Valentine's Day Dinner Options

Is Love on Your Menu

Valentine's Day is almost here, and love is definitely in the air. What a great occasion to show that special someone just how much you care. And, if you're in love, you really want to be sure to pull out all the stops. You want to celebrate your love by expressing your deepest sentiments to your significant other.

So how about your dinner plans? What's on your menu? You want to do whatever it takes to set your mate's appetite right. If you are dining in, I have some great recipes that are sure to please. Following are three dinner options to consider this Valentine's Day. The first dinner menu consists of healthy African American dishes that are nutritious, yet delicious and simple to prepare. Included in this menu are Mixed Greens, Hearty Spaghetti and Meatballs, Easy Cornbread, and Cherry Nut Bread. Check it out.

Mixed Greens

6 cups water

2 lbs smoked turkey ham

2 tsp salt

9 lbs greens (3 lbs each, turnips, kale or collard and mustard)

4 tbs oil

Crushed red pepper (to taste)

In a large pot bring first three ingredients to a boil. Meanwhile, wash greens thoroughly (at least three times to remove all excess residue and improve taste). Add greens to boiling water mixture and cook on high stirring occasionally. Add oil and pepper after first boil). Greens should be completely cooked until tender (approx 1 to 1-1/2 hours).

Serving suggestion: As part of a healthy, low-fat diet, please serve with Easy Cornbread, see separate recipe)

Hearty Spaghetti and Meatballs

4 lbs. ground turkey

1 cup chopped yellow onion

1 cup chopped green peppers

Seasoned salt

Seasoned pepper

4 tbs oil

2 md jars spaghetti sauce (plain)

Garlic powder

32 oz spaghetti

Salt (to taste)

4 pats margarine