HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to all!
Many couples celebrate this day by going out to eat at a fancy restaurant, however this year we decided to spend some quiet time at home, just the two of us. Our daughter is away at college. I sent her a nice “care package” last week filled with lots of goodies for the holiday to let her know we miss her.
Since we were staying home, I thought I’d have a little fun with food today. Instead of making the same old thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner, I thought I’d play around in the kitchen. Okay, so the food wasn’t really gourmet fare, but it was fun to make, healthy to eat and totally satisfying (especially the dessert!)
A strawberry-banana smoothie was perfect for breakfast. Even the food was smiling (before I wielded my paring knife!) Made with non-fat yogurt and a drizzle of Agave, this frothy breakfast was delicious, filling and less than 300 calories (based on an average serving.)
By the time lunch came along, we weren’t that hungry. I had some cantaloupe chunks and walnut halves while I made my husband a nice little turkey sandwich on toasted whole wheat bread with a mug of hot skim chocolate milk.
For dinner, I decided to make a Shrimp and Broccoli dish which was delicious, easy to prepare and wholesome. I served the shrimp over a bed of brown rice and a small green salad with lemon squeeze on the side to round out the meal. Before marinating the shrimp for about 15 minutes in a mixture of soy, garlic and ginger, I put together another heart-shaped happy face for the holiday!
Being Valentine’s Day, I decided to splurge on dessert and make some of my husband’s favorite cookies, Mint Chocolate Chip, as I spelled out a loving message. A couple of these delightful chocolate sensations with a nice warm cup of tea really hit the spot. We plan to spend the remainder of the evening relaxing by the fire.
I hope everyone gave and received lots of love today. And if you have pets, I hope you gave them lots of extra love today too! Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers, you know…
“We love the things we love for what they are.” ~ Robert Frost