Let the Men Take Charge of the Kitchen on Love Day

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

Men can cook. It’s always nice to give them a chance to shine in our kitchens every now and then. As much as you itch to reach for that spatula and help sauté those vegetables, or as much as it pains you to see him chopping vegetables ever-so-slowly because each cut has to be precise, just chill. Step back, put your feet up, drink some wine, read a book, or get out of the house, go and do your thing, perhaps a yoga class, and come home to wonderful goodness waiting at the table, without having to lift a finger. On this day, let him show you that he cares and thinks you are the most special person in the world, and let him do a nice thing that he rarely gets the chance to do.

I just want to share the delicious meals that DFJ made last week. Pardon my poor photography, the pictures do not do justice to how delicious these meals were.  

Chili with Go Chu Jang (Korean red pepper paste)

This chili had a mix of different spices thrown into the pot. For good measure, DFJ stirred in the rest of the go chu jang left in the container. It was so good and so spicy, complemented very well with whole milk Greek yogurt, which added creaminess and staved off the spiciness.

Fajitas with Homemade Taco Seasoning

Very easy: just throw some cumin, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, salt, pepper, and squeeze some fresh lime juice on beef cut up in small strips. Marinate for at least four hours. Sauté some garlic, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers, then add the meat. Serve on top of corn or flour tortillas and some guacamole or salsa on the side. There you have it, fast, easy, and wonderful!   

DFJ’s Homemade Teriyaki-Lime Marinated Steak

The most delicious teriyaki-flavored steak I have ever had! Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a little bit of red wine vinegar, brown sugar, fresh lime juice, a couple cloves of minced garlic, and an equal amount of fresh ginger. All these ingredients went so well together and because the beef sat in the marinade for over a day, the meat was so tender. We didn’t use a grill because it was too cold, but broiling it in the oven worked just fine. DFJ basted the beef as it cooked and that kept the surface juicy.    

I’m not the best at making cutesy stuff because I get too impatient. So, here are links to gorgeous culinary delights that you might be interested in making for Valentine’s Day. I am planning on making these in the next few weeks. There is never a need for a special occasion to make and eat something fancy, right?

1. This Chocolate and Burnt Orange Swiss Roll from Kathryn of London Bakes.
2. These delicious, wintry Squash and Apple Calzones from Kelsey of Happyolks.
3. These beautiful Whole Wheat Raspberry Pancakes with Almond Syrup from Jackie of  A Bittersweet Wife.
4. This bright pink/red Three Cheese Beet Ravioli from Jenna of Eat, Live, Run.


Whoever your Valentine is, make sure this special person knows how much he or she means to you.