Cozy valentine's day & delicious recipes for a sweet weekend

A valentine's day celebration & anniversary joy

Happy Valentine’s Day, dear friends! It’s a particularly special one for me as it marks my 28th wedding anniversary. We're opting for a cozy dinner at home, bypassing the crowds, and indulging in something truly decadent: Chocolate Lava Cakes topped with Chocolate Ice Cream. It’s a tradition we've cultivated – celebrating early in the week and savoring the quiet intimacy of Valentine's Day itself.

Savory steak bites & roasted red potatoes

This week on the blog, I'm thrilled to share a family favorite: Buttered Steak Bites and Mushrooms. The tenderness is remarkable, and my family absolutely adores them! Alongside, our beloved Roasted Red Potatoes, a staple on our meal plan for fifteen years, are perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy within. These are wonderfully easy to prepare – truly “set it and forget it” cooking!

Homemade steak sauce: a flavorful twist

No meal is complete without the right sauce! My Homemade Steak Sauce is a delightful blend of tangy, subtly sweet, and just a touch smoky. It’s a speedy recipe, taking only minutes to combine ingredients and then simmering to perfection. Think of it as the best of both worlds – capturing the essence of A-1 and Heinz 57, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Bright & refreshing winter salad

As winter progresses, our bodies often crave something fresh and vibrant. Enter my Winter Salad with cabbage and Brussels sprouts! This salad is a wonderful way to brighten up a chilly day and I plan on making it again this weekend. It’s a welcome burst of freshness amidst the heavier winter fare.

Slow cooker oatmeal: a family favorite breakfast

Looking for an easy, comforting breakfast? Look no further than my Slow Cooker Oatmeal! It’s packed with creamy oats, sweet bananas, berries, a hint of brown sugar, and warming spices. The best part? It’s ready in just an hour, with no stirring required – a true week-end breakfast win!

Loaded baked potato dip: party perfection

Transforming a classic baked potato into a portable party appetizer? Absolutely! My Loaded Baked Potato Dip combines fluffy potatoes, melted cheese and butter, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, all mashed together and baked to bubbly perfection. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious twist on a familiar favorite.

Mini cheese balls: irresistible bites

These Mini Cheese Balls are simply delightful! I’ve made them countless times, and I still can’t decide whether the irresistible taste or the ease of making them is the better part. Either way, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Old fashioned chocolate cobbler: a chocolate lover's dream

For those with a serious sweet tooth, this Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler is a must-try. Rich, decadent chocolate takes center stage in this easy-to-make dessert. It’s truly a chocolate lover's dream come true!

Must-have kitchen gadget: packit freezable bag

My favorite find this week? The PackIt Freezable Bag! I’ve been using these for over ten years, and they’re a lifesaver for travel or keeping snacks cold throughout the day. My son uses them daily for school lunches. They are a world apart from traditional lunch bags with separate ice packs!

Movie recommendation: the wild robot

For a heartwarming and visually stunning film, I highly recommend The Wild Robot. My college-aged children and I were captivated by the storyline of Roz, a robot stranded on an island, befriending the local wildlife while learning to survive. The animation is breathtaking; it’s truly a work of art.

A message of love

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV