A Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

Enjoy a quiet and romantic Valentines dinner in the comfort of your own home.  Not only will it be a fraction of the cost compared to dining at a restaurant, but it’ll be much more intimate.  

To plan the perfect evening, I’ve got you covered.  Listed below are quick, simple and delicious recipes.  Just grab some candles, a nice bottle of red wine or champagne and enjoy yourself a perfect romantic night in.

Garlic Herb Filet Mignon

Ingredients:

4 ounce portions of filet mignon, about 2 inches thick, trimmed of fat.

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

dash of sea salt

dash of ground pepper

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon rosemary

1 teaspoon thyme

Directions:

Preheat broiler.

Combine all 7 ingredients in small bowl.

Place filets in pan and rub ingredients generously over steaks.

Broil each side for approximately 5 minutes.  Check the temperature using a meat thermometer to avoid over or under cooking (140 – 150 degrees F for Medium).

Kale with Cranberries

Ingredients:

2 bunches kale

3 tablespoons olive oil (1 tablespoon for nuts)

¼ cup pine nuts or walnut pieces

¼ cup dried cranberries

Directions:

Steam the kale until it’s bright green

Toast pine nuts or walnuts in pan with a tablespoon of the olive oil.

Allow kale and nuts to cool then toss together in large bowl.

Add dried cranberries and remaining olive oil

Toss and serve

Homemade Potato Chips

Ingredients:

2 sweet potatoes and 2 russet potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)

olive oil

sea salt

pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 500 degrees

Line potatoes on 2 baking sheets and brush with olive oil. 

Flip potatoes and brush once more. 

Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper

Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Healthy Sauteed Tomatoes

Ingredients:

2 medium-large size tomatoes

extra-virgin olive oil

salt

pepper

cumin

Directions:

Coat bottom of skillet with oil

Add ¼” thick tomato slices and cook over medium to medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side, or until the tomatoes are soft.

Transfer to plate and season to taste with salt, pepper and cumin. 

Serve warm

Chocolate Yogurt with Berries

Ingredients:

2 cups of plain non-fat yogurt (or vanilla)

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ cup of honey

berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

Directions:

Pour honey and cocoa powder in separate bowl and whisk to get lumps out.

Add yogurt to honey and cocoa and whisk together

Pour into 2 separate dishes (I like to use martini glasses for fun) and add a handful of berries

…and don’t forget the candles and wine =)

Pair with a good Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Blend or Petite Sirah

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Theresa