Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is in 5 days. I’m on the Love it side, but not on a materialistic level. Of course I like receiving gifts as much as any girl on Valentine’s Day, but they aren’t what matters. To me V-Day is another day of being grateful for all the loved ones in my life. I am grateful and very lucky for having the most amazing, loving and supportive husband. I am grateful for the loving family I am blessed with. I am grateful for the people I proudly call my friends. Valentine’s Day for me is another reminder of what a lucky girl I am.
Some say they hate V-Day because of the commercialization of the holiday. To them I say get over it! So what if there is another day when people are reminded not be so selfish. We as human beings take our loved ones for granted way too much. And if it takes commercialism to smack people in the face and remind them to be more appreciative, than so be it! We all have brains and just because you see an advertisement for the holiday, it doesn’t mean you MUST go out and buy those products.
I’m not the biggest fan of commercialization but it does have its benefits. Another of those benefits is that people in all corners of the world are now celebrating Valentine’s Day. So maybe, just maybe there is another day in the world where instead of fighting over our differences we can all come together and celebrate something in common. After all Valentine’s Day is about love. A non exclusive kind of love not just reserved for couples but for all those willing to open their heart and show the good in humanity.
Loving Rant over, sorry about that. Since I’m all about the love I wanted to share “25 Man Approved Recipes” for this Valentine’s Day. You won’t find any sweets though. (I do savory way better than sweet.) But you will find plenty of budget friendly ways to tell the man in your life you love him with these delicious recipes. See you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a fantastic Valentine’s Day. Have a great weekend everyone. See you on Sunday for another installment of Sunday Snapshots. Adios!
Man Approved Pork Recipes:
Cochinita Pibil, The Easy Way
Pork Chops in Sake Tangerine Sauce
Bratwurst mit Sauerkraut
Broiled Horsey Chops
Chorizo Stuffed Chiles
Tacos Al Pastor, The Best Tacos In The World!
Taqutios
Man Approved Beef Recipes:
Slavic Cabbage Rolls
Picadillo
Steak and Roasted Pepper Sandwich
Man Approved Chicken Recipes:
Tostadas de Tinga made with Chicken
Malaysian Chicken Curry Puffs
Chicken Tagine with Dried Figs and Honey
Pad Thai noodles, Chicken
Man Approved Fish/Seafood Recipes:
Thai Curried Fried Rice with Fish
Mandarin Miso Salmon Medallions
Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo, Mexican Garlic Shrimp
Emeril’s Crab Cakes with Avocado Emulsion
Fish Tacos
Man Approved Vegan Recipes:
Roasted Veggie Hummus Delight (Wraps)
Vegan Indian Cauliflower Mash, or Aloo Gobi Mash
Linguine with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Heaven On A Plate (Vegan)
Spicy Spaghetti with grated Zucchini
Grilled Portobello Steaks (Vegan)
P.S.
I want to thank you for showing me so much love by downloading the (free) Spicie Foodie App. You guys are so sweet and supportive. Loving and appreciating the love in our community :)
Hi Nancy! Beautiful post and photos, loved the top photos, very sensuous and they do feel like shots from a romantic Valentine’s day;-) I’m going to be in Mexico this year with my sweetie for Valentines so I will be enjoying someone else’s cooking for dinner, which is fine with me(I may have to have a Margarita or 2!) Thanks for all the man friendly links I will take advantage of them at a later time;-)
Thank you Patty! Wow, how great for you two. I hope you have a fantastic trip. Enjoy it and have a third Margarita for me :)
Great collection! :) Now, I don’t nee these, since I have a woman at home, but hey! Very nice recipes. And I agree, I love Valentine’s Day, but merely for the gestures, not for expensive presents.
Hi Kiri,
Thanks! But you know these are all recipes that I also enjoy. So really they can be for a man or woman :)
Wow this is an awesome post… love the photos very romantic!
Thank you Claudia!
Thanks for the man approved series. Now, if i have a boyfriend in the near future, i’ll use these tips. :)
You could also make these for your father, brother or guy friends anytime of the year ;)
Nancy…great post. I think the same as you regarding V-Day :) Nothing beats having a loving husband , great friends and loving family. I don’t mind receiving V gifts though :p Have a Happy Valentine’s Day with all your loved ones :)
So true Elin! You too have a great V-day :)
I’d even say, man and woman approved meals! Lovely clicks and recipes.
Cheers,
Rosa
Absolutely Rosa, both men and women would like these. Thank you :)
To me Valentine’s is not really about getting jewelry, chocolate or flowers-it is really about celebrating being a part of a couple.
These links are some wonderful suggestions to have some fine dining at home! The only issue would be making a choice! Stunning pictures as usual. Have a great day!
Thank you Tina :) I hope you have a lovely holiday.
Fabulous collection of recipes! I must try one of them out for Valentine’s day ;)
Thank you Liam! I hope you do.
What a fabulous round up, Nancy! I haven’t even thought about our Valentine’s entree…just the dessert :/
Thank you Liz! Hopefully you’ll find some inspiration among these recipes ;)
I always spend my Valentines day making food. Who needs the other commercialized stuff when you can show you love someone by making something yummy (though I do have a very cute small stuffed animal collection going on since meeting my husband :D)?
Thank you for giving such a great range of ideas for the day. Guess I’ll be having to spend a bit to choose which one to work from :D
So true Rochelle! It is these kinds of gestures that are remembered more than the material possessions.
These are TOTALLY man approved. My husband would go bonkers if I made any of them :)
Those first photos on this post are STUNNING.
Thank you Claire!
haha i like this! so much of valentine’s day is focused on the woman…like you, i like getting gifts as much as any girl :) but it’s nice to see something for the men as well! love is only love that goes both ways…
Yeah, lets not forget about our men :)
Fantastic collection of recipes! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you!
Hi Nancy – what a collection! I feel like I’m in a fancy restaurant looking at the menu! All these savory dishes are wonderful. I didn’t even think about what to cook for Valentine’s Day. While being busy with the kids at home, I tend to forget about my husband… shhhh! =P
Hi Nami, Thank you! Oops,But I am sure your hubby understands:)
What gorgeous photographs! And the round up is truly delicious… most of them would be me-approved too! Thanks for sharing :)
Thank you Marsha!
Oh I love it. How clever, man’s approved recipes for Valentine’s Day. Love it!
Thanks!
Wow, so many great ideas to choose from, it’s hard to pick! Have a wonderful V-day–it’s always a good idea to celebrate love. :)
Hi Judy, Thank you!
Thanks for the ideas! In the middle of planning our special dinner in, these are some great options.
Hi Carrie, I hope to have inspired something for your dinner. Have a great V-Day:)
Delightful post Nancy, and what a fantastic line up of “Man Approved Meals” :)
Thanks sweetie!
Great post and a keeper…
Thanks! I hope you can find some to make for your hubby.