Surprise Your Family with a Candlelit Valentines Dinner: Filet Mignon with Sauteed Garlic Spinach and Desserts, Of Course

Can we have an honest moment? Valentine's Day is sweet and cute but so overrated and ridiculously expensive. Because of this, I always remind my husband that while I love flowers, DO NOT purchase overpriced flowers for me on Valentines and definitely don't make reservations for an overvalued fixed-menu dinner. Needless to say, he's always relieved! However, I do enjoy doing a little something special for the whole family, like surprising them with a candlelit "fancy" meal and yummy dessert. It's never anything crazy, but it's out-of-the-ordinary and fun!

For this year's Valentines dinner, I'm making the Filet Mignon with Sauteed Garlic Spinach recipe that came out of our 30-Day Gluten and Dairy-Free Meal Plan. I'm not a big steak eater, but truly, there's nothing better than a mouth-watering juicy and delicious filet mignon! As for dessert, we've tossed out some options for you, with recipes below.

Pair One or All of These Delicious Dessert Options With Your Valentines Dinner

• Paleo Chocolate Lava Cake

• Guilt-Free Fudge

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding

• Sweet Charcuterie

Filet Mignon with Sauteed Spinach

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Serving size: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 C olive oil

• 4 sprig of thyme

• 4, 5 oz (142 g) filet mignon (3-4 inches thick)

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

• 12 cups (90 g) raw spinach

• 4 garlic clove (thinly sliced)

• 1/4 C slivered almonds

DIRECTIONS

1. In a cast iron skillet, over medium heat, add 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and the whole sprig of thyme.

2. Season the filet mignon with salt and pepper and place in the cast iron skillet.

3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for a medium-rare temperature (cook longer for a more well-done steak).

4. Keep the thyme in the cast iron skillet, but remove the filet mignon from heat and set aside to rest.

5. Add the garlic and remaining olive oil to the cast iron skillet and once it begins to brown, add the spinach and almonds. Stir while cooking until the spinach is wilted.

6. Slice the filet mignon and plate with spinach.

7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Calories: 468, Carbohydrate: 8 grams, Protein: 37 grams, Fat: 32 grams

BONUS Add-On! We'll be adding some roasted potatoes and sauteed mushrooms.