Say what you want about Valentine’s Day and how it is just a big money-making scheme; it is always important to show the people you love that you love them. Yes, we are supposed to do it every day, but let’s be really honest: WE DO NOT. Life gets in the way, and next thing you know its been 3 months since your last date night. So I am all about that Valentine’s Day life.
That being said, I also don’t believe in the consumerist side of it, so a romantic evening at home is much more up my alley. PLUS you have the freedom of making something really special. Something full of aphrodisiacs to really get the dopamine, oxytocin, and blood flowing. So, clean the house, set up a little picnic area, and get ready for a proper romantic evening.
One of the main ideas behind a healthier “picnic” is that you don’t eat so much that you end up with puppy syndrome, and we’ve chosen some lower carb options so you don’t have to worry about anything. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
The key ingredients you want to go for include: chili, cinnamon, seafood, chocolate, avocado, asparagus, garlic, pumpkin seeds. Fruit is technically red list, but strawberries, watermelon, and banana are the way to go.
Chicken Cabbage Wraps. Add some extra garlic and chili (fresh or flakes) during the frying phase, and the dill blending phase. Everybody’s tolerance is different, so add to taste. Keep these wraps small, or share one – they are really filling, and this is a picnic.
Seed crackers with salmon and avocado. Sounds fancy but its really easy to make, and if you want to keep things on a budget, you can buy canned salmon. All you need is salmon, avocado (or ready made guacamole), sour cream, chives, lemon and seasoning. And the crackers of course.
Roasted Cheesy Asparagus. Literally all it takes is asparagus, coconut oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and a light cheese. Blanch the asparagus, put it on an oven tray with all of the above, and bake until the asparagus is soft and the cheese is melted.
Strawberry and watermelon Salad. Chop up some strawberries and watermelon and serve with fresh basil, and some pumpkin seeds. You could add some feta if you like.
Strawberries in chili chocolate. You could also dip bananas in the chocolate. Grab a slab of dark chocolate, melt it, add a pinch of salt, cayenne pepper to taste (be gentle, this stuff burns. Rather add more), and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Dip your fruit pieces in it, let it cool, and enjoy.
The Chocolate Mousse from this recipe. Enough said.
Add some salami and biltong to your spread (you already have the seed crackers), along with some champagne or wine, and you have the perfect aphrodisiac picnic for Valentine’s Day.
All of these recipes require minimal effort, which means you have more time to spend TOGETHER.
From our kitchen to yours – bon appétit
