Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

Happy Friday! I’m excited for Valentine’s Day this weekend! It’s been a bitter cold week here in Wisconsin so our plan is to stay warm, cozy and safe, and celebrate with special meals in!

Why not treat the family to a special breakfast this weekend? My Cherry Almond French Toast is a favorite in my house! It’s so delicious and pretty too.

Serve it with Brown Sugar Bacon and you’ve got one fancy breakfast in bed! Click Breakfast and Brunch for more yummy recipes that will really WOW your family and make a special weekend!

For dinner I think it's super fun to do a fancy date night in on the weekends. A good shrimp cocktail is the way to my heart. Make my Beer Boiled Shrimp with Seriously Good Cocktail Sauce. It’s the perfect start to a fun romantic dinner at home!

There are some really good sales on seafood right now! Why not pick up some scallops? I LOVE them! You only need a few to make my Maple Bacon Wrapped Scallops. They are AMAZING! Super easy too! They make a great appetizer or are perfect with a steak for a surf and turf dinner at home! My FAVE!

Speaking of steak my Ginger Soy Flank Steak is so yummy! The marinade makes it extra special! You probably have everything to maker it in your kitchen right now! If it’s too cold to fire up the grill, just broil it. If you are using a flank steak, after it’s cooked make sure to cover it with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice it thin on an angle against the grain. It’s so tender and juicy! Total yum!

I like to start every nice dinner with a big beautiful salad. My Wonderful Wedge Salad with Best Bleu Cheese Dressing tastes and looks like any favorite steak house salad. It may be old school but for me a wedge salad never goes out of style!

With a steak, I’ve just gotta have potatoes! Easy Twice Baked Potatoes check all my boxes! They are loaded with bacon, sour cream, butter, cheese and green onions. You can make them today or tomorrow and then bake them right before steak time.

Got a few chicken breasts in the fridge or freezer? Why not use them and make something that seems kind of fancy? My Skillet Bow Tie Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes is a dish that you’d pay big bucks for out at a restaurant. Save some dough and make it at home! Nobody but you needs to know how easy it is to make. Easy on the wallet too. LOVE THAT!

I sure like a good casserole. Even on the holidays! My Elegant Chicken, Ham and Swiss Casserole is ALWAYS a winner. Click Dinner, Slow Cooker, and Casseroles for more valentine-worthy recipes.

For dessert, if you are like me and love chocolate why not WOW everybody with my Blender Chocolate Mousse? Yes, it’s true that you make it in minutes in your blender! Who knew it could be that easy?

My Chocolate Flourless Cupcakes are so decadent and rich! They taste like the flourless chocolate cake like you get out at a fancy restaurant. Just 4 ingredients! Fill the middle with fresh whipped cream and fresh berries. So pretty!

I’ve got one more idea for you chocolate lovers. Why not do fondue? My Chocolate Fondue is crazy easy! Just 2 ingredients or 3 if you add a splash of Kahlua. Serve it with lots a of fun dippers like fresh berries, bananas, and pound cake. Talk about romantic! Super fun to make for the kids too. My kiddos love it! Click Desserts for more fun Valentine’s Day dessert recipes.

A Sweet Treat - Order Amy's Cookbooks!

If you like my recipes, I think you will love my cookbooks. Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

Treat Yourself to the Vacation of a Lifetime!

Things are looking up for 2021! Hopefully it will be safe to travel again by summer!

I can’t wait to start traveling again! Treat yourself. Let’s travel together! I’m hosting three AMAZING culinary vacations. They are booking up fast. Join me for these trips of a lifetime! In June 2021, join me for a 3-day trip to beautiful Mackinac Island. This trip is ALMOST sold out! Call Brittany at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880 to get in on the fun and reserve your spot. You can also email her at: brittany@bonvoyagebt.com

In September 2021, join me for a river cruise through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I’ve always dreamed of taking a river cruise through Europe. This trip is going to be spectacular! A river cruise is the absolute best and stress-free way to see Europe. It’s a great value too because gourmet meals and wine, beer, and champagne are all included on the cruise!

In April of 2022, join me on an incredible trip to Ireland! This trip is also booking up quickly! From Irish cooking classes, to scone baking, whiskey tasting, a VIP tour of Guinness, and so much more. We’ll do it all. We’ll even stay in a real castle outside of Dublin! I can only take a small group so please get your reservation in soon! Click Join The Cooking Mom in Ireland to read more about this trip and find out how to reserve your spot. I’ve got two other trips planned for later in 2022!

To find out more about my trips and what makes them so unique click Culinary Vacations with The Cooking Mom.

If you want to get on the list for updates and details on all my trips email me at info@thecookingmom.com!

Stay tuned because I’m announcing my next big trip soon!

You can always see what I'm up to on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out my videos on YouTube, too. Follow me!

I hope you all have wonderful weekend and Valentine's Day! Stay safe and cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom

Click to Read about Culinary Vacations with The Cooking Mom