Meals Made with Love
Special occasions like Valentine’s Day deserve special meals full of vivid, flavorful fruits and vegetables … made with love. Part of what is so great about planning a special meal is how good it feels to think about the ones we love while we brainstorm ideas, finalize ingredient lists, and prepare dishes with extra care.
Here are some of my favorite special occasion dishes that take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables (bonus: buying seasonal produce means you’ll get better quality for the price!). You know you’ll be doing something good for you and your family, but all they’ll know is how good it tastes!
Here are some of my favorite special occasion dishes that take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables (bonus: buying seasonal produce means you’ll get better quality for the price!). You know you’ll be doing something good for you and your family, but all they’ll know is how good it tastes!
- Stuffed Belgian endive is an easy, elegant appetizer. Fill with an all-natural hummus (See Hummus Recipe). Top with thinly-sliced carrots, scallions, or just a sprinkle of paprika.
- Jewel-tone sweet potatoes are gorgeous on the plate (and are packed with antioxidant vitamins A and C, too!). They can be scalloped for a beautiful presentation or puréed into an elegant soup. Recipe: Sweet Potato-Pear Soup
- A beet and goat cheese salad is a classic that can’t be … well … BEAT! Look for a low-fat goat cheese, and boost the nutrient factor by adding in the beet greens. The younger leaves are tender enough to eat raw, the older leaves may need a quick steam or sauté.
- A clay pot dish is not only beautiful on the table – it’s perfect for an intimate shared meal. Try braising a young chicken with olive oil and garlic on a bed of Brussels sprouts. Top with freshly squeezed lemon juice and … for an aromatic effect … arrange the remaining lemon wedges around the bird as it bakes.
- A citrus medley on a plate is great as a polished palate cleanser or as a super light dessert; you’ll love the look … and taste! Take your pick of pummelos, red grapefruits, cara caras oranges, navel oranges, and more. "Supreme" the citrus by removing the skin, pith, membranes and seeds and separating it into its segments. Reserve any juices and mix with a little honey, then drizzle the mixture over your citrus salad. Sprinkle with vanilla sugar, if desired.
Maggie Moon, MS, RD
Corporate Nutritionist
FreshDirect
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes
Video Center: Selection, Storage, and Preparation of Fruits & Vegetables.
