Cayenne You Be My Valentine?
There is something so romantic about cooking a delicious meal together with that special someone…so this holiday, light a few candles, put on some mood music (Michael Buble radio on Pandora is always a good choice), set the table (or cozy up picnic-style with a large blanket near the fireplace) and enjoy some of these Valentine’s Day recipes I’ve gathered, along with an original Simply Savor dessert guaranteed to spice things up!
Breakfast in Bed:
Chocolate and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Romantic Dinner for Two:
Filet Mignon with Shallot-Red Wine Sauce and Garlic Frites
OR
- Artichoke and Tomato Bisque
- Pine Nut and Basil Crusted Gardein Scallopini Over Braised Escarole Blood Orange Beurre Bianchot
- Italian Banana Peppers Stuffed with Fresh Herb Risotto and Soy Mozzarella with Fresh Basil Lime Sauce
OR
You Won’t Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta (to cut calories without cutting flavor: replace heavy cream with fat free half-and-half, and choose whole wheat pasta)
Pasta is the perfect meal to steal a romantic moment and recreate (in my opinion) the best scene from Lady and the Tramp 
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And who could forget dessert???
Cayenne You Be My Valentine? Dark Chocolate Brownies
Based off of my very own Vegan Dark Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt recipe
Moist, dark chocolate brownies, infused with red hot cayenne pepper, creates the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Filled with ingredients recognized for their aphrodisiac properties, this dessert will make your special someone fall in love all over again this Valentine’s Day.
(And did I mention they’re whole-wheat and vegan!)
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and cayenne pepper) together in bowl
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients (maple syrup, soymilk, oil, and vanilla) and stir
Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet ingredient bowl with wooden spoon or spatula. 
Add in chocolate chips (be careful not to overly mix the batter)
Pour brownie batter into glass pan (8 inch) sprayed with cooking spray.
*Crucial step: Have fun licking the spoon and bowl clean while your brownies bake for ~30-35 minutes
When ready, remove from oven and allow to cool. Slice and enjoy! 
Mmmm love at first bite
I also experimented with a different version of these brownies starring this guy right here:
Nasoya Tofu Silken Creations: Dark Chocolate.
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Can’t share my recipe just yet because I’m entering it into this contest, but I’ll let you guys know as soon as I can!
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How are you spending this holiday? What would be YOUR perfect romantic meal?
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
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Some LOVE-ly reads:
Food History of Valentine’s Day
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Get ready for an exciting giveaway on Simply Savor coming soon!! Click here for a hint
What a great V-day menu that is. I love brownies. I plan to make some for V-day for Chris…may add some cayenne to them now for a kick.
I love adding cayanne to sweet things, those brownies are right up my ally!
Love the title Kristen!!! I do love spicy foods… but I think I’ll have to work up some courage to try spicy brownies!
Good luck in the Nasoya contest!
I think cayenne would compliment chocolate like coffee does. I’m sure it just brings out the richness… Sounds like a really good recipe
YUMMMMMMMMM! those brownies look amazing! and whole wheat pastry flour would sub fine i’m sure! i haven’t been able to find any vegan Ghirardelli chips-maybe i’m not looking hard enough! i know TJs semi-sweet are dairy free though!
I’m working out, and relaxing with friends, can’t wait!
this valentine’s is dedicated to me
enjoy the long weekend!
What wonderful Valentine’s Day menu ideas, I especially love that spiced up brownie recipe!
I love spicy and sweet together. I’ve been using cayenne in so many things recently because I love the heat it gives off. I think spicy chocolate is a match made in heaven.
mmm looks tasty! I love adding cayenne to dishes to give em a little kick, I’ll have to try those. I’ve been wanting to try the silken creations too. Hope you had a nice valentine’s day! We made some heart-shaped waffles
Those brownies look meltingly delicious — fudgy, just the way I like them
I’ve never thought of adding cayenne, but that’s a great idea!
I’m glad you didn’t have to go out in the snow to do FSM today. I hope you’ll get some rest and kick that cold out the door!
I haven’t talked to you in forever! Hope the RD program is going well and your head is above the snow!!
Good luck in the contest!
I am intrigued by the thought of adding cayenne to sweet things.. I have heard it gives a little kick to the recipe but I have never tried it.