Mood Makes the Difference – Set the Table!

 At least setting a romantic table is easy in our house.  We have candles everywhere – and candles are still the most romantic setting.  With the right accessories and a little romantic music – you’re on the way to a special evening.

 Great Dinner Ideas – Quick and Straight to the Heart

For  a Monday night celebration, I believe in planning ahead.  This is one day that starting something in the slow cooker can really make a difference.  If you want just a simple dinner, a bowl of steaming Minestrone soup with yummy warm Beer Bread can make all the difference.  The soup you can do that day or the day before.  If you crave something more substantial-  then Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore could be just the way to warm your honey’s heart. A little Avocado and Orange salad makes the meal complete

Just getting home late – you can always do Chicken with Mango Peach Salsa for a little extra fire!

Chocolate, Chocolate everywhere!

Chocolate is the food of love.  With TSG Breathtaking Deep Chocolate Brownies, you can plan ahead and still have a decadent evening treat.  Try the Blackberry Cabernet you’ve got the time and really want to WOW him, then our Trifle makes an incredible impact.

The rest is up to you!  How are you going to celebrate?

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It’s the dreaded question. Whether you have been asked or have asked this yourself, this question can often induce a headache. But, with a little planning and a well stocked pantry, preparing dinner can be a snap.

I was recently asked by a friend of mine (who is a novice cook), “What do I keep on hand to throw together quick and easy dinners?”

I would love to share my pantry chef favorites -

Dried – pasta, brown rice, quinoa

Canned – beans, corn, diced tomatoes (try the fire-roasted variety — they are delicious), tuna, chicken, veggie, or beef broth (I prefer the broth in a box)

Sauces and Dressings – BBQ, Worcestershire, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar

Bottled – pesto, capers, hot sauce, dijon mustard, TSG Hoppin’ Jalepeno Mustard, salsas (TSG Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a family favorite), olives

Seasonings –  sea salt, black peppercorns, dried Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, TSG Outrageously Garlic Blend (perks up any dish with its unique blend of “chunky” garlic, onion, paprika and spices)

With the above basics and utilizing what’s in your fridge and freezer, dinner can be a quick but flavorful preparation. For the days when you would like someone else to put dinner ideas together for you, check out www.foodpair.com. This site is a recipe search engine that scans multiple sites on the web to come up with recipes based on ingredients you have on hand.

Tonight I will give FoodPair a try – I have pork chops that need to be cooked and the last of my fresh rosemary to use up. After typing in my search words, the following recipe was suggested.

Rosemary Pork Chops – 4 ingredients and 25 minutes to the table……..

Bon Apetit!

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We’ve been married for over 30 years now, and Valentine’s Day is still important.  Actually, what’s important is  taking time to nourish your relationship with your spouse or significant other. We had a standing dinner date for years when Laura had her Wednesday night ball et class – there was just enough time in between delivery and pick up.

But for Valentine’s day – let’s be a little more romantic.  Start with the setting – candles, soft music, and a dinner ending in chocolate.  It doesn’t have to be complicated to be special! Keep it simple and spend time with your sweetheart – but not in the kitchen.

Five Ways to Make Valentines Day Dinner Special and Romantic

1.  Light some Candles! Ambiance is everything.  A little soft flickering glow goes a long way – put there everywhere!

2.  Play “your song”!  Remember the song you playing when you fell in love?  Find it and play it softly.  What ever genre you prefer, make a playlist to last the whole evening.  We have a favorite that includes everything from the Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet to the Beach Boys.

3.  Make a dinner to remember!  Men love steak, so how about Peppery Beef  Tenderloin Steaks followed up by Blackberry Cabernet Brownies (maybe with a little ice cream on the side)!

4.  Have a role for the children.  If they are young enough, you can put them to bed, but if they are old enough, make them part of the special evening.  Find a dish that they can make, like a simple dish.  Have them act as waiter(s) on your table.  Then let them watch a special video while you dine in peace!

5.  Give them your love!  You don’t really need to go beyond a special evening to please your honey, but if you want to, give a special gift.  How about a certificate to have you complete one of their least favorite chores, or to go for a special afternoon out for the two of you!  I promise to take the dogs for a walk on the beach with Rick.

Happy Valentines Day!  Tell me how you are going to celebrate!

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