Seafood and pasta are great compliments for your heart and palate. The shrimps are cooked in garlic with olive oil and butter for a great taste. They are low in calories and more importantly, this particular option takes less than 20 minutes (once you’ve gathered all of the ingredients) just in case you’re pressed for time.
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Don’t forget Dessert. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries are sweet and delicious.
So what’s the secret? Pretzels. After melting chocolate into a rich batter, the strawberries are dipped in and topped with the broken pretzel crumbs.
In fact, ask your date to earn his keep and crush the bag of pretzels while you prepare the coco.
Written by Latoya Hoyte
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