I double-love Valentine's Day! I know that some say it's just for kids ... or that it is a "Hallmark-created and commercialized" event ... but I simply adore it :) It's a day that I put all other commitments or chores to the back burner and completely focus on my loved ones. Decorating the house ...
cooking and baking, and even a planned game to celebrate this gift called, "LOVE."
Our dinner menu was ...
Lovey Dovey Meatloaf, Tuxedo Mac & "You're Sweet" Sugar Snap Peas
Lovey Dovey Meatloaf
1 1/2 lbs. ground venison (or beef)
1/2 packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix (dry)
1 egg
1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers
1 dash of soy sauce
3 T. Heinz ketchup
A smidge of EVOO to coat pan if using stainless steel.
Mix together above-listed ingredients in bowl. Gather mixture together and make into a ball, tossing it a few times to firm form. Press down on wax paper to 1 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create hearts. Set aside.
Heat a smidge of olive oil in pan on med. heat until a sprinkle of water sizzles. Place hearts in pan and brown on both sides.
Meanwhile, mix sauce together and set aside.
Sauce:
1 can Campbell's tomato soup
1/2 can water
1/4 c. brown sugar
Once hearts are browned on both sides, pour sauce over and cook on low for 25 minutes.
Recipe makes approx. 10-12 hearts
Tuxedo Mac
1 lb. box of bow tie pasta, boiled in salted water/drained
1 lb. Land O' Lakes American Cheese, divided in half
1/4 c. butter
2. c. milk (I use super skim)
2 T. flour
1 t. ground mustard
1/4 t. ground pepper
1 c. bread crumbs or crushed croutons
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Boil pasta for 1 minute less than package directs. Drain, cover with dish towel and set aside.
In medium saucepan, melt butter fully, then add flour, mustard and pepper. Whisk together, cooking for approx. 2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking as you are pouring. Allow mixture to heat for a few minutes. Slowly add 1/2 cheese by breaking slices into smaller pieces and whisking together.
Once mixture is creamy and smooth, place one layer of pasta in a 9x13 pan. Place four slices of cheese on top of pasta, and pour 1/2 cheese sauce over entire dish. Create another layer by placing the remaining pasta and cheese on top, and covering it with remaining sauce. Sprinkle bread crumbs/croutons on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and broil on high a few minutes until top turns golden brown. Serve immediately.
After dinner, I had a surprise for everyone ... even my hubby! Beneath their plates were clues that began their hunt for Valentine's treats :)
After five rounds of clues each ... treats & cards were found :) My son was the first to find his Valentines ... and then helped his sister and dad! Who knew he was so clever?! If you are ever planning a scavenger hunt and need ideas for riddles, click on this site!! It was a life savor! You can tweek the riddles depending upon the age of your players.Finally, our evening ended (the same way my day began - only in the form of a cupcake!) ... with something sweet :)
I call it ...
Luscious Hugs & Berry Kisses
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix (doubled for 9x13)
Turkey Hill French Vanilla Ice Cream
and ...
"Berry Hearts of Mine" Compote
Turkey Hill French Vanilla Ice Cream
and ...
"Berry Hearts of Mine" Compote
2 c. sliced strawberries
1/4 granulated sugar
2 T. corn starch
Lemon juice from 1/2 lemon
Mix ingredients in medium saucepan over low/medium heat until sauce thickens. It's that simple! :)
I hope that you all enjoyed time with those you love and hold dear, as well as a little something sweet to toast to the day.
Life in abundance comes only through great love.
~Elbert Hubbard
