Forget scrambling to score a last-minute reservation. Instead, grab a grocery cart, and get ready for a perfect V-Day date night at home. That’s right, we’re skipping the crowded restaurants and creating a prix-fixe dinner for two. Begin with an amuse bouche followed by a salad or soup, then dig into the main course before ending with something sweet. We’ve compiled V-Day staples coupled with unconventional day-of-love eats. Get busy in the kitchen with your loved one, dine-in with style, and be sure to snap up some drool-worthy food porn pics for others to ogle over… ;)
1. Blue Cheese, Walnut, Pear Crostini: The sweet scent of crunchy pears and wholesome walnut take on a mouthwatering effect with the addition of melted blue cheese. Crostinis like this offer a tempting start to a wonderful meal to come. (via BHG)
2. Crab Cakes with Orange Aioli: Nothing says, “I love you,” like a crabby patty, right? Jazz up your recipe with the addition of mouthwatering orange aioli. (via BHG)
3. Seared Scallop Salad with Vanilla Poppyseed Vinaigrette: Show that special someone that you care with scallops, seared to perfection! Perfume them with a hint of vanilla, and that special someone will be yours for keeps. (via DJ Foodie)
4. Raw Brussels Sprout and Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing: Yeah, yeah, yeah. The Caesar salad is so popular, but you want to show your uniqueness, and this is just the ticket. (via Yes To Yolks)
5. Crab + Lobster Tomato Bisque: The decadent, velvety texture of this soup will have you savoring every single bite. Go ahead, it’s Valentine’s Day. Indulge. (via W Network)
6. Roasted Beet Root Soup with Crème Fraìche: The rosy hue of roasted beets is the perfect color combo for the day of red + pink. Top it off with a heart of crème fraiche and ask, “Will you be mine?” (via Epicurious)
7. Curried Red-Lentil Soup with Dried Cherries: Spice things up a bit with warm curried lentils, but show your sweet side with a touch of dried cherries. (via Whole Living)
8. Surf ‘n’ Turf Burger : Get unconventional this V-Day. Take classic surf ‘n’ turf to the next level… and we mean by stacking it together in the form of a burger! (via Serious Eats)
9. Baked Courgette Wild Mushroom Risotto: Simple yet hearty risotto makes a lovely vegetarian feast. (via Red)
10. Pork Chops, Caramelized Apples, Celery, Spiced Walnuts: Time to get all fancy schmancy with sauces and such! Pork pairs well with apples but when seared to perfection and glazed in caramelized apples, it’s awesome! (via D’Artagnan)
11. The Best Chicken Tikka Masala: It’s red, it’s spicy, and it’s delicious. Spice things up for your valentine with this Indian dish. (via Serious Eats)
12. Spaghetti alla Vongole: Viva la vongole! Clams lend a briny nectar to pasta cooked to perfection in this famous Italian dish. (via Bon Appètit)
13. Porcini Crusted Tofu with Shallot Gravy: Woodsy porcini mushrooms will have you cozying up to someone special after eating this knockout vegan meal. (via Post Punk Kitchen)
14. Mini Ombrè Valentine’s Cake for Two: Imagine the look on their face when this cake is sliced and served! Shock and awe, that’s what ombrè is all about. (via I Wash You Dry)
15. Orange Cointreau Brownie Tiramisu: It’s Valentine’s Day so chocolate must be in here somewhere, eh? This dessert blends tiramisu with a brownie. We’re all over it. (via Life’s a Feast)
16. Anise Poached Pears with Mascarpone Cream and Toffee Sauce: Decadent and delish. Impress your guest with this simple, yet luxurious sweet. (via Culinary Capers)
17. Raw Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake: It wouldn’t be V-Day without strawberries right? Check out this raw, vegan, and silky strawberry cheesecake. (via The Sweet Life)
What are your V-Day dinner plans? Let us know in the comments below!
