Can’t get a sitter for Valentines Day or just don’t want to make that big of a deal about it? Have a romantic dinner at home and be sure to save the leftovers…these recipes from MiniMunchers.com are totally 100% kid-approved. —
APPETIZER
Amie Valpone from The Healthy Apple’s Carrot Coriander Dip (shown)
Gluten-Free and Vegan
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
8 large carrots, shredded
2 Tbsp. raw cashews
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup hemp milk
1/2 tsp. coriander
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 tsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/3 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Place all ingredients into a blender; pulse until smooth. Transfer to the stove top, cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pita chips.
ENTREE
The Recipe Project & Mario Batali’s Recipe for Spaghetti with Sweet 100 Tomatoes
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
Kosher salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 pint sweet 100 tomatoes, or other tiny tomatoes
1/2 bunch garlic chives, cut into 1-inch lengths
12 fresh lemon basil leaves, finely shredded
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound spaghetti
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of salt.
2. In a 12- to 14-inch sauté pan, heat the olive oil over high heat until almost smoking. Lower the heat to medium-high and add the garlic cloves. Cook for 2 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned. Add the tomatoes, chives, and basil, and cook over high heat until the tomatoes are just beginning to burst. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to package directions until it is tender, yet al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the tomatoes. Toss over high heat for 1 minute, then divide evenly among four warmed pasta bowls and serve immediately.
DESSERT
DinDins’ Cranberry Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
Makes 20-25 toddler-size cookies
INGREDIENTS
1 stick unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. water
1 extra large egg
1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. old fashioned oatmeal
3/8 c. raisins
3/8 c. cranberries (dried)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat butter with sugars, vanilla, and water until fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. Mix together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Slowly add this flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix only until combined. Add the oats and then the raisins and cranberries. Using a measuring teaspoon drop on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool on baking rack.
And for that Valentine’s Day toast…you have to try Skinnygirl Cocktails new Sangria! YUM! I love the Margarita flavor too. Best of all, they are low-cal, guilt-free and delicious! Of course, this toast is just for the grown-ups.
For these and more recipes check out the MiniMunchers website!
HAPPY MUNCHING & VALENTINE’S DAY!
