Valentine’s Day dinner at home 💘
a GF DF menu, recipe roundup, & my v-day themed favorites
Happy Sunday! I know everyone’s focused on football today but I’m already moving onto Valentine’s Day… I can’t wait any longer 🤐 We’re going all in on the pink, the chocolate, and the love this week—whether that’s for a partner, your friends, or just yourself (because honestly, treating yourself is always a good idea). Today’s newsletter has everything you need for a cozy, delicious Valentine’s Day at home: a full menu with two entree options, plus a roundup of even more recipes—breakfast, sides, dinner, and desserts—so you can celebrate all day long.
And because Valentine’s isn’t complete without a little something extra, my 2-2-2 picks this week are all about fun finds that double as gifts or a little treat for yourself 💝 Keep scrolling for a Valentine’s-inspired mocktail and all the recipes you need to make your night (or week) extra special! 💕
P.S. We now have 3 giveaway winners every month for a free month the eat goood newsletter paid subscription! Entering is really simple: all you have to do is leave a review on a recipe you tried this month—details are at the bottom of this post! 💕
I love how cozy an at-home Valentine’s or galentine’s dinner can be!! Are you more of a dine-in or dine-out person for the holiday?
raspberry spritz mocktail
makes two 6-oz drinks | prep time: 10 min
INGREDIENTS
For the raspberry syrup
3/4 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the mocktail
Raspberry syrup (recipe above)
2 ounces NA spirit (optional), I used this one
12 ounces sparking water (raspberry, strawberry, or cherry flavor recommended)
1-2 strawberries, for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Make the syrup: Combine the raspberries, water, and maple syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the raspberries are softened and juicy, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve set over a small jar or measuring cup.
Make the mocktails by dividing the raspberry syrup, LMNT, and NA spirit between two 10 to 12-ounce glasses. Stir to mix, then fill with ice and top off with the sparkling water, divided evenly. For a fun garnish, a strawberry halved and cut into a heart shape makes it extra special.
get a free LMNT sample pack with purchase through this link.
get the full recipe here
dairy-free spinach and artichoke dip
serves 4 | prep time: 40 min (inactive prep) | cook time: 25 min
Truly hard to believe this one is dairy-free! Cashews are the superstar here that help create that creaminess, without using any dairy. Pop this one into your most festive Valentine’s baking dish for a delish appetizer while dinner cooks up. If you’re cooking for two, just half the recipe.
get the full recipe here
marry me shrimp spaghetti
serves 4 | prep time: 15 min | cook time: 25 min, plus 10 min resting time
This is the February substack-exclusive bonus recipe. This gluten and dairy-free meal comes together in about 45 minutes! The perfect fancier dinner, but the ingredients we’re using are super simple, so it feels so easy to pull off for a weeknight dinner. If you’re not into seafood, you can easily swap for chicken, or for plant based try out white beans or veggie sausage.
get the full recipe here
slow cooker short rib ragu
serves 4-6 | prep time: 20 min | cook time: 5-8 hours (inactive)
Nothing like a set it and forget it meal to make Valentine’s dinner a breeze. Just cook up your pasta of choice when you’re ready to eat. My gluten-free recommendations are Jovial Foods or Rummo. Or, for a fun V-day twist this heart shaped pasta is so cute!!
get the full recipe here
gluten-free chocolate chip cookie skillet
serves 4 | prep time: 30 min | cook time: 35 min
Ooey gooey, warm and sweet — this gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate chip cookie skillet is everything you could want for a night in with your friends, partner or yourself! This warm and decadent treat bakes in a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet for a shareable and rustic feel. Top it off with some whipped cream or ice cream and you’re in for the perfect bite.
get the full recipe here
If you’re looking for more Valentine’s recipes here’s a few more idea so you’re covered for every meal of the day! All recipes are gluten-free.
🍓 strawberries & cream chia pudding
🍫 chocolate strawberry overnight oats
🍠 root veggie and quinoa salad with thyme vinaigrette
🧡 butternut squash and goat cheese salad
🍝 hidden veggie spaghetti with crispy kale
🍅 tomato basil chicken meatballs with creamy rice
🍫 chocolate cashew freezer fudge
🍰 paleo no-bake caramel “cheesecake”
what I’m prepping
Key lime chia pudding—from the February meal plan! love the punchy citrus this one packs in.
Creamy mushroom and wild rice soup—still not over soup season, and this one freezes so well.
what I’m loving
Valentine’s favorites—I couldn’t pick just two things this week—check out my full list of V-day picks here!
what I’m recommending
Breakfast prep—so many messages in our chat this week sharing breakfast preps, it’s such a game changer to have that first meal ready to go!! Keep following along with the February meal prep calendar to make it easy.
Comedy shows—Brian and I love mixing up date nights and went to a comedy show last week—such a fun time & would be perfect for Valentine’s Day! If you’re local to Boston, we always go to Laugh Boston and Improv Asylum.
🛒 make one of my favorite high-protein meals
🏈 an easy game day snack to make if you’re hosting
💪 my 10 days of high-protein meals series continues
🚨 Want a free month of the eat goood newsletter?
If you make one (or all!!) of the recipes this week, leave a rating and review on my website & you’ll be entered to get a free month of the paid newsletter! All you have to do is leave your rating & review, then comment on this post letting me know you reviewed—it can be any recipe on the site! There will be 3 winners every month 💕
I hope you all have a lovely week, and be sure to stay tuned over on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to see what I have for y’all this upcoming week!
Can't wait to try some of these! I've been following your high protein meals and just reviewed the lasagna roll ups, which were delicious! Thank you!!
Looking forward to making some of these! Left a review on the maple cider tofu recipe we love! Have a fabulous week!