Showing posts with label Valentines Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentines Day. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Valentine's Dinner

Before digging in to our sweet little dinner last night, the boy asked "wait- do you want to take a picture of this for your blog first?" Love him! haha so by special request, here's what we made last night...


Black pepper crusted Ahi tuna steaks with a soy reduction
Roasted brussel sprouts (I posted the recipe here)
Hand cut Parmesan sweet potato fries

What's sexier than a healthy dinner packed with superfood sides?! Shockingly, I made it through the entire cooking process without busting out butter or garlic- and everything tasted fantastic! Sadly, we didn't do anything for dessert (too full), but I snacked on a little salad while we watched How I Met Your Mother later that night.

I used to be pretty scared of fish- especially tuna- before meeting the boy. Now, I can't get enough of sushi! The recipe we followed was super easy, and probably saved us a ton compared to going out to eat.

Seared Pepper Tuna Steaks via epicurious {and modified by moi!}

Ingredients
  • 4 6- to 7-ounce ahi tuna steaks (each about 1 inch thick) {we made dinner for 2}
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely cracked black pepper {we prefer MUCH more to taste}
  • 2 teaspoons oriental sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup dry Sherry
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onion tops
Directions

Sprinkle tuna steaks on both sides with salt, then sprinkle with coarsely cracked black pepper, pressing gently to adhere. Heat sesame oil in large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add tuna steaks and sear until brown outside and just opaque in center, about 3 minutes per side {we like our tuna rare- seared for about 1 and a half min/side}. Using tongs, transfer tuna steaks to platter. Tent platter loosely with foil to keep tuna steaks warm. Add soy sauce, then Sherry to same skillet. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture is slightly reduced, scraping up any browned bits, about 1 minute. Spoon sauce over tuna steaks. Sprinkle with chives or green onion tops. 

Do you have any restaurant worthy at home meals?

Monday, February 14, 2011

Lovey Dovey

courtesy of the brilliant To My Wife

Happy Valentine's Day! I have to admit, even single, I have always loved Valentine's Day. If you grew up in our house, you would understand. It's not just the romance of it, but the pink, and the hearts (and the decorated bathrooms. Yes, my momma went there). My momma and daddy have always gone out of their way to make sure my sister and I always felt LOVED- every day of the year, but especially on my mom's favorite holiday.

Now that I have my own forever Valentine (mushtastic. gag if you want!), we keep things simple on the big day. Tonight, we'll exchange cards and little gifts (actually, only I will. He couldn't wait!) and make a sweet dinner for two.

The best gift this year (aside from the FANTASTIC trench my mom surprised me with!) is that the boy is back after a business conference :) Here's how I passed the time as a single girl this weekend...

Cheesecake frozen yogurt loaded with fresh fruit!

Some pretty irises to bring an early spring

Hanging out with puppies at the SPCA (for Kemi, not me!)

Lounging around with this goober. Waiting for the boy to come home!
I hope you have the happiest lovey dovey day! What are your special plans?

Monday, January 31, 2011

Love is in the air!

Happy Monday everyone!

This morning has kicked me in the butt. So to recover, I'm celebrating all things heart filled and lovey. Yes, it's 14 days till Valentine's Day. A commercial holiday, but it's my mom's FAVORITE. She decorates the house (including the bathroom), and it's like a pink and red hued Easter in the morning. Her love for all things amorous has rubbed off on me over the years too. I don't expect lavish gifts or a big event from the boy (we are making dinner at home and something sweet under $20)- but I love love giving pretty gifts. Especially to my momma and little sister!
Adorable coral flats

Pretty enough to wear to the table

Something fun and cuddly!

A sweet, delicate charm

A bag to carry stories around in

Make her sparkle and glow

Cold nights require cozy sheets