8 Romantic Dinners for 2: SparkRecipes SlideShow
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8 Romantic Dinners for 2
By Stepfanie Romine, Staff Writer
According to restaurant insiders, Valentine's Day is one of the worst nights you can go out to eat. Save money and ensure a memorable evening by cooking up something special for your someone special this year. From a meat-and-potatoes spread to a Parisian-inspired repast, and from a double fondue feast to a sophisticated spin on sports bar faves, we have something to please your sweetheart on the most romantic night of the year, regardless of his or her palate. Here are our favorite romantic recipes (though you might need to adjust serving sizes depending on the appetite of your partner and how much food you want to have left over).
Meat & Potatoes Feast
Stick with the classic: surf and turf, with a side of potatoes and a simple steamed veggie to balance it all out. This tried-and-true combo is a safe bet if your sweetie isn't an adventurous eater. End your meal with a sweet cheesecake bite.
Crab Cakes
Peppercorn Steak with Herbed Blue Cheese
Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"
Simple Steamed Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrots
Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake Bites
Skinny Dipping
Fondue is a fun and interactive meal that is even more enjoyable when eaten away from the kitchen table. Set up a picnic in front of the fireplace and turn up the heat by feeding each other. Each time someone drops their food in the fondue pot, you have to kiss!
Skinny Cheese Fondue with Pretzel Rolls, Steamed Vegetables, and Roasted Potatoes
Chocolate Fondue with Fresh Fruit
Parisian-Inspired Repast
So maybe you and your Valentine can't jet off to Paris, but you can enjoy a meal inspired by the City of Light. Nibble on fancy cheese with baguette slices, then serve a savory, nut-crusted salmon with succotash, and follow it all up with the quintessential French dessert: mousse au chocolat. As simple as it is delicious, it will have your amour exclaiming "Ooh, la, la!"
Herbed Goat Cheese on Baguette Slices
Pistachio-Crusted Salmon
Corn & Edamame Succotash
Chocolate Mousse
Elegant Simplicity
If you want to convince your sweetie that your kitchen skills are stronger than they really are, whip up this easy yet impressive spread. The pasta salad can be made ahead of time, and the grilled zucchini has just three ingredients. The tarts use store-bought fillo cups. And the main dish requires no effort, thanks to the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Spinach and Tomato Pasta Salad
Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Pesto
Mini Pear Tarts
Focus on Dessert
Choose a simple meal if you are really just looking forward to dessert. Cooking in parchment paper is deceptively effortless, and for Valentine's Day, you can fold your paper into a half-heart for an impressive presentation. Add a simple pilaf on the side, and then focus your efforts on an irresistible flourless chocolate cake.
Easy Steamed Fish Packets
Parmesan Rice Pilaf
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberries
Sophisticated Sports Bar Fare
Dealing with a picky eater whose idea of adventurous eating is extra spicy wings? Serve up this sophisticated take on pub grub. Start with a spin on hot wings, then jalapeno popper makeover with veggies for good measure, and finish the meal with classic hot-fudge sundaes!
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Celery Sticks and Whole-Wheat Pita Chips
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Sautéed Peppers and Onions
Perfect Pasta for the Whole Family
Valentine's Day isn't just about romance! Get the kids involved and let them help make a special "love"-themed meal, with heart-shaped pasta as the star. (If your little ones are veggie-averse, top their pasta with tomato sauce and Parmesan instead.) Pair it with stuffed mushrooms, a simple salad and mini cannoli from the supermarket.
Stuffed with Love
Make homemade ravioli (use wonton wrappers to save time), and fill them with any combination of aphrodisiacs: how about salmon and asparagus in a lemon-black pepper cream sauce? Start with artichoke dip, add a spinach salad, then finish up with balsamic strawberries topped with ricotta cream.
Artichoke Dip
Homemade Ravioli
Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, Dried Cranberries, and Almonds
Balsamic Strawberries with Ricotta Cream
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