|
|
Valentine's Meals for Two, under $20
|
|
Dear Friends,
Valentine's Day
is this weekend, and it's a good time to start planning a special
day with your sweetheart. One mistake we see people making (ourselves
included) is going overboard trying to plan a fancy meal. Can you say
STRESSFUL?! If you've seen the Bachelor Quickies section of our
cookbook, you've seen some of our heat-and-eat meal suggestions.
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to draw on Trader Joe's for some
help. You can have an easy, fuss-free elegant meal and turn the focus
back on
having a romantic evening together. Below are 3 options super-easy,
elegant meals that will look and taste like you
spent a lot more time (and money) than you did.
|
|
Dinner #1
 |
|
Rack of Lamb
This elegant entree is available pre-cooked in the refrigerated section. Simply pair with steamed French green beans
and miniature carrots, and you're done! This meal will make even the
most novice of cooks look like a 5-star chef, with no effort.
Shopping list
Seasoned Rack of Lamb
Baby Green Beans
Sweet Baby Carrots
Dessert **
|
|
Dinner #2
 |
|
Crab Cakes
Treat yourselves to warm, soothing French Onion Soup,
ready in minutes. The next course is decadent crab cakes, served on a
bed of mache leaves lightly tossed in a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette.
Avocado slices make a wonderful creamy garnish.
Shopping list
French Onion Soup (frozen)
Maryland Crab Cakes (frozen)
Crusty French bread
Mache lamb's lettuce (or other salad mix)
Dessert **
|
|
Dinner #3
 |
|
Asparagus Risotto
Start off with delectable puff pastry bites filled with caramelized onions and goat cheese. Your next course is creamy
risotto paired with your
choice of boxed gourmet salad kits. Look for the salad kits next to
hummos and ready-made lunches (not the produce section).
Shopping list
Pastry Bites (frozen)
Asparagus Risotto (frozen)
Goat Cheese, Walnut, Red Bell Pepper salad (or your choice of pre-made salad)
Dessert **
|
|
|
|
** No
special meal is complete without a dessert, and with Trader Joe's
ready-made frozen desserts, the final course is as easy as done! Pick
from among the following desserts, conveniently packaged 2 servings per box. Dinner
and dessert for under $20. Now that's a real treat!
Dessert suggestions
Raspberry Cremes Brulees
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate Souffles
Peach & Blueberry Panna Cotta
Cherry Clafoutis (French custardy cakes)
Lemon Tarts
Pecan Tarts
|
|
We hope you enjoy a fun-filled, romantic Valentine's Day!
Sincerely,
Deana Gunn & Wona Miniati
www.cookingwithtraderjoes.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
