Volume 1, 2018
Date Night In
#DATENIGHTINBOX
DATE NI G H T IN BOX DATE NIGHT ENJOYED FROM HOME
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Date Night In Box // Adventure Together
Welcome
TO YOU R NIGHT IN! E D I TO R ’ S N OT E
Welcome to your Date Night In experience. I have a sneaking suspicion that many of you feel like the routines of day-to-day busy living, leave little time for adventure. Adventure doesn’t have to mean a vacation or emptying out your wallet for the trip of a lifetime! Adventure can take place from the comfort of your own home and this month, our plan is to help foster an adventurous spirit in you and your loved one.
As we continue to grow we LOVE seeing pictures of how you enjoy your date night. Simply use the hashtag #datenightinbox & #nightinboxes for a chance to win a free date next month!
Adventure Together // Date Night In Box
What you can expect A D V E N T U R E TO G E T H E R D AT E I T I N E R A R Y
OPTIONAL DINNER MENU
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SET THE MOOD
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I WOULD OR I WOULD NEVER
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FORT BUILDING CHALLENGE
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POP YOUR POPCORN
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STARGAZING / LOCATE THE DNI STAR
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ADVENTURE TOGETHER SPEED CARD GAME
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CAMPFIRE COUNCIL
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ENJOY YOUR NIGHT
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Date Night In Box // Adventure Together
Dinner Menu
Optional
Jalapeño Popper Mac n’ Cheese Prep time: 30 minutes (includes cooking bacon and making candied jalapenos) Total time: 50 minutes INGredients »»
»» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Candied jalapeños (recipe below – if you’re not into spice, I’d leave these out) • 4 jalapeño peppers, sliced and seeds removed • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1 tsp garlic powder 6 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled (leave out for vegetarian option) 3 tablespoons of butter, divided 1/4 cup of Panko bread crumbs (GF option: GF bread crumbs) 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/2 pound of captavi rotini pasta (GF option: brown rice rotini) 1/8 cup of flour (GF option: rice flour) 2 cups of whole milk (Dairy-free option: almond milk) 1 cup of cheddar cheese (Dairy-free option: vegan cheddar cheese) 1/2 cup of Monterrey jack (Dairy-free option: vegan cheddar cheese) 1/4 cup of cream cheese (Dairy-free option: vegan cream cheese) Salt
Directions
Tools
»» Cast iron skillet (10 inch) or baking pan (9X9 or 8X8) »» 2-4 BBQ skewers »» Non-serrated knife »» Cutting board »» 2 baking sheets »» Small-medium bowl to shape pies »» Large pot »» Whisk »» Medium-sized pot »» 2 Small mason jars (or glasses) for drink
Tips I suggest cooking bacon in the oven. It cooks evenly and makes it perfectly crisp. Set your oven to 425 degrees, line baking sheets with parchment paper, and cook 15-20 mins., or until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Step 1: For candied jalapeños, combine vinegar, sugar and garlic powder in small saucepan over medium heat whisking until sugar
dissolves. Allow mixture to boil for 2-3 mins. Add peppers. Submerge all slices while Stirring with wooden spoon. Cook for 3-4 mins. (if overcooked the mixture will get sticky). Remove peppers with slotted spoon and place in a jar or a bowl. Continue to cook liquid for 5 mins or until reduced in half. Pour mixture over jalapeños and set aside, allowing peppers to cool completely.
Step 2:
Bring large pot of water to boil. Once the water comes to boil, add a few tablespoons of salt and pasta, cook pasta three minutes less than recommended time on box/bag. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter the bottom of a casserole or baking dish. Step 4: Heat frying pan to medium-high heat. Melt 2 Tbsp of butter. Add garlic, cooking about 1 min. or until fragrant. Add Panko breadcrumbs to pan and stir until golden brown.
