All you need is love…

…chocolate, coffee, hamburgers, cupcakes, peanut butter and did I mention chocolate?!

Valentines Day is nearly upon us – a day of love, passion and romance. I have never really understood why it is more important to share your love on one specified day of the year. On February 14th, just 1 day out of 365, love must visibly burst from every single pore and orifice – a day filled with red roses, chocolates and cute fluffy kittens.

In reality, Valentines Day couldn’t feel any less romantic to me. I spend days, weeks (ok, maybe just hours) before the “big day” under immense pressure, intent on finding the best Valentines card, the most heartfelt present, and the most magical way in which to show my husband just how much I love him. Having acquired RSI from flicking through so many Valentines cards, flushing money down the Hallmark toilet, and being completely stressed over what outfit to wear for dinner that night – when in fact, it really doesn’t matter because I am only going to look embarrassingly awkward sat in a restaurant crammed full of other forcibly romantic couples – I admittedly wake up feeling not in the least bit romantic.

So this year I am advocating self-love on Valentines Day, a day for rebelling against the norm and loving myself because, as the old saying goes “you have to love yourself before someone else can”. No doubt, my rebellion will last no longer than lunchtime, but I at least intend to take the morning for me. So why not join me and show yourself some love this Valentines Day?

This Peanut, Butter and Jelly Smoothie Recipe is the perfect start. Not only is it one of the yummiest smoothies I have ever tasted, but it is also surprisingly good for you. The peanut butter provides protein, potassium, fibre, and magnesium, while the milk is a fantastic source of calcium. The addition of dates naturally sweetens the smoothie. Simply use a sugar-free jam to eliminate refined sugar altogether.

Smoothies are impossibly easy to make, simply throw all of the ingredients into a blender, whizz away, et voilà! You can create this Smoothie even quicker and easier by using this clever Strawberry Huller that make the dreary task of prepping the strawberries into a happy, smiley task – simply push it into the centre of the strawberry to remove the stalk and leaves!

For all of you old romantics out there who think I am nothing but a selfish ole sour puss – and you’re probably right! – this recipe makes two servings, so you can happily enjoy a romantic PB&J Smoothie breakfast with your partner.

Happy Valentines Day! 

Have you visited the Arugula & Rocket Online Cook Shop lately? I have recently launched a variety of exciting new items, including fun Thumbsicle Ice Pop Moulds, professional quality Flex-Core silicone spatulas, a 3-in-1 Avocado Knife and super fun Comic Burst Cookie Cutters – so take a look!

Do you have a recipe that you’d like to see on the blog? Have you made one of my recipes that you would love to share? Or have you discovered a great product that you cannot find in the shops? Email me at: info@arugulaandrocket.com – I’d love to hear from you!