What I Made: Valentine's Day 2012

So instead of the typical romantic dinner date for Valentine's Day, the bf and I decided to cook a nice meal at home. I love to cook and he's quite the sous chef, so it works. Also, I way overindulged on macaroni & cheese and brownies on Sunday. As in like undo the top button of my jeans overindulge. Not pretty. And I knew the only way I'd eat healthier on V-day was if I cooked a good meal myself. 

I frequently visit the website EatingWell.com if I need inspiration for healthy and delicious meals. This recipe for Marmalade Chicken did not disappoint!

image from EatingWell.com

What You'll Need:
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon orange marmalade (I used two)
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
8 ounces chicken tenders
1/4 teasoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon EVOO
1 large shallott, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest (I left this out because my marmalade already had it)

Prep:
Whisk broth, vinegar, marmalade, mustard and cornstarch in a medium bowl.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown. About two minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Add remaining oil and shallot to pan and cook, stirring often, until they begin to brown. Whisk the broth mixture and add it to pan. Bring to a simmer, scraping up and browned bits. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cook until the sauce reduces and thickens, anywhere from 2-5 minutes. Add chicken and return to a simmer. Cook, turning once, until chicken is heated through.

*This recipe only has about 213 calories per serving. I served it with lemon & garlic asparagus and roasted potatoes instead of broccoli and brown rice. Totally up to you!

For the MOST important meal of the evening, I created my own version of Eton Mess... which is basically strawberries or raspberries, pieces of meringue and cream. My version only has about 250 calories per serving.

image from FoodNetwork.com

What You'll Need:

4-6 meringues, broken into small pieces

2 cups fresh strawberries, cut into bite-size pieces

2 cups fat-free cool whip

Layer strawberries and cool whip and sprinkle meringues. Simple & sooo yum!

How did you spend your Valentine's Day? I hope you had a fabulous time no matter what you did.

Also, I would love for you to join my GIVEAWAY for the chance to win the adorable Emily Bracelet from Christina M. Boutique. ENTER HERE!

xoxo,

L