~Valentine's Day Dinner ~

Since I only grocery shop once every 2 weeks (other than milk and veggies) I am making our meal plans for the next 2 weeks including Valentine's Day. Of course we want to do something special that won't cost a ton, like going out does. This is what I have planned so far. This stew is SO good, spicy and sweet and soo good! Cowhand Stew ( from All-American Cowboy Cookbook )

3 Pounds Beef -- Cubed

2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour

1 Teaspoon Paprika

1 Teaspoon Chili Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

4 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

2 Onions -- Sliced

1/4 Teaspoon Dried Minced Garlic

1/4 Cup Soy Sauce

1 16-Ounce Can Stewed Tomatoes

1 11.5-Oz Can Spicy Hot V-8 Juice

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 Cup Chunky Style Mild Salsa

1 Teaspoon Chili Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Cloves

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Yukon Jack Whiskey

1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

2 Cups Potatoes

2 Cups Chopped Carrots

1 Cup Chopped Celery

Coat the beef in a mixture of flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and salt. Brown in oil in a Dutch oven. Stir in remaining ingredients. Stir a couple of times while cooking. Cook until vegetables are done, about 45 minutes. It can be served then, or let it simmer awhile. I have never tried it in a crock pot but I think you could probably do it AFTER the meat browning.
That's the recipe but we aren't big fans of onions so we don't use the onions or garlic and it still works great for us, I am sure you can omit what you don't like as far as veggies go. Same with the Yukon Jack, If I have some I add it, if not it's still good!

I plan to bake some cute heart shaped biscuits and use my old fashioned heart cookie cutter with the little knob handle.

I will of course be making some cupcakes! Probably Chocolate since it is the kids and Ryan's favorite! BUT I have been working on some cute little shavings for them that are easy enough to make.
You have to layer the candy melts or chocolate (whatever you are using) you can use anything to hold it as long as it can handle the heat/cold from hot to fridge without being damaged. I used a plastic hot dog holder. Just melted the chocolate and poured it in, put it in the fridge to set then did the same thing with the next 2 layers. Once it is cooled you can use a cheese slicer to make curls or a carrot peeler to make shavings.. and they are all 3 colors as long as you slice on the sides where you can see the 3 layers.

No pink or red cocktails here for Valentines Day.. Maybe some Wine though. Our fave is Willamette Valley Vineyards "Oregon Blossom"!

I have already started thinking about what I have for ST. PATRICKS day! Doesn't seem like 2 weeks till all this pink and red goes away for another year!

Tomorrow and the next day are the wee one's birthdays so I will be busy I'm sure! Hope everyone has a great week!