It's the ultimate girl dinner! This Galentine's Day menu is the sweetest spread

Ingredients

• 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles (heart‑shaped or orzo, uncooked)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; can use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 3 Tbsp Salted Butter (cut into pieces)
• 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (chilled)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 8 oz Cheese Cubes (firm cheese like cheddar or gouda, cut into bite‑size cubes)
• 2 Tbsp Raspberry Jam (smooth or seedless)
• 12 Medjool Dates (pitted)
• 0.25 cup Almond Butter (smooth, natural)
• 1 cup Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips (or chopped chocolate bar)
• 0.25 cup Pink M&M's (optional, for color and crunch)
• 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (for topping)
• 4 cup Sprite (chilled)
• 4 Tbsp Grenadine Syrup (store‑bought)
• 4 Tbsp Vanilla Cream Syrup (or vanilla flavored syrup)
• Ice Cubes (as needed)

Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1‑2 minutes, being careful not to brown.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium heat

2. Cook Noodles in Broth

   Add the uncooked noodles to the pot, then pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al‑dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 8‑10 minutes).

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: medium‑low simmer

3. Finish the Buttered Noodles

   When the broth is mostly gone, add the butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Stir until the butter melts and the cheese fully incorporates, creating a creamy coating. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley.

   Time: PT3M

4. Assemble Cheese & Jam Bites

   Place cheese cubes on a serving plate. Spoon a small dollop of raspberry jam onto the top of each cube, optionally shaping the jam into a tiny heart with the back of a spoon.

   Time: PT5M

5. Prepare Date Base

   Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pitted dates evenly on the sheet and press them together with a rolling pin until they form a compact, flat layer.

   Time: PT5M

6. Spread Almond Butter

   Evenly spread the almond butter over the pressed date layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

   Time: PT3M

7. Melt Chocolate

   Place chocolate chips in a microwave‑safe bowl and melt in 30‑second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.

   Time: PT2M

8. Add Chocolate & Toppings

   Pour the melted chocolate over the almond‑buttered dates, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle pink M&M's and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.

   Time: PT5M

9. Chill the Bark

   Transfer the sheet to the refrigerator (or freezer for a faster set) and let the chocolate harden completely, about 30 minutes.

   Time: PT30M

10. Prepare Dirty Shirley Mocktail

    Fill each glass with ice cubes. Add 1 Tbsp grenadine, 1 Tbsp vanilla cream syrup, then pour chilled Sprite over the top. Stir gently and serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

520

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

5 g