Dinner For Two

"Oh Baby, you are the only one I'd spend my Flex Points on..."

Just because Valentines Day is over does not mean that we can't still spread a little love!

Who says that February 14th is the only day when we can send a mushy card, give flowers, or indulge in chocolate.

I don't know about you, but I am not ready to retire my warm and fuzzy Valentine's Day feeling! In my opinion it is the best time of year to make a move on that cutie you have been eyeing. The weather is perfect for cozy cuddly movie nights, or a intimate coffee date. Oh... And chocolate and valentines goodies are on sale! So seize the day! Ask him/her out! Or if you are cheap like me, just make this hearth healthy meal to share with the one you love.

Now let's pretend we are at a romantic Italian Bistro... (a.k.a. Shively) What would the waiter bring to tide you and your lover over until the entree?

How about an appetizer of-

Toasted Herb Bread with Parmesan Dipping Oil

What You Need:

A herb bread bowl

4 T olive oil

2 T balsamic vinear

1 T parmesan cheese

a pinch of- italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

1. Time to Break up.... Not with your hubby, but your bread bowl silly!

2. Run the bread pieces through the toaster

3. combine oil, vinegar, herbs and spices and DIP AWAY!

WebMD Health News

Nov. 11, 2005 - An ingredient found in olive oil may be largely responsible for the heart-healthy benefits attributed to the Mediterranean diet, according to a new study.

Researchers tested the effects of eating a meal of olive oil and bread and found people's blood vessels appeared healthier after eating olive oil rich in phenolic compounds.

Now, as you gaze into your partner's eyes while being serenaded by the murmur of soft jazz... ( or "Party In the U.S.A." if you are anywhere, ANYWHERE on OU's campus) you almost forget about the entree!

Pizza Primavera ( for two )

What you need:

1 Pita

olive oil

basil (dried is fine )

salt and pepper

mozzarella cheese

garlic powder

tomato slices

red onion

spinach

1. Drizzle the pita with olive oil. Sprinkle herbs, spices and mozzarella cheese.

2. Its gettin' hot in here! Put the pita through the toaster and let it get golden brown, and the cheese melt.

3. top with tomatoes, spinach, and onions and run under the toaster one last time.

4. share!

The magical evening is coming to an end, but not without a sweet dessert. Grab two straws for this adorable treat!

Tiramisu Milkshake

What You Need:

3 scoops of coffee ice cream

1/2 cup of skim milk

a splash of coffee

chocolate chips

chocolate syrup

whipped cream

a cone

1. Mix together ice cream and milk untill creamy smooth ( make your shake as thick as you want)

3. add a splash of coffee on top ( hot and cold = fun )

4. top with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, chocolate chips and a crispy cone to create the oh so sweet flavors of a chocolaty-espresso-y tiramisu!

Nothing says i love you like a milkshake for two!

You will notice that there are a few videos below...

Let me warn you...

Watching these will tug at your heartstrings!!! GIVE IN TO THE LOVE!

OH YEAH!

I AM GOING THERE!

Carrots

... Those crunchy sweet, crispy roots that are loved by all. Whether whole or baby, cooked or raw, in a cake or on top of a salad, carrots are

remarkable!

Ok.... This carrot... Not so yummy.

Packed with Beta-carotene and Vitamin A, carrots are a great and versatile way to give your body a nutritious boost... And yes... They can improve night vision.

The dining hall will occasionally have cooked carrots, but I have noticed that they are usually mushy or freezer burnt. We need to give carrots the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. they deserve! Even carrots need to be sassed up a bit! So, here's a recipe to get you out of that carrot and ranch dressing rut.

Microwave Maple Ginger Carrots

What You Need:

1/2 cup of thinly sliced carrot rounds (found on the salad bar)

2 T Maple Syrup

2 T Orange Juice

1 tsp butter

a pinch of salt

Ginger to your liking

1. Mix the maple syrup, orange juice, butter, salt and ginger in a bowl.

2. Then toss your carrots into the yummy juice

3. Microwave for 2 minutes or until the carrots are soft

Yup! It is THAT EASY to update your carrots!