A Very Yummy Valentine's Day

Yep, we have arrived once again to the day of hugs, kisses, chocolate and all around romance. For some this is a nauseating and even infuriating Hallmark holiday while others live for the hearts filled with sweets & gestures of love. Either way, in year's past I have illustrated ways to make your accompanied, as well as unaccompanied, Valentine's day a healthy and eco hit.  You can check out past tips & recipes right here and here ; )

But for a few quick eco &/or healthy gift ideas, check out the Valentine's Gift Guide at EcoStiletto.com as well as some of these unique goodies:

• Thrive Fitness by Brendan Brazier - Show the one you love that you want them around for a long time! The book just came out & is a great idea for the one you love.The couple who works out together, stays together!
• Eco-Panda Swimsuit - A great bikini for the upcoming swim season will be a sure hit for the lady in your life. And she'll love you for finding a cute, sexy & super eco-friendly suit ; )
• Sovereign Earth Water Bottles - For the adventurous sweetheart in your life, this is the perfect thing. These bottles are not only healthy  & eco (no bpa, no plastic, no leaching) but they have built in filters that can save you from harmful chemicals, bacteria and more. Take this baby camping, hiking wherever, and your water supply will always be pure & drinkable. Keeping your honey safe is just another way to say I Love You ; )

This year I'm getting right to the recipes because some may choose to drown themselves in indulgent food, alone, until the morning of the 15th while others might want to share it. Either way, no sense in blowing your New Year's resolutions whether you're happy or sad, so at least enjoy yumminess with these healthier than usual V-Day treats!:

Passionate Pomegranate
6 ounces organic vodka (remove for a non-alcoholic beverage)
2 ounces seltzer
4 ounces Triple Sec (remove for a non-alcoholic beverage)
4 ounces pomegranate juice
2 lemons, juiced
1 pomegranate, seeded

Combine vodka, seltzer, Triple Sec, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker over ice; shake. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass; garnish with pomegranate seeds.

My Heart "Beets" For You Salad
1 bunch of beets (4-5), leaves removed
2 large navel oranges, peeled and sliced
1 bunch of arugula leaves, cleaned, and stems removed
Sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Dressing
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
(mix all the ingredients in a glass container)

Salad Prep
Cook the beets with their peel on. Cover the beets with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes or until beets can easily be pierced through with a fork.  After cooking, allow the beets to come to room temperature and remove their peels and then slice them. Place them in a small bowl and marinate them in half of the dressing recipe above. On individual salad plates place the arugula, a few slices of orange, a few beets, a few slices of red onion and some chopped walnuts. Sprinkle dressing over the individual salads.

Sweetie "Shepherd's" Pie
1 T olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 large carrots
2 T thyme chopped
1 cup red wine
1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
2 vegetable stock boulion cubes
1 16 oz can green lentils
4 cups sweet potatoes , peeled and cut into chunks
2 T vegan butter
1/3 cup vegan cheddar cheese, grated

Heat the oil in a frying pan, then fry the onion until golden. Add the carrots and all but a sprinkling of thyme. Pour in the wine, 3/4 cups of water and the tomatoes, then sprinkle in the stock cubes and simmer for 10 mins. Tip in the can of lentils, including their juice, then cover and simmer for another 10 mins until the carrots still have a bit of bite and the lentils are pulpy. Meanwhile, boil the sweet potatoes for 15 mins until tender, drain well, then mash with the butter and season to taste. Pile the lentil mixture into a pie dish, spoon the mash on top, then sprinkle over the cheese and remaining thyme. The pie can now be covered and chilled for 2 days, or frozen for up to a month.
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook for 20 mins if cooking right away, or for 40 mins from chilled, until golden and hot all the way through.

You Make Me Melt Molten Chocolate Cake
5 - 6 ounces dark chocolate
6 T vegan butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg replacers
1/2 cup flour
Vegan whipped or ice cream

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease four 4-ounce custard cups. In double boiler, melt chocolate and butter. Stir in sugar. In a small bowl, lighly beat egg the replacer. Add some chocolate mixture to eggs to temper eggs. Carefully, stir "egg" mixture into chocolate mixture. Add flour and combine completely. Add batter to custard cups. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Centers should be soft but sides should be done. Invert cups on individual serving plates. Remove cups after 2 minutes. Serve warm with whipped or ice cream.

Make it special no matter who you may be with - your sweetheart, your friends or yourself - after all, every day is what we make it & if we love ourselves first & foremost, then all the rest is gravy ; ) Happy Valentine's Day!!

