5 romantic recipes for your Valentine
No need to go out for that special dinner
Sure, it’s a manufactured holiday designed to sell cards, candies and teddy bears … but I’m still a sucker for Valentine’s Day. Love is a good thing, and I can’t be too cynical about any day that reminds us to say “I love you.” As my husband likes to say “I am cheesy”.
Still, I don’t think you have to cave in to social pressure and buy expensive gifts for Valentine’s Day. Nothing says “I love you” like a special meal, so we rounded up five recipes for a romantic evening at home. If your special someone’s Love Language is Acts of Kindness this will be the perfect gift.
Actually, why wait until evening? Start the day off right with these heart-shaped red velvet pancakes that practically scream “Happy Valentine’s Day.” I’m not sure I’d serve them with the sweet cream cheese topping, though I admit it looks pretty in the photos. Either way, this is one breakfast that your sweetheart will still remember next Feb. 14. (Recipe Girl)
If you were going out to a fancy restaurant for a special dinner, someone would probably order the filet mignon — so why not make it for your special dinner at home? I love the red wine sauce in this recipe, and I also learned some interesting facts about my favorite cut of beef. For instance, did you know that if you leave the “chain muscle” on the steak, you’ll get a nice heart shape when you butterfly it? Very romantic! (Simply Recipes)
If you’re trying to cut back on red meat, you might prefer this cranberry chicken for your Valentine’s Day main course. It looks really fancy, but prep time is less than 5 minutes since the “secret ingredient” is Catalina dressing straight from the bottle. Shhh … you’re the only one who has to know. (Favorite Family Recipes)
Of course, the whole point of a Valentine’s dinner is the dessert, and I found two great options that will have you rushing through the main course to get to the good stuff. (Actually, if you serve red velvet pancakes for breakfast, then you’ve already had dessert!)
Ken Leung says the perfect V-Day dessert is “playful and fun to eat,” so he suggests this coffee mousse and gelee. It’s beautiful to look at and definitely on the light side, with an “intriguing swirl of sweetness and a gentle zap of caffeine to keep you energized for the rest of the evening.” (Hungry Rabbit)
For something a little more interactive, how about this Pinot Noir chocolate fondue? Add your favorite dippers, and you’ve got a sweet, romantic finish to your special dinner. (Noble Pig)
How will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day? Do you have a special food for saying “I love you”? Feel free to share!
Photo credit: Liliboas via iStockphoto
