Valentine’s Day Q&A With RD and Chef Alexa Bosshardt
February is a month full of love and FOOD! As so many people plan dates around Valentine’s Day, we asked Alexa Bosshardt, chef and registered dietitian some advice about what to eat for Valentine’s Day!
As February is a romantic month – do you have a favorite pasta dish that you like to make to share with a significant other? (can you share a recipe too?)
For Valentine’s Day you don’t want to spend all your time slaving in the kitchen. I have two recipes that you don’t have to – Easy Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Chicken with Orzo and Shimp & Pasta! They’re quick and simple to make, yet still special and affordable. They also make for an easy clean up so you don’t have tons of pots and pans to wash. That leaves more time to spend with your loved ones!
For the shrimp dish – I especially love using asparagus and shrimp because they are more high-end ingredients and the Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette adds a little bit of tang while still keeping the sauce light and healthy. It’s also not as heavy as plain canned tomato sauce. To save time you can even grill the asparagus and shrimp ahead of time and just toss it into the pasta right before serving.
The chicken dish features orzo which pairs perfectly with the spinach and artichokes. Artichoke hearts are a perfect ingredient for Valentine’s Day! The creamy cheese sauce seems so luxurious but it’s really low in fat and calories. Both dishes are light and healthy so you still have time to get on to the romance.
Many people go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day (because they don’t want to cook at home) – can you give us some advice about what to choose on the menu to stay healthy?
Look for lighter menu items that are produce and grain-based like a pasta bowl or a rice bowl topped with grilled or steamed vegetables. Fish or chicken are other good choices. Even though steak houses are tempting, I would recommend avoiding them. Not only are huge meat-centric meals with rich sauces not good for your heart they also weigh you down and make you feel heavy.
Also, if the ambiance of a fine dining restaurant is what puts you in the mood, though, try sharing an appetizer, entrée and salad and requesting sauces and dressing on the side. Not only is sharing a variety of foods better for you but it can also stir up some romance. But, certainly save room for dessert – for me this means chocolate.
We know you are a registered dietitian, chef, and athlete – Other than a great date meal for romantic holidays, can tell us how pasta fits into your life?
I like to dress up pasta for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, but for me pasta is also my go-to food when I’m training, too. I regularly bike 60-80 miles each weekend and need lots of calories keep my body properly fueled. Carbohydrates are particularly important because they are the body’s number one energy nutrient and help me both glycogen load and replenish depleted glycogen stores. Pasta is filling and easily pairs with protein and vegetables so I can get everything I need in one meal. Cold pasta salads with a lean protein source are easy to grab after a ride for recovery!
About Chef Alexa Bosshardt
Alexa Bosshardt is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and professionally trained chef with over 30 years of restaurant and foodservice experience. Alexa has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cornell University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University.
Alexa’s passion is recipe development. She has directed the research and development department of a major quick service restaurant chain and developed hundreds of recipes for food manufacturers over the years. She is a published cookbook author, has taught courses in various area culinary and hospitality management schools and conducted wellness seminars and cooking classes throughout her career.
As a nutrition professional with a passion for sports nutrition, Alexa has spent many years researching and developing “training table” recipes for casual and recreational athletes and has a sound working knowledge of dietary trends and the dietary supplements industry. When she finally gets out of the heat of the kitchen, Alexa can generally be found outside in the heat of South Florida on her bike or in a dance or yoga class.
Check out Chef Alexa Bosshardt’s recipes here: