Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Your Valentine's Weekend Plans

It has been a while since I've blogged and for reason! To catch you up on my adventurous life I’ve been so busy........... RESTING that I really haven’t had time to do anything EXTRA! Yes, I really can’t blame my absence on anything other than my overused brain and tired body. Resting is good for your longevity and I am I firm believer in that! So if you’ve been stuck in the house with no idea what to do on the weekends, bored since the New Year, I apologize! Blame my metabolism! Lol
Food

Valentine’s Day is this weekend and the restaurants will be packed. I’m not recommending any restaurants this week because I’m suggesting that you stay in! No I’m serious, Google your favorite foods, buy the ingredients, and cook together with your boo. If you’re single gather your girlfriends and have a Saturday brunch. Buy wine and cute champagne glasses and enjoy your day. A great idea also would be to buy glass paint from a crafts store (Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s) and decorate your champagne glasses after you drink. Below are some recipe ideas for you and your boo and you and your friends.




You & The Lova: Blue Cheese Crusted Sirloin & Loaded on Top Red Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
                2 tablespoons butter, divided
                1 medium onion, chopped
                1 beef top sirloin steak (1 inch thick and 1-1/2 pounds)
                3/4 teaspoon salt
                1/2 teaspoon pepper
                1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
                2 tablespoons soft bread crumbs
Directions

  • In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Transfer to a small bowl.
  • Cut steak into four equal portions; season with salt and pepper.
  • In the same skillet, heat remaining butter over medium heat. Brown steaks, about 5 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, add blue cheese and bread crumbs to onion; mix well. Spread over steaks.
  • Broil steaks 4-6 in. from the heat for 3-5 minutes or until steaks reach desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Yield: 4 servings.

Ingredients
5-10 red potatoes
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 pkg real bacon bits
1 cup Mexican shredded cheese blend
3 tablespoons of butter
1 green onion (finely chopped) 

Directions

  • Wash & clean potatoes
  • Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover the potatoes with water. Add 2 pinches of salt
  • Chop green onions
  • Boil potatoes until tender; Pour water off potatoes and place 1 ½ tablespoons of butter on top of potatoes.
  • Cut potatoes in half & spread the remaindering butter on top.
  • Place the potatoes open side up on your serving plate.
  • Spread cheese on top of potatoes; add bacon bits, and sour cream to your liking & top with chopped onion.

You and your Girlfriends: Since Vday is on Friday host a Valentines brunch Saturday morning with Red “Ricotta” Velvet Pancakes and Mimosas

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (KWK Addition)
¾ Ricotta Cheese(KWK Addition)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons red liquid food coloring

Directions
  • Sift together first 6 ingredients into a large bowl.
  • Whisk together buttermilk and next 5 ingredients in another bowl.
  • Gradually stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened.
  •  Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto a hot buttered griddle or large nonstick skillet.
  • Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look dry and cooked.
  • Turn and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until done.
  •  Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, and keep warm in a 200° oven up to 30 minutes.

Note: When using a griddle, heat it to 350°.
Tip: For tender pancakes, don't overmix the batter; it should be lumpy




Fun & Adventurous

Groupon has saved my life. I literally planned an entire day for my boyfriend’s birthday thanks to Groupon. So why not use Groupon for your weekend endeavors. What woman doesn't want a massage? Groupon has several, anywhere from $12-$85,ideas for you to choose from. Take a dance lesson, make sushi, practice bartending at bartender school, or make jewelry with your friends or partner.  

Empowerment


I am big on giving back! So since it is the love month why not do something for someone else. Do you know a single mother struggling to take care of her children or an elderly woman who lives alone and is lonely. Spread the love, buy them a gift or take them out on a date to share the love you have with others who need it most! 

As always I am an advocate for fun and hard work but it all needs to be balanced with some quality time with the Father. I recommend Free Chapel, located in Gainesville, GA however they have a live stream you can enjoy from anywhere. If Free Chapel does not interest you, YouTube some sermons, visit your local church, or tune into a pastor on TV, just make sure you GET IT IN!


No comments:

Post a Comment