Valentine’s Day – A day to give your loved one some extra attention and possibly a token of your love. Chocolates, flowers, jewelry… How about a romantic dinner? Finding just the right spot to have that special meal can be challenging sometimes. You can make your Valentine that one of a kind meal, and enjoy each other’s company in the comfort of your own home. Or you could make the meal together, that could be fun!
If possible, choose something that you can do some of the prep work for ahead of time. Then, when the time comes to put everything together, there is less hustle and bustle going on, making things a bit more relaxing, and possibly romantic.
Try a three course meal. You’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that YOU prepared and can be proud of! Here are a few recipe ideas for you. Turn the lights low, add some candles, your favorite wine, soft music and enjoy.
Start with a fresh Herb Salad. Beautiful and full of flavor. Personalize it with your favorite fruits and vegetables.
Fresh Herb Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 head lettuce of your choice
- 1/3 cup Mariposa Farms Fresh Basil leaves
- 1/4 cup Mariposa Farms Fresh Italian Flat Parsley leaves
- 1 package Mariposa Farms Fresh Edible Flowers optional
Instructions
- Whisk mustard, lemon juice, olive oil and salt together in a large bowl.
- Tear lettuce into small pieces and add to oil mixture. Add basil and parsley. Toss to coat.
- Separate into serving bowls and garnish with flowers if desired.
Main course, marinated steak, pork or chicken…your choice. This marinade works well with any meat you’d like. You would think this was a chef’s secret recipe. Serve with a side of Garlic Herb Potatoes. These potatoes are so tender, they absolutely melt in your mouth.
Best Steak Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 6 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Basil
- 3 tbsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Parsley
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Using a blender or food processor, mix together soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, basil, parsley, and pepper. Add hot pepper sauce and minced garlic. Blend on high for approximately 30 seconds until well combined.
- Choose any meat you like. Pour marinade over meat in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for about 8 hours.
- Cook in preferred manor and enjoy!
Garlic Herb Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- 4 med potatoes sliced thin
- 1 tsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Rosemary chopped
- 1 tsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Oregano chopped
- 1 tsp Mariposa Farms Fresh Thyme chopped
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Arrange potato slices in a single layer in skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until potatoes start to brown.
- Top potatoes with herbs and paprika. Turn potatoes and cook another 5 minutes or until done. Remove from heat and add garlic. Toss for approximately 1 minute to soften garlic. Top with shredded parmesan (optional).
Lastly, the dessert course. Pineapple. Fast, sweet and appealing to the eye. Try our Lemon-Lime Pineapple with Mint.
Lemon-Lime Pineapple with Mint
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple sliced
- zest of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 lime
- 1 package Mariposa Farms Fresh Mint
- 1/4 cup pomegranite seeds optional
- 1/2 cup raspberries optional
Instructions
- Cut pineapple slices in half or quarters and place on serving plates.
- Sprinkle lemon and lime zest on top of pineapple slices.
- Chop the fresh mint leaves and sprinkle on pineapple slices. Garnish with whole leaves. Place a few pomegranate seeds or raspberries on and around pineapple slices.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until needed.
Have a wonderful, and flavorful, Valentine’s Day from Mariposa Farms!