By: Juliana Sofía Suárez 10A
Valentine's day is arriving, chocolates, teddy bears, flowers and all kind of gifts fill the stores, also the tension of giving something to their significant other can be felt in the air, but the problem appears when your couple is not into that kind of romanticism. For those couples who are not into dinners under the moonlight, but still want to have an amazing Valentine's day, here is a proposal that you should try not only on February 14th.
For those who want to celebrate the 14th, but have problems with the fact that is Wednesday and many should study or work, the schedule is an essential part of the plan. But do not worry, this is only a small detail. The big idea is to cook dinner and eat it while you play some games, watch a good movie or TV show, or simply make some jokes and take advantage of the time with the other.
The best part of this is that no dinner reservation should be made, it does not require a lot of money or any at all. You can wear your pajamas, choose the menu, and do all this in the comfort of home. Some good meals that can lead to good memories while you are making them are pizza, a cake, homemade tacos, mini sandwiches, or delicious oatmeal cookies with smoothies. If you are not into that kind of food and prefer something lighter, but still delicious –check recipes at the bottom-. Whatever you cook be for sure you will enjoy it. Also, remember that there is always Rappi if cooking is not for you.
To accompany your meal, a good selection of movies fits perfectly. Netflix has good movies you can watch, such as Jurassic World, The Breakfast Club, Guardians of the Galaxy, or Nerve among many others, if you prefer something that both of you will enjoy. On the other hand, there is Hercules (Disney animated version), Tangled, E.T and The Incredibles if you prefer to watch some cartoons, or you can always stay with the classics which fit perfectly with the day like Letters to Juliet, Dear John, Love Rosie and Pretty Women. Not leaving aside horror movies and some good comedies.
Even if you do not feel like watching movies, on Netflix there is a good selection of series and Colombian stand up comedies (16+) which fit perfectly for any kind of taste, like Friends, Stranger Things, Modern Family, Black Mirror, The Crown, and stand-ups from Alejandro Riaño and Ricardo Quevedo. No matter what your taste is, at least one of this recommendations will give you a perfect date.
Additionally, there are good games that you can play like charades, 20 questions, Jenga, playing cards and truth or dare, not leaving aside X-Box, Wii, or PlayStation games. Valentine’s Day is not only about expensive or super romantic dinners and gifts, it is about celebrating love. What a better way to do it than with simple but delicious treats, laughs, and some games? Which you will always enjoy if it is with the right person.
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The Best Homemade Tacos
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Simple taco recipe for an easy weeknight meal!
Author: Jen Nikolaus
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, finely diced
â…“ cup tomato paste
4 tsp. chili powder
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tsp. salt
corn or flour tortillas (about 8-10)
toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, cheese, avocado, sour cream, etc.
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INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oil over large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about five minutes. Stir in tomato paste and chili powder. Add ground beef, breaking up with a wooden spoon until cooked through. Add salt and stir to combine.
Spray a small skillet with cooking spray. Place a corn tortilla on skillet and heat, flipping over once golden and toasted. Repeat with remaining tortillas. If using flour, place a few tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave for 10 seconds or until warm.
Fill insides of heated tortillas with meat mixture and add any toppings desired. Serve and enjoy!
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NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving size: per taco (with 1 corn tortilla and no toppings) Calories: 147 Fat: 5.7 g Saturated fat: 1.6 gCarbohydrates: 5 g Sugar: 2 g Sodium: 354 mg Fiber: 1.4 g Protein: 18.2 g
https://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/the-best-homemade-tacos/
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SOFT AND CHEWY OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES
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Serves:22-24 cookies
Prep time:45 mins
Cook time:10 mins
Total time:55 mins
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These Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are super soft, thick, and loaded with oats and raisins. These cookies are easy to make and so delicious!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup (125 grams) all purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and ½ cups (150 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup (150 grams) raisins
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NSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Slowly mix in the flour mixture and continue mixing until just combined, then mix in the oats and raisins until fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and scoop out 1.5-2 tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough and dropped onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave a little room between each ball of cookie dough as they will spread a little while they bake.
Bake in separate batches at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the top is set. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling.
NOTES
Prep time includes 30 minutes of chilling time.
Cookies may be stored on the counter in an airtight container for up to five days.
https://www.livewellbakeoften.com/soft-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/