Step 5: In large pot used to cook the pasta, melt 4 tbsps of butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in flour and let it bubble
for 1-2 mins. Add milk while constantly stirring for 1-2 mins. until the sauce thickens. Once the sauce thickens, remove from heat and add cheeses, cream cheese and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until cheeses are melted and combined. Add drained, candied jalapeños and four strips of bacon (save remaining for topping). Pour mixture into the skillet and top with the Panko breadcrumb mixture and remaining pieces of bacon.
Step 6: Cook it in the oven uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
Adventure Together // Date Night In Box
Homemade Lemonade (makes 2 drinks)
INGredients »» 2 cups of water »» 1/2 cup of granulated sugar »» 1 cup of lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons) »» 4-6 mint leaves »» SPIKED VERSON: 4 shots of whiskey (two shots for each glass - use one shot for each glass if you don’t want it to be as strong) Directions Using a small saucepan, heat water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside in the refrigerator to cool completely. When cooled, combine water, lemon juice (Whiskey for spiked version) and mint leaves, stirring with a spoon. Fill a glass with ice and pour lemonade mixture into the glass, garnishing with additional mint leaves.
Brussel Sprout & Bacon Skewers Prep time: 20 minutes (includes cooking the bacon which takes about 15-20 minutes) Total time: 35-40 minutes INGredients »» 12-15 large brussel sprouts, halved »» 1 Tbsp of oil »» 1/4 tsp of salt »» Pepper »» Honey »» 4 strips of cooked bacon, strips cut into thirds (Vegetarian option: do not include bacon) »» 2-4 BBQ skewers »» Balsamic glaze Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, combine halved brussel sprouts, olive oil, salt, a pinch of pepper and generous drizzle of honey. Pour brussels on baking sheet, spreading them out. Place in oven and cook for 15-20 mins.(until they are slightly charred and brown). To assemble, add a piece of bacon, followed by a couple of brussels onto skewer. Repeat until skewers are full. Plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Popcorn Snack Garnish INGredients »» 1/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips »» 1/4 cup of mini marshmallows
Directions Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl at 30-second intervals, stirring until melted. Using directions, pop the popcorn. Then drizzle with chocolate, top with marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
Hand Pies Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 20-25 minutes INGredients » » 1 store-bought pie crust dough (GF option: GF pie crust mix and ingredients listed on the box) » » 2-4 tablespoons of berry or cherry pie filling in a can » » 1 tablespoon of butter, melted » » Granulated sugar Directions Set your pie crust on the counter to thaw for approx. 15 mins. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Using a medium-size bowl and nonserrated knife, trace two mediumsized circles in pie crust. Place both circles on a baking sheet. Add 1 - 2 Tbsp of the pie filling to the middle of the dough (stay away from the edges to prevent overflow). Fold dough over and crimp edges with a fork to close the pie. Place three slits in the top of the dough. Brush each pie with butter and top with a sprinkle of sugar. Bake for 15-20 mins., until the edges and top is light brown. Let cool for 10 mins. before enjoying.
Hi Adventurers! I’m Marina from marinamakesblog.com and I’m so happy you’ll be enjoying a night at home with me. I’m here to further elevate your experience with some seasonal eats and sips.
(makes 2 SERVINGS)
»» 2 tablespoons of crushed graham crackers (about one sleeve) (GF option: GF graham crackers)
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From -
Marina Makes
I’ll start this off by saying, camping is not my thing, but my husband on the other hand can’t get enough of it. One of these days he’s going to drag me with him and thanks to this month’s box I’ll have some good camping food to look forward to. I crafted these recipes based on some of the foods he enjoyed growing up with while roughing it outdoors. I hope this menu takes you and your taste buds on an adventure!
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Date Night In Box // Adventure Together
SET THE
Mood
Setting the mood for your date is an important step to really enjoy your experience together. Since your date is taking place in the comfort of your own home; we suggest dimming the lights, lighting your included candles, and finding a prime cuddle location. You will have the option to enjoy your date inside or head outside. Up for grabs this month is an Adventure Together luxury camping kit. We will get to all the details shortly. ;) Don’t forget to tune in to your custom Spotify playlist for the night. You can access your playlist from your customer account or visit nightinboxes.com/music.
