Ahhhh the day where we as a society have agreed that we shall all profess our love. I could hop on my soap box about this one, but instead, let’s talk gluten free, top 8 free, and allergy friendly recipes and ideas.
If you have a child who attends school, this article on Navigating Class Parties with Allergies is a must read. It will cover information that won’t be in this article, but will be very helpful on your journey.
Looking specifically for gluten free, dairy free, allergy friendly candy? Read the candy article here.
Do Printed Valentine’s Day Cards Contain Soy or Corn?
The hard, sad, unfortunate answer is sometimes yes. Depending on the brand, corn or soy can be used in the ink. Now that the world has moved to a more biodegradable mentality, you’ll also need to be worried about corn, soy, sugar cane, and wheat straw used in the manufacturing of the paper and some novelty toys too.
Ink cartridges that you purchase for home use as well as printer paper can be problematic for people living with a contact allergy. If you have someone in your life like this, make them a gorgeous digital card and email it to them instead.
Candy Free Valentine’s Day Cards
I’m sure when you were a kid, the Valentine’s Day cards handed out at school contained candy. This year, I’ve seen toy and trinket cards as an option. Check major retailers such as Target to see what’s available in your area.
The cards I saw came with a toy and Valentine’s Day card for kids to write the to/from on. Super cool if you ask me.
What Can I Cook for Valentine’s Day?
You’ll hear me say this a lot: I think you should cook food that makes you happy. Let’s be honest, sloppy joe is not seen as a traditional Valentine’s Day meal. However, if your SO is head over heels in love with sloppy joe, then you’ve made their day. You’re speaking their love language, and isn’t that what the day is all about?
So my official advice is to not get too caught up into the whole traditional Valentine meals idea. Instead, focus on the foods that you and your SO/family love.
Going on Dates When You Have Food Allergies
Some of you may be going on a first date this Valentine’s day, congratulations by the way. Part of me wants to talk about knowing your self worth and not putting up with people who don’t respect you but that’s a whole different conversation for a different day.
If you’re in this boat, COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY. Anyone who does not respect your diagnosis and needs is NOT SOMEONE YOU SHOULD DATE. This is your life we’re talking about. If they don’t respect you whilst dating, what does the long haul really look like? I’m guessing miserable and so not worth it.
Here are a few things to consider and talk about before the big date:
- What restaurant are you comfortable eating at, or should it be a picnic type of thing?
- Can they eat what you’re allergic to?
- If they eat what you’re allergic to, can you safely kiss them?
- Hand washing and other ways to prevent the transfer of allergens.
Food Free Date Ideas
Sometimes, the easiest thing to do when living with food allergies is to go on dates that don’t involve food. You can have a stellar date night in, or out, and stick to beverages only. Here are a few ideas:
- Movie Night In
- LEGO Build (can also have a movie or music going in the background)
- Bowling (wear gloves if you have a contact allergy)
- Nature Hike and/or Photography
- Zip Lining
Depending on where you live, you might be able to go zip lining at night and add star gazing to the evening. If a nature hike seems like a good option, check your state/city website. They will have location options for you to choose from if this isn’t something you do often.
How can I Make Valentine’s Day Special at Home?
If you’re like our family, you’re generally at home for holidays. There are lots of ways you can make the day special at home if you live with just a partner, or a household with a range of ages. Here are some family friendly Valentine’s Day ideas:
- Movie and Pink Dessert
- Red & Pink Food Platter
- Special Valentine’s Day Dinner (ideas on that below)
- Cookie Making Party (use heart shaped cookie cutters)
We like to get the kids small gifts each year for Valentine’s Day. I usually get them a LEGO set or something very unique to them. The Papa likes to get them stuffed animals.
If you don’t have kids, make the evening at home romantic, based on the likes and dislikes of you and your SO. If champagne and strawberries are your thing, go for it. If you’re more in to chocolate and rom-com movies, have a fun night laughing together on the couch.
I think sometimes we all get caught up in what’s traditional, but I say, just make it enjoyable and thoughtful.
Foods that are Naturally Red or Pink for Valentine’s Day
You can serve red and/or pink foods on a platter and call it day. If you have kids, packing these foods in their lunches can be a lot of fun. Beet root powder can also be used to dye other foods such as glaze. Here’s a list of red and pink foods:
- Beets
- Cherries
- Cranberries
- Hibiscus
- Pink Lady Apples
- Pomegranate
- Raspberries
- Rhubarb
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
Gluten Free, Vegan, Top 8 Allergy Free Treats to Purchase for Valentine’s Day
This year you may want to indulge in something you can purchase. If that’s the case, check out our product reviews for these allergy friendly candy and treats that can help you get the job done.
These treats would also be considered school safe since they’re free from the US top 8 allergens.
- Amore di Mona Luxury Chocolate (GF, V, Top 9 Free, Refined Sugar Free)
- Zego Decadence Bar (GF, V, Top 9 Free, Refined Sugar Free)
- Blake’s Rice Crispy Bars (GF, V, Top 9 Allergy Free)
- Spudsy Puffs (GF, V, Top 9 Allergy Free, shared equipment, one product line contains coconut)
- No Whey Chocolates (GF, V, Top 9 Allergy Free)
- Olipop Drinks (GF, V, Top 9 Allergy Free, shared equipment with some major allergens)
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Allergy Friendly Valentine’s Day Breakfast Ideas
For those who want to start the day off with a burst of festivities, here are some recipes that would really fit the theme well.
