Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Not because of the presents, chocolate, and fun cards because it’s another reason to celebrate the people you love in your life. Every year, my friends and I get together on February 13^th and celebrate Gal-entine’s day. We play games, eat treats, and take time to appreciate the “gals” in our life that we are thankful for. This way, we have a special day for each other and the 14^th is saved for our men!

Valentine’s Day itself can be very expensive—especially if you go out to dinner, buy flowers, a present, and candy I personally enjoy spending Valentine’s Day at home.  You can still enjoy all of the fun things the holiday has to offer but you won’t break the bank—this is important to consider on a student budget! I have compiled a few instructions on how to have the perfect Valentine’s Day at home with your special someone.

Step One: Go to the grocery store. While you are there, purchase a card, flowers (they are much cheaper than ordering them, and the following list:

Brownie Mix and ingredients listed on back that are required (eggs, vegetable oil, water)

Reese Cups (1-pack of 8)

Two steaks

2 tsp. olive oil

1 lb. Red potatoes

1 tsp. Rosemary

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp., garlic powder

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 package of steam able veggies of your choice (I suggest broccoli)

2 tbsp. butter or margarine

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

1. For dinner, cut the red potatoes into 1 inch squares. Mix 2 tbsp. of the vegetable oil, 1 tsp. rosemary, 1 tsp., paprika, and 1 tsp. garlic powder in a bowl. Toss the potatoes in the mixture and pour on a cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 425^o.

2. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Season the steak on both sides with salt and pepper. Rub both sides with olive oil and set aside. Heat a medium frying pan (not non-stick) over high heat until hot. Put the steak in the pan and let it cook until a small crust forms on the bottom (3-4 minutes). Flip the steaks using tongs or a spatula and cook until its medium rare (3-4 more minutes). The steaks should be done when you can press the edge and its firm around the edges but still gives in the center. Serve immediately.

3. Steam the veggies according to package directions. Pour into bowl and toss with 2 tbsp. butter and dashes of salt and pepper.

4. Serve the steak with the potatoes and veggies.

5. Make the brownies according to package directions. Place Reese cups in the batter once it’s poured in a pan. Push them down until the touch the bottom. Bake as directed on the package. Serve once they are cool with a dollop of ice cream!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Alex

P3 - Class of 2016