When the winter months hit and temperatures begin to drop, there are few things more comforting than a cozy night in. We turned to Sarah, a plant-forward recipe developer, entertaining enthusiast and creator behind Well and Full, to share her tips for hosting everything from a romantic date night at home to a fun and festive dinner party with friends using the newest Hearts Collection.
If there’s one thing that’s consistent, it’s that trends come and go. And in the 10 years I’ve been blogging about plant-forward food and wellness, I’ve seen it all. As the world turns from one trend to another, I’ve stayed consistent to the same advice that I came across when first stumbling into the food sphere in 2015: “Eat good food, not too much, mostly plants.”
Of course, that phrase was coined by the food writer Michael Pollan, but it’s a truism I’ve held on to in the ever-shifting landscape of food trends. It sums up my own ethos when it comes to cooking and developing recipes: focus on plants, but above all it’s got to taste good. So, I’m here to help guide you to plant-forward cooking, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or hosting a dinner party!
But First, What Does “Plant-Forward” Mean?
The term “plant-forward” is the lesser-known cousin of “plant-based.” Both terms ostensibly mean the same thing — referring to a style of eating that is based in plants. I use “plant-forward” to describe eating primarily plants, with some non-plant foods mixed in here and there.
Plant-forward eating is great because it’s healthful and diverse without being too restrictive or limiting. At its core, it’s simply about letting plants take the lead, while leaving room for flexibility in recipes. When I’m making a romantic dinner for my husband and I or hosting a dinner party, I love digging into my plant-forward recipe arsenal.
Dinner for Two
There are few things more romantic than a cozy date night at home for two! With a home-cooked meal, good music, and a little candlelight, you can create an experience that rivals the best restaurant in town. And because you’re cooking at home, it’s an opportunity to create a meal that’s good tasting and good for you. And what says “I love you” more than that?
With a little bit of planning and the right cookware, vegetables can be just as indulgent and celebratory as any traditional date night dish. For the main course, these Stuffed Shells with Pink Beet Sauce prepared in the Heart Skillet tie into the romance of date night and also the heart-healthiness of the dish! For dessert, serve some warm brownies made with sweet potatoes in the Shallow Heart Cocotte. These brownies are super fudgy and chocolatey but made with a plant-based fiber. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants (giving them their beautiful orange color). And thanks to their natural sweetness, they’re a perfect addition to brownies!
Both dishes are fun and easy to cook as a team, paving the way for romantic moments and fun in the kitchen together. In a world where a million things are demanding for our attention at a time, a date night at home is an opportunity to unplug and be present with your loved one.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Pink Beet Sauce Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Brownies
Hosting for A Group
I recently hosted a dinner party for my friends that was themed “For the Heart, From the Heart.” Using Le Creuset’s Hearts and Mon Coeur Collection as inspiration, I wanted to create a menu that was entirely heart-healthy, festive and delicious. One of the hits of the party was a dish I made in Le Creuset’s Heart Skillet: fresh roasted chickpeas!
Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron skillets and cocottes are perfect for recipes that require cooking on both the stove and in the oven. Plus, a hands-on appetizer like fresh chickpeas can help keep guests occupied while you’re finishing up with last-minute details (one of my best hosting secrets).
Recipe: Roasted Fresh Chickpeas
Fresh chickpeas, in their natural state, come in pods, like peas or edamame. They can be eaten in much the same way, too.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb fresh chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to its broil setting. Rinse fresh chickpeas thoroughly, shaking them in a colander to remove any excess water. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Don't remove the shells!
Add chickpeas to the Heart Skillet and add water to the pan, just enough so it comes up a little less than ¼ in. from the bottom. Bring the skillet to simmer over medium heat, keeping an eye on the pan. Continue to let the chickpeas simmer until the water is almost gone, then remove from heat. Quickly drizzle on the olive oil, and sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Give the chickpeas a quick stir.
Place the skillet in the oven, broiling until the shells are browned, about 3-4 minutes (check often to prevent burning). Remove from the oven and garnish with a little flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve the chickpeas warm — like edamame, you can eat them straight out of the shell — and enjoy!
Building Your Dinner Party Menu
I’ve learned that a perfectly timed dinner is close to impossible. There will always be mishaps in the kitchen, things taking longer than you’d think, so it’s always great to have finger foods out. And there’s nothing simpler than laying out a simple platter of veggies with a delicious dip or making a homemade mix of nuts and seeds for guests to snack on while you cook.
This tip came in especially handy at my “For the Heart, From the Heart” dinner party, where I made a purple rice risotto. Whole grain purple rice takes much longer to cook than arborio rice (which is processed to remove the rice bran), so I prepared a beet greens salad dressed with olive oil, sea salt, fresh lemon juice and a little Sichuan pepper for spice alongside a Greek yogurt green goddess dip with beet greens and herbs to kick the night off before we sat down to dinner.
It’s All About the Experience
Whether you’re having a romantic date night at home or hosting a dinner party, plants are your trusty friends! Plant-forward dishes have a way of making a meal feel colorful and abundant without being heavy, so everyone leaves satisfied, energized, and cared for. And that’s what cooking for the heart, from the heart is all about. Cheers!
