Tough economic times means many people are looking for an alternative to an expensive night out at a crowded restaurant this Valentine’s Day and low-fat cooking queen Annette Sym has the answer!
Author of the best-selling cookbook series Symply Too Good To Be True, Annette says the key to your Valentine’s heart lies at home.
“There’s nothing more romantic than a candlelit dinner that has been cooked by the one you love,” she said.
“And I’m not just talking about the women doing the cooking … guys, February 14 is the day to impress your lady with your culinary skills!
“Not only that, by cooking the meal yourself you can ensure that it not just tastes delicious but is good for you and your loved one as well which means you are looking after your sweethearts heart in more ways than one.”
Annette said people who wanted a restaurant alternative for Valentine’s Day should be wary of picking up the phone and ordering a big feed of takeaway.
“More often or not the food that arrives at your door is greasy and full of fat, so it’s hardly a healthy choice and probably doesn’t even taste that great,” she said.
“And let’s face it, it’s not exactly romantic eating out of a plastic container! But a beautifully set table with a meal that’s been lovingly cooked – that’s a winner!”
Annette said she had the perfect solution for men (or women) who wanted to try cooking their loved one a beautiful Valentine’s dinner or other special celebration such as a birthday or your anniversary.
There are many recipes perfect for special occasions in Annette’s five cookbooks but here are just a few recipe suggestions to get you started:
Starters/Appetizers: Oysters Alaska(a creamy crab topping) or Caesar Salad(yes a low fat version of this all time favourite)
Mains: Lemon Fish( a light creamy lemon sauce), Chicken with Pepper Sauce(who doesn’t love this one and its soooo easy to make), Chicken Pizziola (like a pizza on chicken) or Smoked Salmon Cream Sauce with pasta
Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Pie, Strawberries Romannette, Crème Caramels or Caramel Tarts (served with freshly ground coffee/herbal tea)
And if you are really lacking confidence in the kitchen why not check out my recipe of the month videos on the Symply Too Good To Be True website – www.symplytoogood.com.au. This month’s recipe is Chinese Beef so you can watch me to see exactly what you have to do.
“Then all you need to make the meal really special is a few extra touches,” Annette said.
They might include:
Using a table cloth and cloth napkins
Have fresh flowers for a romantic table setting
Dim the lights and play soft romantic music (not too loud so you can talk easily)
Get the kids minded for the night
Feed each other the oysters 🙂
Make as much of the meal ahead of time so that you are not tired and stressed. All recipes suggested are easy to make during the day or even the night before.
Annette has sold more than two and a half million Symply Too Good To Be True cookbooks, which contain low-fat recipes for family favourite foods and are endorsed by Diabetes Australia.
SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the 8-week weight loss journal, her CD-ROM MENU PLANNER and GET MOTIVATED & LOSE WEIGHT DOUBLE AUDIO CD are sold in all good newsagencies or visit Annette’s website www.symplytoogood.com.au.
