I once was so fortunate to have Valentine’s dinner with my best friend and her family. Her mom always likes to make a meal based on the theme of the holiday. I thought it was so fun, that when I got married I wanted to do something similar with my family. So I thank her for being my inspiration for this Valentine dinner tradition.
On our first Valentine’s as a married couple, I made a romantic, Valentine’s theme meal. We had a green salad with pink ranch dressing, baked potatoes with pink sour cream, a delicious red punch, and beautiful heart shaped meatloaf. Some people are not lovers of meatloaf, but I really like it. I try to make mine on the “lighter” side. Here is the recipe I use to make our special meal.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
2/3 cup quick oats
1 egg (or egg substitute)
2 TBL ketchup
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
salt and pepper to taste
In a small saucepan add a little oil or butter, onions and carrots and cook until the carrots and onions become soft. Set aside and let cool for a few minutes.
In a mixing bowl add turkey, oats, egg, seasonings, ketchup, and using your hands, mix together. Add the carrots and onion and continue mixing.
Divide the meat mixture into equal size portions (about 6 -8, depending on how big you want your hearts). Form meat into heart shapes and place on a cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment paper or foil. You can cover the top of the heart loaves with more ketchup if desired.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 – 25 minutes.
I have made this every year for my family since we’ve been married on or around Valentine’s day. I’ve even invited our extended family over to share our Valentine’s tradition. Sometimes we have a fun red jello or you could make a red velvet cake. I’m so glad that I decided to make this a tradition for my family. Maybe this is something you want to start doing with your family too!
Here is where I’m linking up this week:
Lil Luna
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