Homemade Dinner for Two
A stay-at-home dinner for two is much more attainable than one would think. It doesn't call for much, only candles, a tablecloth, a romantic playlist and a meal made with love are sure to impress your significant other. Those more talented cooks can try this homemade chicken bake recipe.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Pepper
Olive oil
Tomato (optional)
Mozzarella cheese (slices)
Avocado (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Cut the chicken breast into thin slices and sprinkle pepper on both sides
- Saute chicken with olive oil in a pan for about 6 minutes per side of the breast
- Put the chicken into a baking dish and top each breast with tomato or avocado
- Add a slice of mozzarella cheese to the top of each breast
- Bake in an oven at 350° for about 10 minutes (or until cheese is melted)
For cooks looking to recreate a classic movie moment, spaghetti and meatballs invites the opportunity for you and your loved one to follow in the pawprints of Lady and the Tramp’s romantic dinner.
Those looking for an easy meal to make can buy frozen meatballs, a jar of spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles. Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the meatballs and noodles, and don’t forget to warm the sauce before plating the film-worthy meal.
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Chilly Treat
This red velvet milkshake is the perfect portion for you to mix up and share a sweet treat with your date.
Ingredients:
2 cups of vanilla ice cream
½ cup of whole milk
1 red velvet cupcake (or 1 cup of red velvet cake pieces)
Instructions:
Combine ice cream, milk and cupcake into a blender and puree until the shake is smooth. Add more milk if it is too thick.
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Local Date Night Hot Spots
Most couples plan to go out to eat on or around Valentine's Day to celebrate one another. If you’re planning to stay in Valpo, here are the top restaurants to hit up for date night. Remember to always call in advance to inquire about reservations.
- Don Quijote: This is a signature Spanish restaurant, located within walking distance from the university (downtown) and perfect if you also want to go ice skating or grab dessert.
- Burgerhaus: If looking for more than just a burger, this restaurant will not let you down with it’s gourmet meals.
- Tomato Bar: Another one close to campus, this restaurant offers a variety of pizzas and a good atmosphere for a more laid-back date.
- Meditrina: If trying new food is on the menu for the day, Meditrina offers Mediterranean dishes, as well as a global selection of wine.
- Parea: This is another option downtown, offering a selection of Greek food in a slightly more upscale setting than the others.
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Personalized Gifts Under $30
Gift giving can be difficult, especially on a college budget. Here are some simple ideas for cheap, personalized gifts for your significant other or you Galentine’s day friend.
- Mixtape: Old school, but totally personalized. You can include songs that remind you of them, show off how well you know their favorite songs or share a bit of yourself by including the songs that mean the most to you.
- Build-A-Bear: Stuffed animals are always a cute gift, but at Build-A-Bear you can make your very own one-of-a-kind creature. This is a thoughtful gift, but you can also make a date of it and make each other’s new stuffed animal friend.
- Photo Frame: This is an easy gift to personalize. Buy a frame and decorate it with puffy paint, stickers, ribbon or anything else you can think of to make it unique. Don’t forget to add a photo of you with the person you’re giving it to!
- Matching Coffee Mugs or Tumblers: This simple, but cute, idea is perfect for the coffee lovers of the world to show how much they care for each other before they’re awake enough to say it. (It also gives you an excuse to buy a gift for yourself!)
- Distance Bracelets: These are a new trend with long-distance couples. The bracelets are made with stones that are said the cleanse and harmonize a person while making them feel close to their partner. The bracelets are two different colors, with one bead being the color of the other bracelet to remind one another that distance can not break connections.
- Pandora Ring: Although jewelry on Valentine's day may seem expensive, Pandora eases the pain, offering a variety of rings that fit the typical college student budget.
- Scrapbook: This gift is surely thoughtful, but can get pricey. Still, there are ways to put thought into a scrapbook without breaking the bank. You can print pictures or even draw and recreate moments you and your partner have shared. You can add in tickets from train rides, concerts or movies and write in memos or memories. If another friend is thinking of creating a scrapbook, the two of you can split the cost of scrapbook supplies like stickers and paper.
- The Food Gift: If nothing seems right for you, food is always a safe choice. Two simple options sure to please are chocolate covered strawberries or a basket full of your significant other's favorite treats. The two of you can also agree to split the tab at dinner and use the date as a gift to one another.
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Guide to Galentine’s Day
Galentine’s day, coined by Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation,” is that special day of the year when girls get together to celebrate their friendship the day before Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas to get you and your gal pals started on your own Galentine’s day festivities. (Fellas, feel free to use these suggestions to take a day for your guy friends as well!)
- Food is a must for any celebration, and a potluck dinner is a great option because everyone chipping in brings great variety to the table.
- A “Parks and Recreation” marathon in honor of Galentine’s day founder Leslie Knope is a great way to relax with your friends and celebrate.
- If you aren’t up for binge watching television, movies may be more your speed. We recommend “The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Amityville Horror,” “Bad Moms” and “The Secret Life of Pets.”
- Take time for yourselves and treat each other to face masks, do each other’s nails or just go out for a spa day to unwind together.
- Staying in is cozy, but if you’re looking to go out, take your gal pals on a date night. Movies, dinner and ice skating are some ideas to get you started.
- REMEMBER: Galentine’s day is a day for you and your friends. Avoid talking to your significant other, or any potential future significant others.
