Not sure yet how you and the hubs are going to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or how you’ll find the time to do so)? This year we’re tackling the holiday Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life style. Natalie’s here sharing a clever recipe for romance at home – a fun tasting menu you can easily throw together in no time. Bon Appetit!P.S. If you have a little extra time, plan ahead and make Natalie’s yummy chocolate coconut bites too – they’re fabulous!
Let’s cut to the chase, Valentine’s Day doesn’t always go as planned. (Am I right?) Schedules get in the way, sitters cancel, kids get sick. It can be hard to make alone time with our spouses a reality, no matter how well we plan.
My secret weapon in times like these is The Nap Time Date. This is a mini-date that can be assembled at home in under 30 minutes. You can pull it together quickly after the kids are asleep or even prepare it ahead so you have more quality date time. This is a great date if you’re on a budget or if your schedules are jam-packed.
Here are some basic components for a great nap time date:
Special Touches
What sets this date apart from any other snack time is the little things. Pick a spot where you can be alone without waking the kids and set up there. I moved our coffee table into our playroom, covered it with some festive fabric, and got out our cloth napkins and nice glasses. You might also add some flowers or candles to the table if you have them on hand.
Savory Bites
Time to pile lots of yummy things onto a cutting board and go to town. Cheese, sliced meats, olives, pickles, nuts, bread, crackers and veggies are all good choices. You can mix and match to make little crostinis or open-faced sandwiches.
Sweet Bites
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some sweets! Raw honey, fresh/dried fruit and jellies/jams will go along great with your savory bites. You can also prepare a quick chocolate fondue by simply melting one of our favorite chocolate bars in a saucepan with a bit of coconut oil (1 tsp oil to 4 oz chocolate is a good ratio). This takes 3-5 minutes tops and you can bring the pot right to the table. We used strawberries for dipping, but there are endless possibilities for fondue – marshmallows, pretzels, cookies… anything you like.
Adult Beverages
Since it’s a special occasion, we chose our favorite champagne. If beer, wine, or cocktails are more your speed, go with something familiar or one of your spouse’s favorites.
It doesn’t really matter what you put on the table. What matters is quality time spent with your spouse. Turn off the TV, speak kindly to each other, laugh and enjoy a few moments to reconnect as a couple. Sometimes the simple dates are the most memorable!
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