Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

Day #13:  Valentine's Day Dinner

{not so special this year}

I had plans, BIG plans, for a romantic dinner for Mr. Art @ Home, in the dining room, decorated something like this:

...but my plans have been foiled, I tell ya!
from BH&G.com

My husband has been traveling extensively this past month.  When I offered to cook him an extravagant Valentine's Day dinner with beef tenderloin, homemade rolls, and his choice of dessert, he said, "No, thank you."  Instead, Mr. Art @ Home wants a simple meal of grilled chicken, salad, and nice white rice.    :/   Apparently there is no white rice in Colorado, and he is craving it!  ;P

At least I can make the salad special.  As you all know, I am taking a cooking class this month, and this recipe is from the class.  Enjoy!





Spinach Salad with Japanese Ginger Dressing


INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons minced onion
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
10 ounces fresh spinach, (see Note)
1 large carrot, grated
1 medium red bell pepper, very thinly sliced
red pepper flakes to taste

PREPARATION
Combine onion, oil, vinegar, ginger, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, salt and pepper in a blender. Process until combined.
Toss spinach, carrot and bell pepper with the dressing in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Add red pepper flakes to taste.

NUTRITION
Per serving: 135 calories; 11 g fat ( 2 g sat , 5 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 9 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 3 g fiber; 407 mg sodium; 559 mg potassium.

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill