Valentine's Day - The Right Way

Are you thinking of staying in but need something different for tonight? This should give you three solid meal options—one fun and medieval, the other warm and spicy! Which one do you think you’ll try first? 🍽️💕

Option 1: "The Holy Grail Feast" (A Monty Python-Inspired Meal)

A medieval-style meal with a fun twist!

• Main Dish: Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs (or another protein you have)

• Side: Honey-Glazed Carrots 🥕 (because knights need their veggies)

• Bread: Rustic Bread or Quick Garlic Parmesan Biscuits

• Drink: "Elderberry Punch" 🍷 (a fun mix of tea, honey, and lemon)

You could even serve it on wooden boards like a medieval banquet for fun!

Option 2: "Chocolate & Spice Valentine’s Dinner"

• Main Dish: Spicy Honey Glazed Pork Loin or Chicken

• Side 1: Roasted Sweet Potatoes 🍠 (lightly seasoned with cinnamon and chili for a sweet-heat balance)

• Side 2: Charred Green Beans with Garlic

• Dessert: Dark Chocolate & Almond Bark 🍫

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Option 3: "Budget-Friendly Italian Night"

• Main Dish: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta (or a simple pasta with homemade sauce)

• Side: Crispy Roasted Broccoli

• Dessert: Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries (or fruit with a quick chocolate drizzle)

💕🍽️

🍗 The Holy Grail Feast 🍗

A medieval-inspired dinner with hearty, flavorful elements.

Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs (or another protein)

🔹 Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 35-40 mins | Serves: 3

Ingredients:

• 3-4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 tsp thyme

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

• 1 tbsp honey (for a subtle sweetness, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and rub with olive oil.

3. Mix rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken.

5. Place chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

6. Drizzle with honey and lemon juice (optional) before serving.

Honey-Glazed Carrots 🥕

🔹 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 10-15 mins

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large carrots, sliced into rounds

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

Instructions:

1. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Drizzle in honey, sprinkle salt (and cinnamon if using), and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.

Rustic Garlic Parmesan Biscuits

🔹 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 12-15 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups biscuit mix (or homemade mix: 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt)

• ⅔ cup milk

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until just combined.

3. Drop spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.

Elderberry Punch (Non-Alcoholic) 🍷

🔹 A medieval-inspired drink for fun!

• Brew hibiscus tea or black tea and mix with honey and a splash of lemon juice. Serve warm or cold.

🔥 Chocolate & Spice Valentine’s Dinner 🔥

A sweet-heat meal for a cozy night!

Spicy Honey Glazed Pork Loin (or Chicken)

🔹 Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 40-45 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork loin (or chicken breasts)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds depth)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Rub the pork (or chicken) with olive oil, then coat with spices and mustard.

3. Place in a roasting dish and bake for 40-45 mins (pork) or 25-30 mins (chicken).

4. Drizzle with honey during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Crispy Roasted Russet Potatoes

🔹 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

• 3-4 russet potatoes, cut into wedges

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Toss potato wedges with oil and seasonings.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Charred Green Beans with Garlic

🔹 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 7-10 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until they blister.

3. Stir in garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 more minutes.

   
   
   
   

Happy Valentine's from our Salty Black Dog Crew!

Happy Valentine's Day from our hearts to yours.