Ta k e a m i n u t e t o p l ay t h i s f u n g a m e t o awa k e n yo u r adventurous spirit. GRAB YOUR INCLUDED I WOULD or I WOULD NEVER CARDS AND REVEAL YOUR ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS ON THE RIGHT.
OR
Adventure Together // Date Night In Box
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Questions: 0 1 . Pa r t i c ipat e in a N i g h t R ac e ? »»
R u n a c r o s s r iver s , through forests and over mountains al ong t he En g lis h / S c o t t is h b order. The only wrinkle in this fun day out ? I t ’ s al l d o n e at n ig h t .
0 2 . Com pl e t e a T r iba l C lash? »»
Eu r o p e’ s b ig g es t t eam fitness event is a CrossFit style comp e t i t i on s p r ea d o ver t wo d ays. We are talking chucking logs, f lippi ng t i r e s and p u ll-u p s ag a in s t t h e clock.
0 3 . Go W h i t e wat e r R a f t i n g on Ste r oi ds? »»
T akin g p la c e o n t h e Tully River in Cairns, Australia, 4 4 rap i d s awai t y ou, w in d in g t h r o u g h a World Heritage rainf orest, complete wi t h e nor m ous w at er falls an d d r amatic gorges.
0 4. Tak e a B ul l by t h e Hor n s? »»
R o d eo Bu ll R id in g School in Houston, Texas to teach you al l asp e c t s of t h e s p o r t . T es t yo ur skill and coordination while learning how t o r i d e a b u ll like a r o d eo c owboy.
0 5 . Go H e l i- S k ii n g ? »»
S kip t h e s ki-life lin es and arrive at the top of the mountai n v i a h elic o p t er . Yo u ’ ll g et dropped of f in pristine, untouched powd e r .
0 6 . Wal k t h e G r e at H ima laya Tr a i l? »»
D o es t h e E ver es t Base Camp Trek look to soft f or you? The t r ai l wi l l s t r et c h t o t h e wo r ld’s highest mountain range through In d i a, B hut an and Nep al t o Na m c h e C arway in Tibet passing eight of the 1 4 hi ghe st p e ak s in t h e w o r ld , in c lu ding Everest. Plan for a 1 5 0 - 1 6 0 day jou r ne y .
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Date Night In Box // Adventure Together
Fo r t Building
Challenge Show u s yo u r fort a nd you c o u l d wi n a n a dve ntu re package! Each month, we like to incorporate a contest in your date. So this month, let’s see your fort building skills as a couple. This could end up being the perfect location for the rest of your date! You can set it up inside or outside and then tag a photo or video on Facebook or Instagram using @datenightinbox and hashtags #nightinboxes and #datenightinbox for the chance to win: An
A d v e n t u r e Ca m p ing Kit
» » O z a r k T r a i l 1 2 x 1 0 Wa l l T e n t (Sleeps 6) »» Lifetime 55 Quart, High P e r fo r m a n c e C o o l e r i n G r e y » » C o l e m a n R oa d T r i p L X E P o r ta b l e 2 - B u r n e r P r o pa n e Grill No purchase necessary to enter or win. Sponsored by Night In Boxes. All participants must be at the age of majority in their state, province, or territory of residence, and must reside in the United States. Void where prohibited. 1 prize will be awarded. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Redemption restrictions apply. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. All entries must be posted between 12:00 a.m. EST. on May 16, 2018 and 11:59 p.m. EST. on June 16, 2018
Adventure Together // Date Night In Box
Popcorn
Time
I n th e s p i r i t o f a dve ntu re , it’ s ti me to g r a b you r inc lu de d e a r o f co r n a n d ge t pop pin! Simply follow the directions and enjoy! Check page 5 for some enhancements you can make to take your popcorn to the next level.
