Very Romance: 10 Recipes for Date Night In
Skip the crowds and make a restaurant quality meal at home
Food is a powerful ally when the goal is to create romance.
A wise person (*a woman, I’m sure) once said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. (Note to Courtney to add a crew neck sweater with this quote embroidered on it to my birthday wish list.)
For irrefutable evidence that proves this point, see lilyloutay on Instagram. Absolutely lovestruck. It’s on, and they both know it.
I’ve found that this wisdom works in reverse as well. It was a grilled cheese chicken Caesar sandwich that I first employed in garnering the attention of my then crush, an evening of exotic Chinese cuisines (at least for a then poor college student) on our first date, and a slow cooker pot roast that helped me lock down that engagement.
I learned 17 years ago not to underestimate the power of a strategically selected upscale ingredient in an otherwise mundane or budget meal.
That’s why this Valentine’s Day we’re sharing this roundup. These are the recipes that are SO worth it when you put in a little extra time/money/effort, because they’ll pay you back in a restaurant-quality dinner that will really make you and your bestie/partner/roommate/luvahhh feel extra special.
Steak and Shrimp Scampi
If cooking a perfect steak and smothering it with garlic butter shrimp scampi doesn’t impress them, maybe it’s time to move on?
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Bright and light (for a creamy pasta) this recipe is tasty, easy, and memorable.
Mediterranean Stuffed Steak Pinwheels
Flank steak is a tasty cut that gets a bad rep for being tough. So we made it fool proof by slicing it thin, stuffing it with Mediterranean fillings, and rolling it up into these beef pinwheels. These are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Creamy Shrimp Papardelle
Our recommendation for a quick, easy, and better alternative to Olive Garden.
Sous Vide Filet Mignon
Make a perfect filet like the pros do.
Panko Crusted Chicken Piccata
Like us, lemon and capers are a match made in heaven.
Steak Gorgonzola Pasta
This dish has such a rich medley of flavors. It is a truly impressive meal.
Honey Soy Salmon
When your S.O. isn’t into red meat, reach for this slammin salmon recipe!
Classic Veal Parmesan
Planning to cook for your Italian family? Oof. Godspeed. But with this, maybe you’ll stand a chance…
Skillet Steak and Scallops
A one pan, 30 minute Surf and Turf dinner at home. Serve it with some Cheddar Bay Biscuits for soaking up the sauce!
Tiramisu Brownies
You can’t “butcher” a traditional Italian recipe if you intentionally appropriate only your favorite parts and merge them into a stunning fusion dessert. This is a brownie’s highest form.
Strawberry Cupcakes
Pretty in pink, these strawberry cupcakes make great group Valentine’s treats, and are SURPRISINGLY PACKED FULL of strawberry flavor.
Sweet Red Sangria
Need a good sippin drank for your dinner? This is it.
Whether you are marking the occasion this year with someone special or choosing to love yourself this year, may your glass be full, your portions be plentiful, and your company be charming.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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