Cozy valentine's day & delicious recipes from barefeet in the kitchen

A valentine's day celebration & this week's culinary delights

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! It’s a special day for me as it marks the 28th wedding anniversary for my husband and I. We’ve adopted a tradition of celebrating our anniversary early in the week and enjoying a quiet, romantic dinner at home on the actual day – avoiding the crowded restaurants! Tonight, we're indulging in a cozy dinner and, of course, something incredibly chocolatey: Chocolate Lava Cakes with Chocolate Ice Cream! It’s a perfect way to celebrate love and delicious food.

New recipes to try this weekend

This week on the blog, I’m excited to share some family favorites. First up are these incredible Buttered Steak Bites and Mushrooms. They’re unbelievably tender and have quickly become a hit with everyone. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine – a must-try for any steak lover!

Next, we have Roasted Red Potatoes. These have been a staple in our meal plan for fifteen years, and for good reason. They’re ridiculously easy to make and come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They're fantastic for dipping or as a topping for burgers.

To complement those steak bites, I’ve perfected a Homemade Steak Sauce. It's tangy, subtly sweet, and just a touch smoky. Combining the best elements of A-1 and Heinz 57 flavors, this sauce is a breeze to make, simmering together in just a few minutes. It elevates any steak dish to the next level.

Fresh & vibrant dishes for winter

Sometimes, in the midst of winter, you crave something refreshing. That’s where this Winter Salad with cabbage and Brussels sprouts comes in! It’s a bright, flavorful salad that’s perfect for adding some life to your plate. I know I’ll be making it again this weekend!

Easy breakfast solutions: slow cooker oatmeal

Looking for a hassle-free breakfast that the whole family will love? This Slow Cooker Oatmeal is the answer! Filled with creamy oats, sweet bananas, berries, brown sugar, and spices, it's a crave-worthy breakfast that requires minimal effort. Just set it and forget it for an hour, and you’ll have a delicious, warm breakfast ready to enjoy.

Party-ready appetizers: loaded baked potato dip

Why not take the classic baked potato and transform it into a portable party appetizer? This Loaded Baked Potato Dip does just that! It's a creamy, cheesy, bacon-y delight that's perfect for gatherings. It’s guaranteed to be a hit – and incredibly easy to make.

Indulgent dessert: old fashioned chocolate cobbler

For all the chocolate lovers out there, this Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler is a dream come true. Rich, decadent, and delightfully easy to make, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. It’s a simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor.

Product spotlight: packit freezable bag

I have to share my favorite kitchen gadget this week: the PackIt Freezable Bag. I’ve been using these for over ten years, and they’re a game-changer for keeping snacks and lunches cold, especially when traveling. My son uses them daily for school, and they're far superior to lunch bags with separate ice packs. A truly worthwhile investment!

What we're watching: the wild robot

If you're looking for a heartwarming and visually stunning movie, check out The Wild Robot. My college kids and I recently watched it, and we were captivated by the charming storyline. It follows Roz, a robot who gets stranded on a wild island and learns to survive by befriending the local animals. The animation is absolutely breathtaking – a true work of art!

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Wishing you a beautiful week filled with little things that bring a smile to your face!