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!
Your post inspired me to pick up some beets at the store today for later in the weekend. Can’t wait to try the recipe. On the menu for me and my family tonight: flatbread pizza, your Caesar salad (it is soooooo good) and your toffee cinnamon bars which are baking in the oven as I type. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful recipes. They just keep coming and I really appreciate it. ( I also picked up ingredients for the happy digestion smoothie. Just have to wait for the avocado to ripen AND turmeric root to try in tea.) Really, I can’t thank you enough for so many fantastic recipes! Happy Valentine’s Day. Hope it’s filled with much love and good food!
Amazing, especially that dessert!! :)
Yum! This line-up looks great. I am obsessed with beets this time of year – I must get out your cookbook at once!
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day as a family of three!
This is such an amazing menu – Would love this for the other 364 days of the year for me and Mr Fit Foodie. A sure-fire way to a mans heart. Thank you!
Wow – stunning. The chocolate pudding looks to die for!
www.calmer-you.com
What a romantic day with your loved ones! I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. I still need to try that easy beet appetizer from your book! I have it bookmarked, but never have hazelnuts on hand.
I haven’t made these recipes from your book yet, but I did make your Taco Fiesta Potato Crisps from your cookbook last week again. That is one of the best recipes I have ever had. The first time I made them everyone had already eaten dinner but they still couldn’t stop eating the potatoes. You really hit the ball out of the park with that one! :)
Avocado pasta sounds delicious!!
Angela…I adore you for sharing your life-affirming recipes. I recently discovered you & am ecstatic to think that delicious meals which speak to life & optimal vitality are now at my finger tips. Ive been cooking and baking your recipes daily!
As the french say “Continuons!” ❤️❤️❤️
I just tried your avocado pasta last week and it was amazing! Hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Angela, all-knowing one … I’m off-topic as usual–can we talk about stir-frying tofu? I took your advice in the cookbook and bought a tofu press–LOVE IT! But I still can’t get my tofu to brown nicely on all sides, let alone not stick to the pan, no matter how much oil I use—and every cookbook insists I only need a tablespoon. Give me wisdom! Please! :-)
these are some pretty good recipe ideas. i am definatly going to have to try these out as well
A very eye appealing and delicious meal.
Hi angela,
Beets for valentines day is perfect!
I made a chocolate beet cake and it was DIVINE! It didn’t even need frosting it was so moist and yummy (ok maybe a melted a couple chocolate chips on top). However it wasn’t vegan…the recipe called for some eggs.
http://yaletownnaturopathic.com/almost-red-velvet-rich-beetroot-chocolate-cake-recipe/
Here’s the recipe! Maybe you could play around and find out a way to make it vegan friendly?
That looks so delicious, sounds like a lovely evening :)
Love the beets. They’re always such a rich and wonderful colour!
Angela, have you tried using essential oils for post partum hormone regulation? I emailed you a document that has a lot of info on which oils to use. I use Young Living oils and they are pure, therapeutic-grade, and I’ve experienced a lot of success with them. You can check out how to get them here if you’re interested: http://yl.pe/4nk
mmm this looks delicious! I’ve been on a beet and avocado kick lately too so this should fit nicely :)
Oh man, just saw this today but I am definitely making it this weekend! Who needs Valentine’s day?!
It’s so funny that you say that about valentines day being special with a little one. I wrote the exact same thing to my husband in his valentine’s day card this year. You NEED a single day to remember your love and remember how you got this little one and appreciate your time together/ to not be a ‘hormonal jerk’ (lol). I was so grateful for vday this year! it’s so easy to be caught up in the nap times, feeding times, bedtimes, bath times, play times, and cuddle times that come with the most amazing chapter of your life.
Glad this v-day was so special for you and thanks for the recipes!