Just a little over a week until Valentine’s Day– a holiday that people either LOVE, or HATE. Any excuse for me to make a special treat for my sweetie is a good excuse for me. I’ve never been a huge “let’s dress up and go spend tons of money on a dinner in a crowded restaurant” type of girl. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry– and what I saw? Restaurants doubling the price, serving basically the same food (with a few extra embellishments), and service being rushed to maximize profits for the night. No thanks.
Here in Malaysia, not a lot of restaurants do a Valentine’s Menu. It doesn’t matter– we still prefer to stay in! I make Alex his Valentine (will be posted soon!), and then I make us an extra fancy, 4 course meal. I set the table on the balcony with a tablecloth and candles, and the flowers and balloons he usually brings home add to the festive mood. Those are some of our very favorite nights together.
That’s why I was so excited when I was asked to participate in a Valentine’s Day roundup — with the theme of healthy and romantic recipes for the whole day. I love that idea– why not make the whole day special, or at least sprinkle these recipes throughout the week? And with such a variety of options, there’s sure to be something on this list for everyone in the family!
Contents
Breakfast
(photo via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
1). Strawberry Shortcake Protein Pancakes (via Vitamin Sunshine)
Delicious and moist high-protein strawberry pancakes, topped with more strawberries and whipped cream! A healthy and beautiful breakfast treat.
2). Healthy Colorful Breakfast Wrap (via Omnivores Cookbook)
A colorful dish that contains avocado, egg, shrimp and tomato. Paring it with a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy a relaxing brunch.
3). Banana Marble Muffins (via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
Alternating layers of banana and chocolate come together in these luscious banana marble muffins.
Lunch
(photo via Healthy Recipe Ecstasy)
4). Leek and Wild Mushroom Flatbread with Truffle Oil (via Healthy Recipe Ecstasy)
Truffle oil and wild mushrooms turn this flatbread into a luxurious lunch dish.
5). Mini Shrimp Guacamole Sandwich (via Omnivore’s Cookbook)
The shrimp is grilled until crispy. Its sweet aroma and the fragrance of rice wine goes perfectly with the creamy guacamole, warm or cold. The mini burger buns make this delicious combo even fancier!
6). Coconut Bulgur and Butternut Squash Bowl (via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
A hearty vegan bulgur bowl filled with juicy butternut squash pieces, wilted spinach, and toasted coconut. This bright, versatile dish is great for lunch, dinner, or gatherings!
Drinks
(photo via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
7). Hazelnut Hot Cocoa (via Vitamin Sunshine)
A vegan hot cocoa with made with luxurious hazelnut milk!
8). Bubble Milk Tea (via Omnivore’s Cookbook)
Freshly brewed black tea is mixed with milk and honey. The sweet little tapioca pearls make it a rich and fulfilling drink.
9). Coconut Kahlua Hot Chocolate (via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
A hot chocolate with a bit of character. This coconut Kahlúa hot chocolate is a great way to stay warm during the winter!
Appetizers
(photo via Simply Fresh Dinners)
10). Asparagus and Ricotta Crostini (via Simply Fresh Dinners)
While your entree is cooking, snack on a quick, easy, light appetizer with a glass of wine.
11). Macaroni and Cheese Proscuitto Bites (via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
Macaroni and cheese baked into prosciutto make the best appetizers for parties. The perfect finger food!
Soups, Salads & Sides
12). Raspberry and Golden Beet Kale Salad (via Vitamin Sunshine)
A stunning blend of superfoods sure to impress (and nourish) your Valentine.
13). Roasted Orange Rainbow Salad with Asian Orange Vinaigrette (via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
Roasted orange adds malty sweetness to any salad. Toss it with some vegetables, and you’ll have a bright and beautiful starter!
14). Laksa (via Simply Fresh Dinners)
Simple, hearty and delicious. You’ll impress your partner with your culinary skills when you present this exotic meal.
15). Thai Coconut Soup with Fish Ball (via Omnivore’s Cookbook)
This silky coconut soup has a hint of sweet and sour flavor. The curry paste and fish sauce infuse a savory umami to the soup, which goes great with the mushrooms and fish balls. A sip of hot soup makes you feel warm and in love.
16). Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze (via Omnivore’s Cookbook)
This roasted vegetable dish is like an edible rainbow. It has beautiful colors that will brighten your mood. Use a bit of truffle infused balsamic glaze to make the dish special.
Entrees
(Photo via Omnivore’s Cookbook)
17). Chicken Apple Sage Meatloaf (via Vitamin Sunshine)
Forget the ketchup and breadcrumbs. This meatloaf is lean, thanks to the chicken breasts, and elegant, thanks to the fried sage and delicious mustard-apple glaze.
18). Mediterranean Salmon (via Simply Fresh Dinners)
Keep it healthy and romantic without breaking the bank. This restaurant quality meal is a winner every time.
19). African Chicken (via Omnivore’s Cookbook)
An exotic dish with comforting and familiar flavors that will spice up your date. The chicken is baked to a beautiful char, then braised in a sweet, savory sauce of peanut, coconut and peppers. With a single bite, you can feel the juice come out of the tender meat as your mouth is overwhelmed by the sweet and spicy aroma and vibrant nutty flavor.
20). Perfect Steak with Roasted Brussels Sprouts (via Omnivore’s Cookbook)
A classic dish with tips on how to cook a perfect medium rare steak without a thermometer. A simple and luxurious dish for the perfect night.
21). Strawberry Pasta (via Healthy Recipe Ecstasy)
Nothing says romance like strawberries and this spaghetti says it all. The strawberries add just a touch of sweetness to a simple dish.
Desserts
22.) Chocolate Covered Strawberry Tiramisu (via Vitamin Sunshine)
Layers of Kahlua soaked lady fingers, sweet strawberries, shaved dark chocolate, and an ultra-creamy blend of mascarpone cheese and greek yogurt make up this special occasion treat. Gluten free, grain free, and naturally sweetened. Prefer a fruit-free dessert? Try a Mexican Chocolate Tiramisu variation.
23). Chocolate Lava Cake (via Healthy Recipe Ecstasy)
Nothing’s more decadent for a romantic evening than a lava cake that oozes hot gooey chocolate.
24). Pear Cookie Crisps (via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
Crispy ginger oatmeal flax cookies topped with ripe bartlett pears, cranberries, and pecans. Drizzle a bit of caramel on top for some extra pizazz!
25). No-Bake German Chocolate Cookie Bars (via Vitamin Sunshine)
These healthy cookie squares are no-bake, and very quick to put together! They are best put together the day before and chilled, so the chocolate on top hardens. All the best flavors of german chocolate- coconut, caramel, pecans– wrapped up in a simple, healthy dessert.
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