Tuesday, February 5, 2013

A Plant-Based Valentine's Day Menu



I've never been one to celebrate Valentine's Day. Early Valentine's Days in my relationship consisted of me avoiding everything red, begging my partner not to buy me flowers, and rolling my eyes at everyone making special dinner plans. 

Then something weird happened. Last Valentine’s Day I found myself buying a Valentine’s Day card, going out to dinner, and bawling my eyes uncontrollably while watching The Vow. Apparently I’ve been reformed. 

I’m still not going to be cutting out paper hearts or buying flowers, but I think it’s fair that we talk about food. 


For starters, let’s talk appetizers.  Should we serve something hot like these jalapeno pickled carrots? Or something mildly spicy like these roasted radishes?


For drinks, let's skip the traditional red wine and find some creative options. How about a Love Your Liver Juice loaded with enzymes and antioxidants? Or perhaps this divine Blood Orange Spritzer with seasonal citrus?



Getting hungry?  Would you prefer a hearty Kale Caesar Salad with these homemade crusty croutons? Or a sweet salad with mizuna, roasted cherries, cashews, and a balsamic glaze? (Note: since mizuna and cherries are terribly out of season, at least where I live, I would recommend substituting arugula and dried cherries instead.)




For our entrée, how about these beautiful raw beet raviolis? Or perhaps, some creamy broccoli and fennel soup instead?



Let’s not forget the most important part: dessert!

Do you like chocolate? I have just the thing! Try this creamy Chocolate Superfood Pudding that will energize your body and your tastebuds! 

Craving something cold? Then indulge yourself with these frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Bites with Sea Salt! (Bet you can’t eat just one!)

What's on your Valentine's Day menu?

8 comments:

  1. i love all of these ideas! i admit, i'm a sucker for a flower arrangement with an endearing note attached being delivered to my office on valentine's day. my husband isn't the best with expressing his feelings sometimes, so it's a visual reminder of his love for me.

    i think i choose the blood orange spritzer, roasted radishes, caesar salad, ravioli, and chocolate banana bites!

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  2. My boyfriend and I aren't huge on Valentine's day, but a good meal is always required. I think I might just have to skip to dessert, though! The pudding sounds fantastic!

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  3. those chocolate banana bites look amazing. So does everything else!!!

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  4. Absolutely lovely! Thanks so much for sharing (and making me hungry!)

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  5. Sonnet,

    Who did the design for your blog? It's so beautiful.

    Thanks,

    Dawn

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    1. My partner designed my header and logo graphic, but the rest has been all me. Glad you like it! :)

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  6. This look so delicious, I hope I can surprise my wife with your Chocolate Superfood Pudding this Valentines day she's really into chocolate.

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    1. That sounds like an amazing surprise!

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