Candlelight on a Budget

Easy menu for a cozy meal:

• Cherry Tomato-Caper Salad
• Chicken Cakes With Creole Sauce
• Raspberry Shortbread

Celebrate Valentine's Day or other special occasions with our cozy menu. You could certainly spend big bucks at a trendy restaurant, but true romantics know that feasting doesn't have to cost a fortune. For less than $30 and a mere hour of your time, you can cook a fabulous meal that's straight from the heart. We've even included a shopping list to make preparation effortless.

Flowers bring a thoughtful touch to the dinner table. You can gather some greenery from your garden, pick up an inexpensive bouquet from the florist or grocery store, or arrange a few potted plants such as African violets as a centerpiece.

Then light some candles and play your favorite songs as finishing touches, and spend a wonderful evening with the one you love. 

Market Order
Staples on hand

• Mayonnaise
• Creole seasoning
• Soft breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil
• Olive oil
• Ground black pepper
• Ground red pepper
• Capers
• Sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Almond extract
• 1 (10-ounce) jar seedless raspberry jam
• Wild rice pilaf mix (optional)

Shopping List
Produce

• 1 medium-size red bell pepper
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 bunch green onions
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 head Bibb lettuce
• 1 bunch fresh basil

Dairy

• 1 large egg
• Butter

Meat

• Chopped cooked chicken

Condiments

• Creole mustard
• Balsamic vinegar