At Home Date Dinner for Valentine's Day

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Not sure how to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? I highly suggest making a ‘Simple but Special’ meal and having a lovely night at home! This can be as a family, with your sweetheart, or with some friends.

You can do this a number of ways depending on who you will be celebrating with. Here’s the basic formula.

Festive Tablecloth

+

Candles

+

Simple but Special Homemade Meal

That’s it!

Let’s dig into it a bit more.

Festive Tablecloth + Candles—

You do not need to buy any new tablecloths or candles. Pull out something you have and find a way to make the setting festive—pinks and reds in most any combination work well, cut out a few paper hearts to layer under your centerpiece, maybe add a faux flower in a vase.

For the candles, you can use one big candle in the center, a bunch of taper candles in candlesticks, or anything in between. Again, you do not need to go buy anything new. Since it is one dinner, and meant to be a low-key night, don’t stress about it. It’s fun to pull together what you have and make something festive from it.

Simple but Special Homemade Meal—

What is a ‘Simple but Special’ homemade meal, you might be wondering? It’s something I’m hoping to talk more about on here, but basically it is a meal you wouldn’t normally make on a weeknight. It takes a bit more effort to prepare or maybe needs a long time to simmer. For our family, we love to make Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs. It is not hard, but it does take a bit more time because it needs to simmer. The results are always amazing, and it feels special and a bit fancy.

A few other ideas that come to mind are

Any of these meals, served with a simple salad and maybe some French bread would make for a lovely meal!

In terms of dessert, you can make a cake or cookies, or to keep it simple, pick up a bar of high quality chocolate and divy it up accordingly. (These Hu chocolate bars are my absolute favorite, and they have no vegetable oils or lecithins in them!)

Other Thoughts / Variations—

For families, make sure to plan ahead with your meal so it will be ready when your family normally eats dinner. If there are things you can prep the night before, that would be a huge help. While you are cooking, enlist your spouse to entertain the kids for a bit to keep them from asking for 10,000 snacks while you are trying to concentrate :) or have your spouse help cook and put on a movie for the kids or maybe print out a few Valentines’s Day coloring pages they can work on before it’s time to eat. Definitely enlist the kids to help clear off and set the table. My daughter loves to pick the plates and silverware. My son loves to assign where everyone will sit. Ha!

For an at-home date with your spouse, put the kids to bed a bit early and have a later dinner just the two of you. It’s so nice to have time to talk together and connect, but it isn’t always feasible to get a babysitter. This is a great way to enjoy time together without going out. We try to have an at-home date on Friday nights. We feed the kids something simple—macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti noodles with a jar of sauce, and then I put the kids to bed while my husband makes a special dinner. Then, we light candles and enjoy a meal with no one asking how much more they have to eat before they can be done. :) Wine or cocktails are a nice touch too.

For friends, enlist everyone to bring something for the meal. The host can make the main part of the dinner but have someone bring salad, someone bread, someone a dessert. If someone loves to decorate, assign them to the tabletop decor. If someone is your wine or cocktail connoisseur, put their talents to use. What are friends for if not to gather together for a special meal that everyone contributed toward. Light the candles and linger over dinner, or head to the living room to play a game or watch a movie.

I hope you have the most lovely, special Valentine’s Day at home this year!

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Spaghetti is one of my favorite meals! This recipe is from Dylan’s grandmother, and it is amazing! It has come to be one of our family’s meals for special occasions—birthdays, Valentine’s Day, as well as Christmas Eve. I love to set a fancy Christmas Eve or Valentine’s Day table and dig into a plate of scrumptious spaghetti with homemade meatballs. There is nothing better!

This is from Valentine’s Day a few years ago, but I just love penelope’s face here. :)

Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves of garlic

  • 2 – 16 ounce cans of tomato sauce

  • 1 – 16 ounce can of tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 tablespoon oregano

  • 1 tablespoon basil

  • 1 tablespoon parsley

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 – 2 bay leaves

  • Dash of Tabasco sauce

  • salt and pepper

  • 1 cup water

Meatball Ingredients

  • 3 slices of old bread soaked in 3/4 cup of water

  • 1/2 onion, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon parsley

  • 1.5 pounds of ground beef

  • 3 tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese, shredded

  • 1 egg

  • Salt and Pepper

For Serving

  • Thin Spaghetti Noodles

  • Parmesan Cheese

  • Salad and French Bread

Sauce & Meatball Directions

  • Before you start the sauce:

    • Put the bread slices into the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl) and cover with the 3/4 cup of water.

