Between scoring that coveted restaurant reservation and fighting maximum capacity rules due to COVID-19 restrictions, going out on Valentine’s Day is well overrated this year. Instead, plan a date night at home that will surely be more affordable and more memorable than any restaurant dinner.
Whether you’re celebrating with that special someone, hanging out with friends, or watching your favorite romantic comedy at home on the couch, give these delicious recipes a try for a 5 star, 3 course, home cooked meal.
After all, the key to anyone’s heart is food!
COCKTAIL | Pink Sangria
Ingredients:
1 cup of Strawberry Vodka
2 cups of Pink Moscato
6 cups of lemon-lime soda
Fresh strawberries
Mix together in a large pitcher and serve over ice! For added flavor, make 12 hours before serving and keep refrigerated, this will allow the strawberries to ferment into the cocktail. Don’t forget to save some strawberries to use as garnish!
STARTER | Honey Champagne Fondue
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 teaspoon of ground mustard
¼ teaspoon of pepper
1 ¼ cups of champagne
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of chopped shallot
1 garlic clove, minced
1 ½ lbs of shredded swiss cheese
2 tablespoons of honey
A pinch of nutmeg
Toasted french bread, crackers, asparagus, shrimp, apple slices, (or anything else for dipping you want!)
In a large saucepan, combine cornstarch, mustard, and pepper. Whisk in champagne and lemon juice until smooth. Add the shallots and garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir for 1 minute. Gradually stir in cheese until melted. Stir in honey, then sprinkle with nutmeg.
Keep warm in a fondue pot or slow cooker. Serve with the dipping ingredients you desire!
ENTREES | Steak w/Mushrooms + Spinach | Bourbon Glazed Peach Salmon | White Wine Coq Au Vin
DESSERT | Skillet Cookie Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
¾ cup of unsalted, softened butter
½ cup of sugar
½ cup of light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
½ cup of M&M’s (Vday colors!)
½ cup of peanut butter and/or
chocolate chipsVanilla ice cream (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch ovenproof skillet.
Then, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars on medium speed for 3-4 minutes. Reduce the speed to low, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat well. Now, add the flour mixture and beat on low until combined. Using a spatula, fold in the M&M’s and chips.
Add the batter to the skillet pan and bake for 20-22 minutes. Allow cooling for 10 minutes before serving. Slice up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
