Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade dinner, cooked from scratch with careful hands and plenty of passion. Instead of spending tons of money on a night out, stay in this Valentine’s Day and surprise your date with an extravagant meal made with your own hands. Many of our recipes use simple steps which help you all along the way, so even if you’re a beginner-level chef, we have the perfect recipe for you.
Now, get prepared with a glass of your lover’s favorite wine, romantic music on the sound system, and settle in for one amazing meal that’ll definitely win you a kiss or two.
Jambo Slow Cooked Oxtail
A warm, spiced meal of Slow Cooked Oxtail will not only impress your partner but leave your house with a tasty aroma. Make sure you start this dish the day before your dinner date so you can give time for the rub to work its way into the meat. The end product leaves you with mouth-watering broth, tender, pull-apart oxtail, and plenty of love.
Savory Black Truffle Bread Pudding Stuffed Squash
Cook up a seasonal dish that embraces the fresh ingredients that winter has to offer in our Savory Black Truffle Bread Pudding Stuffed Squash. A variety of tender, roasted winter squash such as delicata, acorn, and red kabocha, is stuffed with a savory mix of sweet Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and brioche for a decadent blend of textures and flavors. It’s the addition of the black truffle paste that gives this recipe a rich and luscious touch.
Beef Wellington with Crosshatched Potatoes & Roasted Carrots
Looking for an elegant main course that’s sophisticated but not too complicated to make? Jackie Page’s Beef Wellington is made easy with store bought puff pastry, other ingredients you probably have in the kitchen already, and simple instructions. Plus, the sides of crunchy Crosshatched Potatoes and sweet Roasted Carrots complement each bite.
Seafood Broil for 2
What’s more romantic than a Seafood Broil made from luxurious seafood that you can both enjoy from one pot? In this recipe, we make sure to pack in all your favorites like lobster tails, scallops, snow crab clusters, littleneck clams, and gulf shrimp. Serve with slices of lemon, homemade garlic bread, and whatever else your heart desires for an unforgettable night.
Braised Duck Leg in Green Chile with Cumin-Infused Roasted Carrots
Show off your kitchen skills with delicious duck. It’s tender, juicy and can elevate any dish with nutty-tasting fattiness. For our Braised Duck Leg in Green Chile you won’t need much beyond excellent spices and sliced carrots for the accompaniment. For such an easy dish, the tasty payoff is huge.
Cider-Glazed Pork Loin with Roasted Apples and Potatoes
This meal is truly fit for a king… or a lovely couple looking to enjoy their Valentine’s Day. The Cider-Glaze is where this Pork Loin recipe shines. It’s made with apple cider, brown sugar, bay leaves, and sage sprigs for the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Place the loin along with apples and potatoes in the oven and you’ll have yourself a fantastic home-cooked meal that reminds you of home.
Teriyaki-Glazed Grilled Octopus
If you want to go all out and treat your loved one to an elevated meal with complex flavors, this Teriyaki-Glazed Grilled Octopus is for you. The recipe isn’t as complicated as it seems. You’ll learn to grill octopus, cook sticky rice, and make your own wasabi emulsion and teriyaki glaze. It all comes together with the richness from the teriyaki, balanced by the acidity from the yuzu and heat from the wasabi
Pork Dumplings with Edible Flowers
Create an art display right on your plate with the addition of edible flowers to dearly beloved Pork Dumplings. This beautiful recipe takes Asian flavors and infuses them with botanical tastes to make an upscale delicacy. With a spicy, floral bite, you’ll be amazed how much your cooking tastes and looks like a restaurant-quality meal.
Cauliflower Steaks with Curry Leaf Oil and Red Wine Cherry Sauce
For all the vegetarians out there, don’t think we forgot about you. These Cauliflower Steaks are a delectable meat substitute. Maybe you’ll add a loaded baked potato smothered in cheese and sour cream. Or, you’ll cook up some risotto that’ll go beautifully with the Curry Leaf Oil and Red Wine Cherry Sauce. No matter what path you choose, you really can’t go wrong.
Roasted Oysters with Cornbread, Leek and Banana Pepper Crumble
Oysters are one of the most popular aphrodisiac ingredients. They’re rich in zinc, which helps maintain dopamine. But, you won’t find your basic oysters here. Instead, our recipe combines them with Cornbread, Leek, and Banana Pepper Crumble that adds equal notes of sweetness and spice.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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