whole30-friendly valentine dinner

We don’t really “do” Valentine’s Day. Just not into it these days. But this, this was something super awesome that the Husband did for me. He is great, though sometimes frustrated with these weird diets I venture on every now and again. Bread goes bad because I stop eating it. Edamame uneaten. Milk sour. OK, I don’t think the milk has ever gone sour in this house because I’ve never been a big milk drinker, but you get the gist.. But tonight, he did this, and it was perf. First, T-bone steak (“the best one at the store,” he says). It was smooth and rich like buttah, i tell you. On the side, some mushrooms, slightly spiced shrimp and steamed green beans. A really great Whole30 meal. Made just for me!

Now, I don’t think I can remember the last time a Valentine’s day has ever gone by where I didn’t indulge in some kind of chocolatey treat. Whether it’s Dilettante, or Ghiradelli, or just plain old Metropolitan Market, there was something. Just because I don’t like Valentine’s day doesn’t mean I don’t love sweets, right?

Until TODAY. Today I walked by the chocolates, just gave a cursory glance to the bakery shelf. Today the kiddo and I made a fun treat: Bacon-Wrapped-Dates, stuff with an almonds. Super-simple, even for this girl, who doesn’t know a lick about bacon.

Now, you might be thinking, well that sure sounds more like an appetizer than a dessert. To that I say, have YOU been having raisins and walnuts every night pretending it was dessert? No? Then sit down.

bacon-wrapped dates

Actually, as I slightly burnt the these under the broiler, the dates took on a burnt/caramelized flavor, which I just loved. Chewy, sweet and delicious. I may need to go and get me another one. I’ve already had 4 of ’em. Just because I’m not enjoying chocolate doesn’t mean I won’t overindulge.

Literally, this is how easy it is:

Bacon-Date Candy (ok, it’s technically an appetizer)

• 8 dates (Medjool, please)
• 3 slices of bacon
• 8 almonds

1. Pit the dates and add in an almond where that pit used to be. Dates are mushy so you can almost reseal the date like the almond was always there.
2. Wrap the date in some bacon. I’m not a bacon expert, but I trimmed the excess fat, and probably used about 1/3 of the bacon piece to wrap it around.
3. Place the bacon dates on a baking sheet, and put them under the broiler about 10 minutes. I turned them at the 5 minute mark.

I’m kind of excited to make these again.