The hullabaloo over Valentine's Day is over. Go to any drugstore and you can buy your valentine a box of chocolates now for about 75 percent off, not that I would suggest that to you! It might make you look cheap.

I have always considered Valentine's Day amateur night. For newbies in the Land of Love; not for the seasoned pros, the married-with-children demographic.

To me, Valentine's Day is for teenagers spending their whole paychecks on red roses for their first love; making reservations in a swanky restaurant and getting poor service and cold food with the rest of those poor souls who attempt romance on the designated day.

After years of this shoddy treatment on the 'day of love,' I've finally figured out that Valentine's Day just ain't what it's all cracked up to be. The solution to the valentine conundrum? I say: skip it and do your romantic "thing" any other day. Like tomorrow perhaps.

Here is a romantic menu that's easy to prepare. Once you get the kiddos tucked into bed, it can be made and enjoyed for just the two of you in less than 30 minutes. Don't forget to light the candles!

Menu for Ma Maison
(French for My House)
Salad Romaine with sliced pears, bleu cheese crumbles and walnuts
Broiled salmon with cucumber salsa
Sauteed baby spinach with garlic
Rice pilaf (see below)
Chocolate dipped strawberries



Rice Pilaf:
Time to cheat. Buy a gourmet boxed kind. I like Far East's Rice Pilaf.