As a working mother of four, I understand busy evenings all too well. But, I still like to make my family’s favorite homemade foods, especially for holidays. The secret is as simple as a little planning ahead (make-ahead recipes). Basic ingredients and a bit of day-before prep let you serve your family – or a very special Valentine – this comforting feast, even on a hectic weeknight. Remember, the best meals are made with love, so be sure to add a heaping portion of that, too. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Menu:

Slow Cooker Meatballs with Marinara and Angel Hair Pasta

Dutch Oven Bread

Spinach Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Amish Date Pudding

Evening before the feast: Approx. 1 hour

Make meatballs

Mix salad dressing and bread dough

Bake date pudding

Evening of the feast: Approx. 40 minutes

Bake Dutch oven bread

Cube date pudding and mix with whipped topping

Toss salad

Cook angel hair pasta

The Make-Ahead Recipes

Slow Cooker Meatballs with Marinara

Sarah Nussbaum

This super-easy, make-ahead recipe has been a crowd-pleaser in our family for nearly 20 years. We love walking in the door to the aroma of Italian spices and savory sauce. Feel free to vary the seasonings to your taste – you can’t go wrong.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef OR 1 lb. ground turkey
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
1 egg, beaten
Enough milk to moisten mixture

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
Use your hands to form mixture into 2” meatballs. Place meatballs in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Cover with a jar of your favorite marinara sauce plus ½ cup water. Cover and refrigerate until next day.
Cook on low 6-7 hours, or on high 3-4 hours, or until meatballs are done.