Cozy valentine's weekend: recipes, reviews & a charming film

A valentine's day celebration

Welcome, friends! Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s also my 28th wedding anniversary – a day we celebrate by enjoying a quiet, cozy dinner at home after celebrating out earlier in the week. Tonight, it's all about indulging in something decadent, like a Chocolate Lava Cake with Chocolate Ice Cream! Fighting the crowds on our actual anniversary isn't our style, so we prefer this relaxing approach.

New recipes to delight

This week's blog features a collection of family favorites! First up are Buttered Steak Bites and Mushrooms, a dish that's become an instant hit thanks to its incredibly tender steak. Next, we're revisiting Roasted Red Potatoes – a simple yet satisfying side dish that's been a staple in our meal plan for fifteen years. They’re almost unbelievably easy to make and perfect for dipping or topping burgers.

Elevate your steak with homemade sauce

No meal is complete without the perfect sauce! My Homemade Steak Sauce is tangy, subtly sweet, and just a touch smoky. It's quick to prepare – just a few minutes to combine the ingredients and then let it simmer. The result? A flavor that beautifully blends the best qualities of A-1 and Heinz 57, all made from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Fresh flavors for winter

Even on chilly days, you can crave something fresh and vibrant. Our Winter Salad with cabbage and Brussels sprouts delivers just that! It’s a refreshing counterpoint to heavier winter meals, and I plan on making it again this weekend. The combination of textures and flavors is simply delightful, offering a bright spot during the colder months.

Easy breakfast with slow cooker oatmeal

Start your day right with a warm and comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Oatmeal. Filled with creamy oats, sweet bananas, berries, a hint of brown sugar, and spices, this breakfast is a family favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy – just one hour of hands-off cooking without any stirring required! It's a truly crave-worthy way to begin the day.

Party-ready potatoes & cheesy bites

Transforming a classic baked potato into a portable party snack? Absolutely! Our Loaded Baked Potato Dip combines fluffy potatoes, melted cheese and butter, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, all baked to bubbly perfection. And for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, try the Mini Cheese Balls – tempting, creamy, and just a little bit salty. I can't decide what's better: the taste or the ease of making them!

A sweet treat: old fashioned chocolate cobbler

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler is rich, decadent, and easy to make. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true and the perfect way to end a special meal. A truly indulgent and satisfying dessert.

Product spotlight: packit freezable bag

This week's favorite product is the PackIt Freezable Bag. I’ve been using these for over a decade – they’re invaluable for keeping snacks cold when traveling or out all day. It’s a game-changer compared to traditional lunch bags with separate ice packs. My son uses them daily for school, ensuring his lunch stays perfectly chilled.

Movie recommendation: the wild robot

Looking for a heartwarming film? Don’t miss The Wild Robot! My college kids and I watched it this week, and the storyline is absolutely charming. It follows Roz, a robot stranded on a wild island, as she befriends the animals and learns to survive. The animation is breathtaking – a true work of art that will leave you in awe.

A message of love

“Love is patient, love is kind….” Reflecting on these words from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, I wish you all a beautiful week filled with little moments of joy and connection. May your hearts be filled with love and happiness!