Does anyone else struggle with February 14? Sometimes it just seems like a day full of pressure, which increases if you are a procrastinator like me. By the time I remember to try and make a reservation somewhere, all the restaurants are full and we’re stuck eating a “romantic” dinner at the local gas station. When our kids were younger, there were times it just wasn’t worth effort to find a babysitter and dive the distance to a nice restaurant. If you find yourself in this situation, may I offer my elegant, but easy, Valentine’s Day dinner.
First you start of with a high quality piece of meat and no, I am not referring to the hunk you are celebrating with. May I be so bold as to suggest you splurge on a delicious and tender cut of Mineral Springs Beef steaks? The cuts we have on hand right now are prime. Seriously it is amazing. I add to that twice baked potatoes, a green salad (I love the salad kits because I can pretend their extra fancy), a vegetable, and finish it off with my easy cobbler. I will share the directions below.
So give yourself a little break for this upcoming holiday. Make the kids mac and cheese and put them to bed early so you and your hubby can enjoy a fantastic dinner and cuddle on the couch to watch your favorite rom-com because you know he is obligated to watch it on Valentine’s Day. Take the pressure off and focus on really enjoy each other’s company. That’s the best way I can enjoy this holiday. And hey, if you find yourself alone on February 14, what better way to treat yourself?! Enjoy
Twice baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
Potatoes
Butter
Sour Cream
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Tajin (optional)
Shredded Cheese
Crumbled Bacon
Scrub your potatoes really well and bake them like you normally would and allow them to cool a bit. When you can safely handle them without burning your fingers, cut the potatoes in half and spoon out the inside into a bowl, leaving just enough for the skin to hold its shape.
Add butter to the potato in the bowl and let melt a little. Add sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and mix to a chunky mashed potato consistency. I also like to add in a little tajin. Then stir in your desired amount of cheese and bacon bits.
Spoon the potato mixture back into the skins, place on a cookie sheet, and return to the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes. All done!
Best Easy Cobble
Ingredients:
2 Cans of pie filling or 2 Bottles of fruit
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
1 Cube Butter or Margarine
This is so easy but so good! Take two bottle or cans of your favorite fruit. Ours are peaches of cherry. Note: I usually use homemade bottle peaches. If that’s the case, be sure to drain them first. If you are using cans of pie filling, you are good to go. Pour the fruit in an ungreased, 9x13 pan or casserole dish. Next, sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the fruit. Lastly, place thin slices across the top of the cake mix. I usually have 12-16 spread out across the top but it doesn’t need to cover the entire thing. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.