Make Dinner Together on Valentine’s Day
Get cozy in the kitchen on date night
Valentine's Day is one of the worst nights of the year to go out to dinner, according to restaurant professionals. It's a night when everyone is trying to impress their date, and spending far more than normal on food and wine, and restaurants are struggling to keep up with the hectic pace. So diners end up experiencing a less-than-stellar night at even the best restaurants, with overpriced meals, limited menus and the wait staff anxious to turn over tables.
Staying at home is a much better option. You can make a delicious dinner and have fabulous wine for a fraction of the cost, and you don't have to worry about driving home after finishing off that second bottle of vino.
Here are some of our favorite date night recipes to make together with your sweetheart. Cooking is a fun date night any time of the year, but particularly on Valentine's.
Chocolate-Espresso Martini
Start off the night with a sweet martini such as this chocolate espresso version from Giada De Laurentiis.
Garlic Tomato Bruschetta
Make a delicious yet not-too-filling appetizer such as this garlic tomato bruschetta.
Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Oysters are a known aphrodisiac and this recipe from Tyler Florence is easy and a great way to learn how to make this classic dish.
Superfood Ravioli with Caramelized Onion, Black Olives and Parmesan
Just because you make dinner together doesn't mean it has to be time consuming. Opt for a mix of prepared and homemade for an easy dinner - add a great bottle of wine and a bakery dessert and you're set. Try this pasta dish from Three Bridges, using their Superfood Ravioli with fresh thyme, kalamata olives and anchovies added for extra flavor.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
This easy version of chicken cordon bleu will make you fall in love all over again. The from-scratch sauce is simple and delicious.
Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Sauce
Many men love steak as much as they do their sweetheart. Well, it's close, at least. Here's a recipe for filet mignon with an herb butter sauce that will pair perfectly with a bottle of Zinfandel.
Sautéed Green Beans With Mushrooms and Caramelized Cipollini Onions
Try this side dish with beef or chicken. The blend of green beans with mushroom and caramelized onions is the ideal accompaniment.
Brownie Tart
There's nothing more decadent than chocolate, and this rich brownie tart is a perfect foil for a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of fudge sauce.
Vanilla Custards with Roasted Blueberries
A bite of something sweet and creamy is the perfect ending to a special meal. Try these delicious pots of vanilla custard topped with roasted blueberries.
