Since I’ll be leaving town in a few days to help celebrate our grandsons collective birthdays-I thought I’d open this forum/blog up to talking about what foods make you think about Valentine’s Day?

I shared what I will probably be doing this year to celebrate with my husband, but do you have a specific dish, color theme or recipe that makes or even breaks your thoughts on the day?

At acupuncture today, my therapist, who just received her degree in nutrition and has already begun work on her Master’s in the subject laughed and said:  I’m so busy with my studies, my internship and my practice, my husband will have to provide our Valentine’s Day!

Of course she did share some ideas of what makes a “heart-healthy” enjoyment!  Negin Rostam suggested using the ever-favorite “everything in moderation” meal.  Nothing wrong with serving filet mignon (it is actually one of the leanest pieces of red meat)and even indulging further by wrapping it in a slice of bacon-just make sure you‘re recognizing the fat content and cut back on other possible “fat” indulgences.

Love to share chocolate dipped strawberries?  Rostam suggests melting the very dark chocolate version and NOT adding high fat cream.  “After all,dark chocolate is filled with anti-oxidants and flavinoids that help our hearts.”

Vegetables?  Even Dr. Oz loves promoting lots of delicious and colorful items.  Try grilling or roasting red bell peppers with some purple onions for a different and tasty side dish.

Are you a lover of carbs (ok, who here is actually shaking their head no, cuz I for one will not be believing you)?  Again, try some unusual versions!  Ever try purple potatoes? Red potatoes with their skins on and either boiled and dressed with some chopped dill or rosemary and garlic?  Even roasting either of these two versions are a fun and interesting change of pace.

Maybe you‘re more of a pasta person?  Try a quinoa, spelt or even brown rice version.  Serve with a nice red sauce.

You could ditch the red meat on the above idea and add some romance inducing oysters or clams to the sauce as well.

Now, until my return-share some new and interesting dishes for all areas of our upcoming holiday-even fun ones for those who are including our kids and grandkids in the day!