- Fluffy Rose Pancakes Recipe (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Mango Cherry Gluten Free Pancakes Recipe (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Strawberry Overnight Oats Recipe (GF, V, Top 9 Free, Seed Free)
- Strawberry Rose Waffles, Kid Friendly Option: Amazing Strawberry Waffles Recipe
- Gluten Free Raspberry Rose Muffin Recipe (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Gluten Free Strawberry Mini Muffins Recipe (GF, V, Allergy Friendly)
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Gluten Free Valentine’s Day Recipes
Here are a few recipes I think you’ll love for a fantastic gluten free Valentine’s Day celebration.
- Fig & Honey, Balsamic Bacon Pizza Recipe
- Easy Gluten Free Salmon Cakes Recipe
- Strawberry & Chicken Feta Gluten Free Pasta Recipe
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Roll Recipe
- Easy Gluten Free Mahi Mahi Recipe (Allergy Friendly)
- Lemon & Thyme Fried Shrimp Recipe (Gluten Free, Allergy Friendly)
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Top 8 Allergy Free Valentine’s Day Recipes
These delicious recipes are easy to make and perfect for a top 8 allergy free Valentine’s Day celebration. They’re all also gluten free!
- Easy Cooking Video: Bacon Bomb Potatoes (GF, Top 8 Free)
- Gluten Free, Vegan, Top 8 Free Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Purple Chicken Ramen Recipe (GF, Top 8 Free, RSF)
- Vegan Pulled Porque (Pork) Recipe (Top 8 Free)
- Cheese-Free Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan)
- Kale & Date Chicken Recipe (Gluten Free, Top 8 Free)
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Gluten Free, Vegan, and Top 8 Allergy Free Valentine’s Day Recipes
If you’re vegan, gluten free, and top 8 allergy free, we have you covered. Here are several delicious recipes you can make at home for a stunning meal.
- Vegan Pesto Pasta Recipe (GF, Top 9 Free)
- Chickpea Patties Recipe (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Hot Sushi Recipe (GF, Vegan, Top 9 Free)
- Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe (GF, Top 9 Free)
- Vegan Chowder Recipe (GF, Top 9 Free)
- Gluten Free Fried Savory Swirls Recipe (Vegan, Top 9 Free)
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Family Valentine’s Day Meal Ideas
If you’re feeding a free-from family at home, here are some great recipes you can all enjoy together. These recipes are gluten free, top 8 allergy free, and sesame free too. If you have a mixed allergy household, our Advanced Recipe Search will allow you to use more than 85 filters to customize recipe search results to your needs.
- Lemon Waffles Recipe, serve with strawberries or other pink/red fruit for a festive presentation
- Gluten Free Beets & Rice “Stir fry” Recipe (Top 9 Free)
- Easy Vegan Sushi Rice Balls (Gluten Free, Top 9 Free)
- Kid Friendly Apple Tacos Recipe, for extra fun cut tortillas into heart shapes (Gluten Free, Top 8 Free)
- Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Cake (Vegan, Top 9 Free)
- Lavender Honey Cookies (Gluten Free, Top 9 Free)
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What’s a Good Romantic Dinner?
Depends on who you ask. Both fish and sushi have been long seen as romantic foods. The same is true of oysters, strawberries, and chocolate. There’s also something to be said about the nutritional properties of these foods and how some are seen as aphrodisiac. Many don’t know this, but figs are known as the most romantic fruit.
- Gluten Free Fried Eggplant Recipe, serve on top of spaghetti for a fun variation (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Creamy Dairy Free Lamb Pasta Recipe (Gluten Free, Top 9 Free)
- Coconut Free Lemongrass Chicken Recipe (Gluten Free, Top 9 Free)
- Creamy Gourmet Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan, Top 9 Free)
- Gluten Free Lasagna Rolls Recipe (Vegan option, Top 9 Free options)
- Gourmet Mushroom Mac and Cheese Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan, Top 9 Free)
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Valentine’s Day Menu Ideas
If you’re feeling ambitious this Valentine’s Day and want to take a full meal based approach, here are some tasty ideas for appetizers, mains, and desserts. If you’re planning to serve several courses, remember to mind your portion sizes. If each serving is huge, you’ll be regretting it sooner than you’d like. Think Michelin: big plates, small portions. It also helps you plate a more elegant looking meal.
- Appetizers: Savory Fried Mushrooms | Parmesan Popcorn Chicken
- Mains: Butter Chicken w/ Shallots & Grape | Taco Spaghetti
- Dessert: Stuffed Strawberries | Fudgy Brownies
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Delicious Gluten Free Desserts for Valentine’s Day (Also Vegan and Top 8 Allergy Free)
- Gluten Free Fluffy Rose Cookies (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Corn Free Chocolate Heart Cake (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Cherry Cake/Tart (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Easy Dairy Free Oat Milk Ice Cream Recipe, top with fresh strawberries or strawberry sauce and chocolate chips! (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Paleo Vegan Strawberry “Nice Cream” Ice Cream (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
- Candy Bar Recipe (GF, V, Top 9 Free)
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Remember, Do What’s Safe and Delicious
No matter how you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, stick to what’s safe and delicious to you and your family. That’s what’s going to help you make the best memories with those you love, and really, isn’t that what this is all about? Also LEGO. That’s a good thing to stick to too 🙂
