pink, reds, hearts & southern style lite creme brulee & Roasted almond chicken salad

​Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?   I remember as a young child, this probably was one of my very favorite days.  I have loved crafting since I was a young child.  I loved making that shoe box into my own Valentine's box.  It was so fun to swap Valentine's with your friends.

When my kids were small, I loved helping them with their Valentine's.   We would add in suckers, cookies & other candies to the cards.   David always liked the Superhero Valentine cards.  Lauren liked the pet valentines.

Valentine's should be celebrated by the whole family.  After you have been married as long as I have, there isn't any reason to go expensive.   I mean most of us are still trying to recover from the cash explosion on Christmas gifts.

​I have an easy creme brulee for you.   This doesn't require any fancy blow torch or you don't even have to broil the sugar on the top at the end.   This is a lighter version and it really is delicious!   It does take some time for it to bake and chill.   These type of desserts are perfect to make the day ahead.

For some extra fun for Valentine parties, we are serving the finished product up in a martini glass.   These don't have to be expensive either.   Be sure and check out your local Dollar store.   They usually have plenty of glasses to choose from.

 Southern Lite Creme Brulee

Serve in a Martina Glass for Valentine's 

Ingredients·      

•  1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
•  3 1/2 tablespoons Dark cocoa powder
•  2 large eggs
• 1.5  teaspoons Vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon of corn starch  -   for less thickness leave out 
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter,melted
•  5 ounce can evaporate milk

Instructions:

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Vigorously whisk in the eggs, butter, vanilla, cornstarch and evaporated milk until completely combined and smooth (batter will be thin.)
2. Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for about 50-55 minutes or until the filling sets and there is a thin crust on the top. (It might be slightly jiggly in the center, but that’s okay - as it sits and cools, it will set up more.)
3. Remove from oven and let cool 1 hour and then place in fridge to cool for a couple hours.
4. Scoop and Serve in a Martini Glass -  top with chocolate shavings & whip creme if desired

P.S.   I put a touch of whip creme and then chocolate shavings on top for an extra garnish.   This dish is scrumptious and you really don't need either.    I like to add a tiny spoonful of raspberry jam to the top of mine.

BTW, you can also put all the ingredients in a pie crust and bake in lieu of the baking dish.  It makes an excellent chocolate creme pie!

You can watch our live TV Segment on The Vine by clicking here

For the Main Course --   It's a delicious Herb Roasted Chicken Salad 

What makes this chicken salad unique?    It is made with a light lemon fused olive oil and salsa.  Yes, salsa!   I wanted a lighter version.  I used infused lemon oil to give it that lighter taste.  I also used 1 tablespoon of mild salsa, green onions, one hard boiled egg, 1 small tomato sliced, Lowry's garlic pepper, and topped with thin sliced almonds.

I bought my roasted chicken from The Fresh Market.    You can make your own or pick one up at your local deli.   I light to use the roasted chicken in a variety of recipes.   

Herb Roasted Almond Chicken Salad

Ingredients

1 Roasted Chicken - shredded    (I used the breast)
1 tablespoon of the Lemon infused Olive Oil
1 whole green onion fresh diced
1 Tablespoon of Mild Salsa   (I bought mine at Fresh Market)
1 Hard Boiled Egg
1 Small Tomato
1 Teaspoon of Lowry's garlic pepper
1/4 cup sliced almonds (thin sliced)

You can watch our live TV Segment on The Vine by clicking here


Check out Part 1 of the 2 part segment here -  with Ashley King - an overview of our entire table
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Instructions
In large bowl, pull apart roasted chicken and shred using fork.   Add in your oil and mix.  Dice in hard boiled egg, tomato, green onion, garlic pepper, salsa and mix together.  Top with thin sliced almonds.   Cover and let chill for one hour.   Serve.1:51 PM (23 minutes ago)
https://www.thv11.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/the-vine/create-a-fancy-valentines-day-dinner-without-breaking-the-bank/91-0d66ec15-6899-4b40-a065

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