Carolyn Menyes
MSN
Carolyn Menyes wrote this article in MSN:
Traditionally, dining out is the thing to do on Valentine’s Day. In fact, according to a January 2020 release from OpenTable, it’s the service’s most popular day for reservations. But, like most things in the last 12 or so months, Valentine’s Day 2021 is bound to look a little different this year.
If you’re looking for quarantine Valentine’s Day ideas, then consider cooking at home instead of heading to a restaurant — whether you want to prepare a nice dinner for someone special or decide to turn the meal prep into a couple’s activity.
Of course, even if you’re staying in this February 14, you’re still going to want a special menu. To help you plan that out, we’ve curated 13 recipes for a romantic dinner at home.
1. Love Potion Cocktail
Cupid himself couldn't make a better match than rosé Champagne and Valentine's Day. Add in a splash of gin and some elderflower liqueur, and you have a pretty pink drink that is the perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail.
2. Elderflower Spritz
Low-alcohol cocktails are a great way to start out the evening while focusing on the flavor of your drink. This floral, refreshing elderflower spritz is bubbly and pairs well with just about any meal.
3. Ruby Spritzer
If you're a tequila fan, this ruby red spritzer is the Valentine's Day cocktail for you. Pomegranate juice, apple cider and a dash of Angostura bitters give this cocktail a fruity flavor without being overly sweet.
4. Charcuterie Board
If you’re doing a lot of cooking on Valentine’s Day, a charcuterie board makes for a great appetizer. The effort here all comes in how you shop, so make sure to pick up a wide selection of cheeses, a few different cured meats, high-quality bread or crackers and a little something sweet (like grapes, figs, honey or a jam) to balance it all out.
5. Caprese Skewers With Pesto
If you’re having a heavier entree, it’s nice to start your meal off with something light, like a caprese salad. This recipe has a bit of a twist, skewering the elements instead of serving them on a plate, so you can eat, talk and cook with your beau at the same time.
6. Steak and Wild Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce
There are plenty of great ways to cook and serve steak, but there’s something a little romantic about spooning a red wine mushroom sauce over your beef.
7. Lemon Basil Cornish Hens
If you're looking for something more special than your everyday roasted chicken, cornish game hens are the way to go. Simply seasoned, this delicate poultry pairs well with just about anything.
8. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
With a touch of cream, this mushroom risotto is so rich and luscious, you won’t even believe it’s vegetarian! It’s certainly special enough to serve as a main dish, but it also pairs well with red meat.
9. Thyme Caesar Salad
A crisp caesar salad with bitter radicchio, homemade croutons and a thyme and lemongrass-infused caesar dressing is the perfect light side for a big dinner.
10. New York Style Vanilla Cheesecake
Who doesn’t love a classic cheesecake? A touch of vanilla makes this dessert just a little extra special. You can top it with cherries, caramel, chocolate shavings or strawberries.
11. Chocolate Lava Cake
No Valentine’s Day is complete without chocolate, and this ooey, gooey lava cake is the perfect cocoa treat that will transport you back to your favorite restaurant — in spirit, anyway.
12. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a staple dessert at the best Italian restaurants in America. Bring it to your table by making this espresso-soaked sweet at home; it pairs perfectly with a pasta dinner.
13. Dark Chocolate Tart
Special days call for special desserts, like French pastries. With a homemade sweet dough and ganache, this dark chocolate tart is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It does require some time and care, but hey, so does love. Not a chocolate fan? That’s OK, try to whip up these other impressive desserts for your Valentine.
Traditionally, dining out is the thing to do on Valentine’s Day. In fact, according to a January 2020 release from OpenTable, it’s the service’s most popular day for reservations. But, like most things in the last 12 or so months, Valentine’s Day 2021 is bound to look a little different this year.
If you’re looking for quarantine Valentine’s Day ideas, then consider cooking at home instead of heading to a restaurant — whether you want to prepare a nice dinner for someone special or decide to turn the meal prep into a couple’s activity.
Of course, even if you’re staying in this February 14, you’re still going to want a special menu. To help you plan that out, we’ve curated 13 recipes for a romantic dinner at home.
1. Love Potion Cocktail
Cupid himself couldn't make a better match than rosé Champagne and Valentine's Day. Add in a splash of gin and some elderflower liqueur, and you have a pretty pink drink that is the perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail.
2. Elderflower Spritz
Low-alcohol cocktails are a great way to start out the evening while focusing on the flavor of your drink. This floral, refreshing elderflower spritz is bubbly and pairs well with just about any meal.
3. Ruby Spritzer
If you're a tequila fan, this ruby red spritzer is the Valentine's Day cocktail for you. Pomegranate juice, apple cider and a dash of Angostura bitters give this cocktail a fruity flavor without being overly sweet.
4. Charcuterie Board
If you’re doing a lot of cooking on Valentine’s Day, a charcuterie board makes for a great appetizer. The effort here all comes in how you shop, so make sure to pick up a wide selection of cheeses, a few different cured meats, high-quality bread or crackers and a little something sweet (like grapes, figs, honey or a jam) to balance it all out.
5. Caprese Skewers With Pesto
If you’re having a heavier entree, it’s nice to start your meal off with something light, like a caprese salad. This recipe has a bit of a twist, skewering the elements instead of serving them on a plate, so you can eat, talk and cook with your beau at the same time.
6. Steak and Wild Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce
There are plenty of great ways to cook and serve steak, but there’s something a little romantic about spooning a red wine mushroom sauce over your beef.
7. Lemon Basil Cornish Hens
If you're looking for something more special than your everyday roasted chicken, cornish game hens are the way to go. Simply seasoned, this delicate poultry pairs well with just about anything.
8. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
With a touch of cream, this mushroom risotto is so rich and luscious, you won’t even believe it’s vegetarian! It’s certainly special enough to serve as a main dish, but it also pairs well with red meat.
9. Thyme Caesar Salad
A crisp caesar salad with bitter radicchio, homemade croutons and a thyme and lemongrass-infused caesar dressing is the perfect light side for a big dinner.
10. New York Style Vanilla Cheesecake
Who doesn’t love a classic cheesecake? A touch of vanilla makes this dessert just a little extra special. You can top it with cherries, caramel, chocolate shavings or strawberries.
11. Chocolate Lava Cake
No Valentine’s Day is complete without chocolate, and this ooey, gooey lava cake is the perfect cocoa treat that will transport you back to your favorite restaurant — in spirit, anyway.
12. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a staple dessert at the best Italian restaurants in America. Bring it to your table by making this espresso-soaked sweet at home; it pairs perfectly with a pasta dinner.
13. Dark Chocolate Tart
Special days call for special desserts, like French pastries. With a homemade sweet dough and ganache, this dark chocolate tart is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It does require some time and care, but hey, so does love. Not a chocolate fan? That’s OK, try to whip up these other impressive desserts for your Valentine.