  • Make the sauce:

    • In a large pot, saute the onion and garlic in 1/4 cup of olive oil.

    • Add the rest of the sauce ingredients, stir to combine, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes.

  • As the sauce is simmering, make the meatballs:

    • Give the bread a good stir, now that it is softened, to break it up.

    • Add all of the remaining meatball ingredients into your bowl with the bread. Gently mix until just combined.

    • Form into large meatballs. Set them on a cutting board or tray as you work.

  • After the sauce has simmered for 30 minutes:

    • Gently add the meatballs to the sauce. Just plop them in and put the lid back on.

    • Continue to simmer for 90 minutes to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so to make sure it isn’t sticking to the bottom of your pan/burning. (If it doesn’t seem to be bubbling enough, turn it up just slightly. If it seems to be sticking on the bottom, turn the burner down slightly. Be very gentle as you stir the meatballs. You don’t want to break them.)

When you are ready to eat, boil the thin spaghetti noodles, drain, and divide into bowls. Serve with sauce and meatballs on top. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese to your heart’s content.

We love to make a fancy meal of this, so we usually have salad and warm french bread for a delicious meal!

I hope you love these Spaghetti and Meatballs as much as we do!

Diy Advent Calendar + Ideas for Filling It!

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This is our second year doing an Advent Calendar. For several years I have wanted to create one but wasn’t sure where to start, or waited too late to get it pulled together. Last year, at the tail end of my pregnancy with our third child, I decided I really wanted to pull something together to make the season special and help my two older kids not feel lost in the shuffle of the new baby. It was super bare bones, but we had a lot of fun with it. I made a few tweaks for this year, but overall I kept the structure and many of the ideas the same as last year. I don’t know if we will do it every year, and it will probably change as my kids are older or our schedule changes or whatever, but the thing I love about this type of Advent calendar is that you can make it whatever you want/need for that year.

Here’s the basic set-up I used, and then below I have ideas for filling up each day. This is more of a basic structure to get you started, not really a recipe. I think the advantage of creating an Advent calendar with this system is that you can have fun with it. Treat it like a craft project and adjust it to what fits with your decor, your style, etc. Also, for what it’s worth, it’s ok to to start with something really basic and then add embellishments throughout the season or in future years. That’s totally what I have done, and I’m glad I started it even though I wasn’t ready to fully embellish it the first year. ‘Done’ was better than ‘perfect’, in this instance, for me.

Diy Advent Calendar

Supplies

  • Over the Door Shoe Organizer in Natural Linen; via Amazon

  • Printable Numbers (1-24); I used the Black Printable Number Tags from Live Laugh Rowe on white cardstock.

  • Embellishments—little wreaths, bells, ornaments, poinsettias, other cards

  • Mini Brads (I used these, but any mini brads would work.)

  • Scrapbook Adhesive Mounting Squares

  • Scissors

  • Safety Pins, various sizes

Directions

  • Gather all your supplies. Cut out your number tags.

  • Lay out or hang up your shoe organizer.

    • I found it was easier to hang it up to work with it, but you could lay it out on your table if that’s easier for you.

  • Attach your number tags to the shoe organizer using the brads—poke a hole in your paper tag using the sharp point of a safety pin. Gently push the brad through the hole and then poke it through the linen fabric of the shoe organizer.

    • You could use a small hole punch, but I thought it looked better with a very small hole that was hidden by the brad.

  • Add your embellishments—Using your safety pins, attach any embellishments that you want to mount directly to the fabric of the shoe organizer. Then, using your adhesive mounting squares, add any embellishments that go on the number tags.

    • For me, it helped me to see everything on the shoe rack, and then to remove a number tag, add the embellishment, and then reattach it. That way I could make sure the whole thing was looking balanced. I also left some number tags plain so it didn’t look too busy overall. I think I’d like to add a couple of mini wreaths to my calendar, but otherwise I really like how it has come together.

  • Fill your DIY Advent Calendar with notes and goodies and have so much fun with your kids!

A Few Thoughts on Filling Your Advent Calendar

Before we get into the list of ideas, I have three thoughts about filling your Advent Calendar.

