Happy Valentine's Day!

Be My Valentine

If you decide not to dine out this Valentine’s Day for dinner that’s probably the best idea you’ve made this year.  Why? I glad you asked, having dinner at home can empower you to be creative, healthier and happier. You can control and perhaps better manage the: who, what, when, where and why of the evening. Since Valentine’s Day is about appreciating a love one or acknowledging a relationship the “who” is your choice to share a special meal with. At home there are no reservations, traffic, waiting or distractions.

 Being creative with dinner can be expressed in menu selection, where the meal is consumed, time of the meal and of course the atmosphere. Do something special. Setting the table with the good china, cloth napkins, and fresh flowers on the table and or candles is expected. Something out of the ordinary would show that you have put a little thought into making dinner special. One of my clients’s had props set up in his living room to create an Arabian night’s theme; another client did a Romance in the City theme in the enclosed patio using lights and a back drop. With both themes the client’s and their partners dressed the parts of their themes. Some couples may schedule a photographer, massage therapist or violinist, classical guitar musician.

If you choose a theme the menu can be center around that theme. In general this is a day to treat yourself to something special that you may not regular include in your diet. On the other hand it can be a day to serve a heart healthy menu to express love.

Traditional in many areas of the United States entrees for Valentine’s dinner are Lobster, Filet Mignon or Shrimp.  Aphrodisiacs are purposely included many menus for Valentine’s Day. Here is a list to use to create a menu in which any dietary requirements could be met.

Out of the Sea

Sea Cucumber, Lobster, Shrimp, Shark, Clams, Conch, Blowfish, Seaweed, Tuna, Sea Urchin

Herbs and Spices

Cinnamon, Rosemary, Tarragon, Vanilla Saffron, Garlic, Nutmeg

Fruit and Vegetables

Strawberries, Apple, Acai Berry, Apricot, Avocado, Cherry, Cranberry, Raspberry, Watermelon Chili Pepper, Tomato, Peach, Pepper, Mango, Grapes, Celery, Pomegranate, Pumpkin

Beverage

Coconut Water, Red Wine, Absinthe, Coffee

Other Things considered

Mushrooms, Wedding cake, Lavender, Turkey, Nuts, Oats, Ginseng

If you are not a good cook or want to leave the cooking and menu planning to some one else hire a personal chef to prepare the meal, or do a couples cooking lesson in your kitchen. Whatever you choose to do with your Valentine be happy and enjoy each other.