A Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dessert

Try the pairing of Caprese Chicken and Chocolate Strawberry Truffle pie for your homemade Valentine’s Day Dinner and dessert.

Caprese Chicken Ingredients:

• 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 jar of pesto
• 4-6 slices fresh mozzarella or 6 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
• 8 small tomatoes sliced
• Balsamic glaze
• Fresh basil, chiffonade

Caprese Chicken Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Use a sharp, thin knife to slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted into the olive oil, add the chicken breasts to the pan, being careful not to crowd. Cook on each side until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes each.
3. Slather the tops of each chicken breast with the basil pesto, about 1-2 tablespoons per chicken breast. Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and a few slices of tomato. Put the skillet in the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. F.
4. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
5. Pair with your favorite vegetable (asparagus, brussel sprouts, green beans, etc.) and a carbohydrate (rice, potatoes, etc) to make it a complete meal! Bon appetit!

Chocolate Strawberry Truffle Pie Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups strawberries or other berries, fresh or frozen (250g)
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp cocoa powder or cacao powder
• 1.5 cups raw cashews (150g)
• 1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1/8 tsp uncut stevia, or 1/3 cup agave or pure maple syrup
• 1/8 tsp salt

Chocolate Strawberry Truffle Pie Instructions:

1. In a bowl, cover the cashews with water and let sit at least 4 hours. Then
   drain and pat dry.
2. Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender or
   food processor. If using stevia, add 4 tablespoons water. Blend until a
   smooth texture is achieved.
3. Taste and add more sweetener until desired
   taste is reached.
4. Pour into a store-bought pie crust (Oreo or graham
   cracker) and freeze.