Ideas for Valentine’s Day Dinner
Hey Guys, have you made plans yet for the big day? No, not the Super Bowl. Valentine’s Day! How about this: A romantic dinner for two (or more) in your own cozy dining room. It’s what John and I have been doing for years.
We usually invite over four or five other couples (with kids) and all the guys bring a dish. The guys coordinate the meal so everything goes together. Last year, it was paella and tapas. The year before that, it was Beef Wellington and traditional sides. I’m not sure what the guys will have in store for us this year, but I know it will be good!
If you decide to host your own Valentine’s Day dinner, here are some menu ideas:
BEVERAGE IDEAS (for $20 or less)
Riondo Pink Prosecco: It’s pink! Need I say more?
Lange Pinot Noir 2009: One of my favorite pinots.
Coppola Claret: A perfect red wine if there ever was one.
Cupcake Chardonnay: It’s not oaky (thank goodness).
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc: This is a family favorite. Crisp, light, affordable.
J. Lohr Cabernet: Very nice cab.
Hess Select Cabernet: More chocolatey than most, but I like that sometimes.
APPETIZER IDEAS
Keep ‘em Coming Crab Cakes: You won’t be disappointed! Serve with remoulade sauce.
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip: Serve with pita or raw veggies. Unique flavor.
Is-It-Hot-In-Here Stuffed Jalapeños: Sure to please. Makes a lot, so good for a group dinner.
MAIN COURSE IDEAS
Pesto & Pancetta Pork Tenderloin: So elegant and surprisingly easy.
Fish in Parchment with Pesto and Veggies: Adorable presentation. Light. Lovely flavor.
Grilled Steaks with Chimichurri: Perfect way to dress up a simple steak.
Grilled Steaks with Creamy Mustard Sauce: Another perfect way to dress up a simple steak!
Pistachio-Crusted Cod: Buttery and lemony with salty pistachios and flaky fish.
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew: Serve over extra-wide egg noodles. Top with Parmesan.
Easy Roasted Chicken: Garlic, lemon, thyme, butter. Yum.
SIDE DISH IDEAS
Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Nuts: Only if your date likes beets. So find out first.
Green Bean Salad: One of my faves. So colorful. Use the thin French green beans for best results.
Steakhouse-Style Creamed Spinach: John’s favorite. Rich and delicious.
Simple Sautéed Mushrooms: Serve over steaks or chops. Hearty and satisfying.
Sautéed Peas with Shallots and Mint: Yes, it’s a strange combination. Trust me; they’re awesome.
Sautéed Squash with Parmesan: Use green and yellow for extra color.
DESSERT IDEAS
Go-To Chocolate Tart: One of the best things you will ever eat.
Red Velvet Cupcakes: A Foodiecrush Magazine favorite. Adorable and delicious.
Strawberry Shortcakes: Made with real butter and fresh strawberries.
Great ideas!
Thanks Lauren! So fun to follow you in D.C.!
I think cooking at home is much better than dealing with the restaurant madness on Valentine’s Day. Cooking WITH my husband makes it even better because it gives us time to talk, laugh and bond. Plenty of candles, soft music and a few rose petals make for a very intimate romantic evening rather than the chatter of a full room of people and the clinging of plates and glasses. Just my opinion
I totally agree! I think we will add candles to the dinner this year — sounds lovely!
Can I just show up for the cupcakes!??
Only if you bring Lisa and Anna!
great dinner thanks for sharing!
Sure! It’s always a pleasure to share good food.
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Do you have the recipe for the pesto & panchetta pork tenderloin? It looks amazing!!!
Hi Ashley! Thanks for the request! I just posted the recipe for you a few minutes ago. Let me know how you like it! xx
Thank you! Looks delicious & I can’t wait to try it
I’ll let you know
Welcome!
Tonight I made the pork & squash and zucchini. It was all absolutely delicious!!! My husband loved it and we’re adding it to our list of favorites 😀 thank you!!!
So welcome! That is great to hear!
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