A Special Dinner for Your Valentine

Planning a special Valentine Day’s dinner for two? Let us help you by providing a menu and a timetable for getting the meal prepared, which is a real stress reliever. Use all or part of the menu, whatever you think will please your special someone. (You probably won’t want to leave off the great-tasting chocolate dessert, though.)

The Menu

Pork Tenderloin With Plum Balsamic Glaze

Orzo Pasta Pilaf

Spring Greens With Toasted Cheese

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

S’More Pie

Plan ahead, so you don’t have to do everything the day of the dinner. The key is to do your food preparation when you have some time to spend in the kitchen. This year, with Valentine’s Day on a Monday, you can do a lot of the preparation on the weekend.

Up to one week ahead: Purchase all the grocery items.

Up to two days ahead: Follow the steps below. Place each in an individual resealable plastic food storage bag, then refrigerate or hold at room temperature as indicated.

• For pork tenderloin recipe
  • Slice green onions; refrigerate.
  • Slice plums; refrigerate.

• For pilaf recipe
  • Chop red onion; refrigerate.
  • Chop fresh rosemary; refrigerate.
  • Measure and combine slivered almonds and dried fruits; hold at room temperature.

• For salad recipe
  • Cube cheese; refrigerate.

Up to one day ahead: Follow the steps below. Place each in an individual resealable plastic food storage bag and refrigerate.

• For asparagus recipe
  • Wash asparagus; place on paper towels to remove moisture.
  • Wash mushrooms; place on paper towels to remove moisture.

• For pie recipe
  • Prepare pie; cover.

• Set the table with dishware, candles and pretty napkins.

Let your “significant other” help with the final steps of getting the meal to the table. That allows you to spend more time together and share the experience of assembling a wonderful, delicious meal. Happy Valentine’s Day!