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Stargazing
F i n d i n g yo u r D at e N i g h t I n S ta r S ta r n a m e D ATE NIGHT I N S ta r C o o r d i n at e s RA 1 1 H 5 6 M 29 S D EC 5 7 0 5 2’ 16. 1” You can find th e Date Nigh t I n Star ins id e or outs id e!
Stargazing
Quick Tips
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You’re probably looking at Mars if it’s pale orange-yellow or orange-red.
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The Big Dipper (part of the constellation Ursa Major) is easy to spot in the sky in the springtime. It is shaped like a bowl with a handle. 3 stars make up the handle and 4 make up the bowl.
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You can locate Polaris, often referred to as the North Star, by following the line of the two stars that make up the side without the handle of the Big Dipper “bowl”.
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The North Star always points true north and marks the first star of the Little Dipper.
On your phone or tablet, download the free app Star Chart: compatible with IOS and Android. All you need to do is hold your phone up to have fun searching the sky! The Date Night In Star is located in the Ursa Major constellation, one of the most visible constellations to the naked eye! With your phone app, you can type in Ursa Major or “Great Bear” in the search bar or simply face your phone to the sky until you pass over the Great Bear. Take a look at your star chart an d see if you can locate the Date Night In star in the sky. The challenge is on!
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Date Night In Box // Adventure Together
Speed
card came H ow to S e t U p Spe e d Shuffle cards thoroughly. Place two stacks of four cards face-down in the center, far enough apart that it will allow for two discard piles and flailing hands. Then, dispense the rest of the cards one-by-one between the two players.
Obj ect o f S p e e d To be the fastest person to get rid of your pile first.
H ow to P l ay S pe e d Both players draw four cards from their personal draw piles. Throughout the game you may have up to four cards in your hand at any given time, but no more than four. Once both players are ready, you will each place your right hand on the right stack of cards in the center. When the dealer says, “Go,” flip the top card over face-up onto a discard pile in the center, forming two discard piles. Both players, as quickly as both players can, discard the cards in your hand onto either discard pile going numerically up or down. Suit and color do not matter. You may grab additional cards from your stack at any time as long as they do not exceed four cards. The game proceeds until there are no more plays or a player runs out of cards. If there are no more plays and you both have four cards in hand, then you will each place your right hand on the right deck. The dealer says, “Go,” and each player flips the top card over onto the discard pile. Play continues like this until a player runs out of cards, in which case the first one out is the winner!
Si d e Not e Aces can go on either a two or a King, and vice versa. Color and suit does not matter. If two players place the same card down, whoever’s hand is on the bottom leaves their card, the other opponent must keep the card in their hand. Be careful, injuries have occurred.
A dve ntu re To geth er
Card Game Campfire
Adventure Together // Date Night In Box
& Council
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Campfire council
Let’s end the evening with what we like to call Campfire Council. In the hustle and bustle of life, it can feel like you and your significant other are two passing ships in the night. Our hope is that these questions can be revisited on a weekly or monthly basis to nurture some important components of your relationship.
01 . Tell me about what
0 4. What is an adventure,
brought you joy and
dream, craving or
happiness this month.
yearning that has been
02. Tell me about some things you struggled with this month.
03. Describe to me one specific actionable way I can help you this month.
on the forefront of your mind?
0 5. What is one thing we can do outside of this date to invest in our relationship this month?
Qu ick bit of h ous ekeeping! Don’t forget, you can now login to your account and access your recipes, shopping list, music for the night, and much more. If you have young children who will be getting out of school soon our Kids Night In Boxes are the perfect boredom buster for long summer days. Visit www.kidsnightinbox.com for more details!
Volume 1, 2018
Date Night In
#DATENIGHTINBOX
Till Next Month! - The Night In Boxes Team