I’ve always thought that I didn’t need a special day to show loved ones I care, but I have to admit since having a baby, I now see the value in having a special day carved out. It’s just too easy to get wrapped up in the day to day crazy. Plus, I kind of feel like a hormonal jerk lately since December 2013 so a reminder not to be a hormonal jerk is always appreciated.
The other day Eric and I came up with a plan that celebrates our first Valentine’s Day as a family of three. First, a pancake breakfast in the morning, then a small gift opening and an outing with Adriana during the day (please warm up weather forecast!), and after she’s gone to bed (7pm bedtimes rule) we’ll make dinner together, turn on some music, and make a fire (ok, flip the switch to turn on the gas fireplace). I think it’s going to be really nice. I’m also hoping to make it past 10pm!
Here’s what we decided for the menu. The bonus is that each course only requires a small handful of ingredients so it’s a breeze to shop for and throw together.
// Appetizer //
Roasted Beet Salad with Hazelnuts, Thyme, and Balsamic Reduction (from The Oh She Glows Cookbook, page 113).
// Main //
15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta
// Dessert //
Tip – I’m making this first so it can chill in the fridge while we cook dinner. Here are other V-day dessert ideas.
So there you have it. Simple, healthy, delicious.
Are you making anything fun this weekend?
P.S. I’m hosting a Vitamix Giveaway on Instagram!
Love this menu! I feel the same way about needing a reminder to spend time with husband. Having a kid changes that for sure! I’ve actually booked a sleepover for my daughter at her uncle’s place so my hubbie and I can spend an evening alone at our place. It will be nice to have some quiet chat time. I’m really looking forward to it!
Wendy I am envious. My five and three year old have not slept over at someone house yet. Maybe when they get a little older grandma and grandma will be more willing.
Angela, I love the simplicity of this menu.
I do feel extremely grateful for family members who are closet by and willing/able to take our little one overnight. We are so so fortunate in that way.
Can I still pretend it’s hormones 2 years later?? haha. We probably won’t do a whole lot. I wouldn’t mind if the husband cooked for me for once. That would make me a believer in V-day for once haha! I love your simplistic menu. I seriously just want something containing chocolate…and then I’m sold!
That beet and hazelnut salad looks killer! I can’t wait to make red foods tomorrow : ) So far I’ve got strawberry cashew cookie bites and roasted red pepper sauce over pasta.
Looks so awesome and the beet salad is the perfect colour!
I’m not a mom yet, but that all sounds very optimistic for someone with a 4-month old. Best of luck to ya!
hah yes it is!
Sounds great! My husband and I don’t really do anything for Valentines Day. I think spending a lot of quality time is accomplished a couple nights a week by either making dinner together or watching movies. It sounds like you have a great night planned out and I hope you’re able to stay awake!!
Great combo!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Beautiful simple menu and what a great idea, because you are right: after adding a small member to the family it is not at all bad with a special day to celebrate love! We never celebrate Valentines Day, but I think I will suggest that we do the same in our small house… especially since yet another small member is due to arrive in less than three months! Here’s hoping Adriana treats you to a quiet night :)
/Kristina from Sweden.
I had my sister over for dinner last night and we made the 15-min avocado pasta and loved it; I had forgotten how amazing that recipe is!
This menu looks AWESOME! Especially the avocado pasta! I’ve made that before and loved it. Perfect, simple meal for a cozy night in!
yum! That all sounds so good- I have a real love for beets and I am definitely going to attempt the raw pudding. Hope it’s a beautiful holiday for you!!
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Looks so easy and yummy, I need to try that roasted beet salad! I’m also adding my raw vegan chocolates to the menu!
It sounds like you have a wonderful day planned Angela. Your menu sounds like it is not too fussy, but at the same time comforting and delicious! I just made a few of your recipes and love them.Both the Soul-Soothing African Peanut Stew and your 10-Spice Vegetable soup were awesome! Today I made your Crunchy Seed and Oat Flatbread. It is really good! I especially loved it toasted with organic peanut butter and jam. Yum–great snack in the afternoon or evening. My adult son even enjoyed it. Wishing you all a fun and relaxing day tomorrow! Happy Valentines’s Day!
The beets in this menu are definitely speaking to me, Ange! I hope you and your gorgeous little family have a lovely Valentine’s Day tomorrow. I’m planning to spend some time playing in the kitchen too, but I’m not 100% sure yet what I’m creating – we’ll see. I did just post some mocha mint banana ice cream and since it’s Valentine’s Day AND the long weekend, I figure a bit of that might be in order! :)
Ohh I love this!! I’m going to try it at home <3<3 Happpy valentine's
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I made your stuffed shells and caesar salad. My sister’s boyfriend was very impressed! Actually, whenever I make your recipes people are VERY impressed. I have never commented, but have followed you blog for years. Whenever I hear people are trying to “eat clean” and eat more plant based foods I refer them here. We bought my boyfriend’s parents your cookbook after his dad had a heart attack. They were open to making changes in their diet so we wanted to give them the tools to make food that didn’t feel like they were missing anything. They love it! They make your 10 spice soup, tex mex casserole, and tomato sauce all the time.
So, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, know that you not only share delicious recipes to eat with loved ones, but you also help keep the hearts of my loved ones healthy so they are around for the years to come:)
Happy Valentine’s Day Angela! Sounds like an amazing dinner and a wonderful family day :)
I just made heart shaped pancakes for my guys and am making your chili for a winter potluck we are going to tonight….with these temps – it will be perfect!
Enjoy your day and wishing you a peacefully sleeping baby so you and Eric can have some couple time!
I’m sure you two (or three!) will have a wonderful time. Simple, yet still a very sweet way to celebrate the day. (: And those pancakes, they are calling my name! I may have to make them for dinner hah.
It’s always nice to celebrate a little love in the dead of winter! And eat lots of chocolate….I used your pink power detox smoothie for some inspiration with a festive magenta beet-cherry smoothie! Still loving your book, and all the wonderful recipes!
Simple and yet tasty. How lovely. Really enjoying the recipes on your site.