First, be intentional about how you fill your calendar. It can be so easy to buy a bunch of random things at Target or the Dollar Store to fill each day. But, will you actually use those things after the season?! Will they just add clutter to your house/life?! Think about your family’s values, what’s important to you, your kid’s needs/wants, and use that to craft your list of items to fill your calendar. Just because they are on my list doesn’t mean they are right for you. Use my list as a jumping off point to make your own list. For example, maybe your child doesn’t care about legos, but they love their play kitchen. Think of something small you could make (or buy) to use with their play kitchen.

Second, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to fill your calendar. Every day doesn’t have to be a gift, and the ‘gifts’ can be small. Think of ways you can use what you have, leverage the thrift store, or incorporate something you were planning to do/buy for the season already.

Third, take your schedule into account when you plan how to fill each day! Go through your calendar—make note of any special events you have already; use those as your ‘activity’ for that day of the calendar. For example, we have a December birthday, and this year we were planning to host a Christmas Party. Those were our ‘activities’ for those days. Also, note any busy days/evenings and choose something simple (or a gift) for those days. There’s nothing worse than planning an activity and not having enough time to actually do it. You will be stressed and your kids will be bummed. Finally, try to intentionally build in calm nights. It’s already a busy, full season; do yourself and your kids a favor and build in some calm nights at home to enjoy each other’s company.

Without further ado, here are my Advent Calendar Filler Ideas!


Ideas for Filling Your DIY Advent Calendar

Advent Readings

Christmas is about Christ after all. Building Advent readings into your calendar is a great way to keep your eyes on Jesus during the Christmas season.

  • Sally Lloyd-Jones has an Advent Kit on her blog that includes printable ornaments for each day of December that correspond to The Jesus Storybook Bible. You could do all of them or just a selection, depending on what fits your schedule.

  • Lots of families like The Jesse Tree during Advent. I’m not very familiar with it, but it may be worth looking into.

  • New Growth Press has several Advent Devotionals for Families. You could write the verses for that day onto a notecard and tuck that into your calendar.

  • Advent Candles for each Sunday of the month—This year we have been lighting Advent candles as part of an Advent wreath on each Sunday of the month. I tuck the reading for those days into our Advent calendar, but it could also work to tuck the candles into the corresponding pockets until you are ready to light them.

Gifts

  • Christmas Pajamas—I love to do this for the first day of the month!

  • Twisty Straws

  • Small Lego Sets

  • Bath Bombs or Bubble Bath

  • Open a gift from under the tree—My aunt has a tradition of sending books for each of the kids, and I decided this year to make it part of our Advent calendar. I thought it would make it really special, and this way they won’t get lost in all of the presents on Christmas Day. You could pick a present from an extended family member to use for this day.

  • Books (Christmas or otherwise)

  • Bookmarks (my son is forever looking for a bookmark!)

  • Stuffed Animals

  • Socks

  • Glow Sticks

  • Temporary Tattoos

  • Stickers

  • Markers (or other art supplies they are running low on)

  • Coloring Books (The ‘Paint by Sticker’ books are pretty cool too.)

  • Playdoh

  • Games—This Animal Kingdom Card Game has been a huge hit, and my four year old can play herself. I got the Silly Monkey Card Game for this year. A checkers or tic tac toe set would also be fun!

  • New ornaments (either one for each kid or a family ornament)

  • Lip balm

Food / Treats

Activities

  • Decorate the Christmas Tree

  • Go see Holiday Lights

  • Pull out a special blanket and read Christmas books

  • Make Christmas cards for extended family

  • Blast Christmas Music

  • Popcorn and a Movie

  • Make Christmas cookies together (or just decorate some!)

  • Attend a holiday party!

  • Family Game Night

  • Make Paper Snowflakes or Paper Christmas Stars to decorate the house

  • Homemade Gifts for family or friends

  • Homemade ornaments—There are tons of homemade ornament ideas on Pinterest, but here are 2 that I hope to make.

  • Special visit to the Zoo, Children’s museum, Art museum, or Science museum (whatever your family is into!)

  • Listen to a Christmas Story

  • Attend a special Christmas performance (a play or recital or concert)

Do you do an Advent calendar with your kids? If so, what’s your favorite gift or activity you’ve done?

Rosemary & Cinnamon Braised Pork with Mashed Potatoes

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This is one of our favorite recipes! It is pretty easy to put together, always turns out well, can be easily doubled to accommodate more people, and it elevates any meal into a special occasion.