Valentine's Vittles

Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is here ; ) Whether you've got a sweetheart or are spending the day with other happily single folk, make it fun and enjoy yourself! I've got some eco friendly, fun and healthy ideas to make this Valentine's Day the best one yet!

• If you're single, hit a bar with friends or rent a funny or scary movie and order in. Either place will assuredly not have many couples gazing into each others eyes ruining your good time!
• If you have a honey, make a romantic, organically candle lit dinner at home. It's cheaper, less stress of finding a reservation at the right place, and perfectly private - ooh lala! I've got some couple-tastic recipes to try below. Be sure to check them out!
  
• Make your own cards or support a local artist who hand makes cards from recycled materials. Also shop online at spots like Tiny Prints.
  
• Buy and give a locally, organic grown plant. Your loved one will be able to enjoy it a lot longer then expensive flowers that will wilt as soon as the clock strikes midnight on the 15th ; )
  
• Give organic, vegan or fair trade chocolates like the ones you can find at Rose City Chocolates or Chocolate Decadence.
  
• Fair trade, recycled or vintage jewelry and handmade gifts are a hit for any occasion!
  
• Wear sexy and cute organic, or hemp lingerie. You can find nice but naughty nothings s well as boudoir buddies at places like the Sensual Vegan.

And try some of these finger lickin' dishes:

Roasted Artichoke with Garlic Aioli

• 1 large artichoke
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• Half head of garlic (roasted in tin foil with olive oil, salt and pepper for 30-40 minutes)
  

In a medium sized pot, place artichoke in water and bring water to a boil. Cover, reduce heat slightle and allow to steam for 15 minutes. Remove artichoke from pot, place in baking pan and drizzle with olive oil, garlic and salt. Bake artichoke in 400 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, until soft. Meanwhile, blend together mayonnaise and the roasted garlic until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. When artichoke is done cooking, allow to cool slightly. To eat, pull leaves from the artichoke, dip in chipotle sauce and enjoy!

Vegan Chocolate Fondue

• 1/4 cup vegan margarine
• 8 ounces chocolate chips or dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tbsp soy milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup Kahlua or other flavored liqueur
  

Melt vegan margerine, chocolate and soy milk together in saucepan. Once melted, remove from heat, add the rest of the ingredients, combine well and transfer to fondue pot to keep warm. Serve with fresh fruit, pound cake, or sweet bread.

Have a super sweet Valentine's Day!!
xoxo

Valentine's Diet Massacre

Ah yes, Valentine's Day. The day where you either stuff your face with a rich meal, wine, candy and chocolate along with your better half or celebrate single awareness day with quite the same menu. Which ever Valentiner you are, here are some healthy tips to make this "holiday" less guilt ridden ; )

• If you choose to stay in and have a romantic meal, make a delicious salad with arugula and avocado. Make a light homemade honey mustard dressing and toss a few pine nuts on top. Each ingredient in the yummy, healthy salad is an aphrodisiac!
• If you are fighting the dining crowds on V-day, try sushi. Veggie sushi with brown rice and a glass of organic wine will rev up your night without slowing down your metabolism. It's sexy to feed your dinner partner and it too is a proven aphrodisiac.
• Wine is the alcoholic beverage of choice for health nuts as it's the lowest in calories. Opt for a glass or 2 over your usual mixed drink and your waistline will thank you. Especially if you are squeezing into a little bit of nothing later in the evening ; )
  
• Whether you choose to stay in or out, opt for a fruity desert. Strawberries, raspberries, bananas and pineapples are great to help you digest your sensual meal and again, are part of a short, but healthy list of erogenous foods. If you are home, grab some soy whipped cream and make a yummy parfait for 2!
• Go for a romantic walk after your meal. Sitting around after a rich meal slows down digestion which doesn't feel so good come "sexy time". Walk it off on this cool winter night and then get inside with your honey to warm up!
• If you are hot for some good old fashioned chocolates in a heart shaped box, check out Indulge in Chocoalte, Taraluna and Garuda International for their fair trade chocolates. The lack of dairy will keep you from falling asleep and dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants. You won't miss anything from run of the mill Valentine's chocolates but you will taste the presence of full chocolate flavor that will make you purrrr!
• Celebrate with organic and fair trade gifts! The Organic Consumers Association has an extensive list of green, organic and fair trade vendors for all your Valentine's shopping needs. Check them out!

So whether it's a special night for you and your baby or a fun night out with friends, let this Valentine's day be a sexy, sweet and healthy one!