It might seem complicated, but I assure you that it is well worth it. The pork comes out so tender and flavorful. I think the cinnamon is the secret ingredient. And the mashed potatoes are integral to make the meal, so don’t skip those!

Rosemary & Cinnamon Braised Pork with Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients for the Pork

  • 2.5–3 lbs pork loin

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed with the side of a knife

  • 2 cups dry white wine

  • 2 sprigs rosemary

  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes with juices

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ingredients for the Mashed Potatoes

  • 6 potatoes

  • 1/3 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon butter

Directions for the Pork

  • Season the meat with the salt. Cover and refrigerate overnight in your baking pan. (If you forget to salt the pork overnight, don’t fret. Just salt it and set it aside in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients. It will be fine.)

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

  • In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until it softens and starts to turn golden. Add the wine and rosemary and boil for about 8 minutes, or until the wine has almost fully evaporated.

  • Meanwhile, place the tomatoes and their juices in a bowl and crush with your hands or the back of a wooden spoon. Once the wine has reduced, stir in the tomatoes with their juices and the cinnamon. Bring the sauce to a boil, then remove from the heat.

  • Remove your baking pan with the pork from the refrigerator; make sure the meat is evenly distributed in the pan. Carefully pour the sauce over the meat. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven.

  • Braise the meat in the oven for 3.5 hours. (It will pull apart easily when done.)

  • Remove the pan from the oven and let the meat cool slightly in the braising liquid while you finish the mashed potatoes.

Directions for the Mashed Potatoes

  • When there is about 45 minutes left on the meat, get your potatoes prepped by washing and roughly peeling them. Chop the potatoes into quarters.

  • Fill a large pot with water, add the potatoes, and then heat over high heat until boiling.

  • Let boil for 20–30 minutes. Use a fork to test if the potatoes are done. They should be soft and the fork should easily pierce them.

  • Once the potatoes are soft, drain the water using a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot.

  • Add milk, sour cream, and butter. Mash thoroughly until the potatoes are creamy with minimal lumps. If they seem too dry, add a little extra milk and butter.

Serve the pork in a bowl over the mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce

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Enchiladas are a favorite winter meal around here. I love the combination of flavors—the little bit of spice from the enchilada sauce is balanced nicely with the creamy chicken and spinach filling.

I used to buy canned enchilada sauce, but then I realized it isn't really that hard to make your own. I vastly prefer the homemade version and pretty much make it exclusively now. If you get it going first, it should be done by the time you are ready to fill your tortillas and put everything together.

Another tip I learned about making enchiladas—add some enchilada sauce to the bottom of the pan before adding the tortillas. This will help prevent the tortillas from sticking, and I think it helps a lot with getting the sauce flavor more integrated into the enchiladas. I usually add enough to lightly coat the whole bottom of the pan.

Cheesy Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients for the Enchilada Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 of a yellow onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press

1/2 cup chili powder

2 cups chicken broth/stock

1 cup water

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the Enchiladas

3 tablespoons butter

2–3 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes

1/2 of a yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheese—I usually use Colby Jack or Cheddar depending on what I have

8 flour tortillas, small diameter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a medium sauce pan, make a batch of the enchilada sauce—Heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook until it begins to soften (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and continue cooking until the onion is translucent and soft (about 2 minutes more). Stir in the chile powder, and then add the broth, water, oregano, and salt. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes so it can thicken. The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon lightly.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and add the chicken cubes. When the chicken cubes are mostly done, add the onion and garlic. Cook for several minutes until onion/garlic mixture is fragrant and chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, onion, and garlic mixture to a large bowl and set aside.

In the same skillet that you just used for the chicken, add the last tablespoon of butter and the frozen spinach. Let cook over medium heat until it is completely defrosted and broken apart.

Add the spinach to the bowl with the chicken, onion, and garlic. Stir in the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and cheese. Mix until well combined.

In the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, add a thin layer of enchilada sauce. Assemble your enchiladas one by one by spooning the filling into the center of the tortilla, rolling it up, and placing it seam side down in the dish.

Pour additional enchilada sauce over the top of each enchilada in the pan. I like to add quite a bit of the sauce so that it pools around the enchiladas. It thickens as it cooks and also gets slightly absorbed into each enchilada. Then, sprinkle the top of each enchilada with some additional cheese.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted.

Serve hot out of the oven. Top with cilantro and avocado as desired.