Getting cozy at home for Valentine's Day? Here are 15 easy, elegant options each for appetizer, main and dessert courses.
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What Makes These Recipes Perfect for a Valentine's Dinner?
I picked these recipes so you can enjoy a special, romantic meal with a minimum of kitchen time.
- All the appetizers chosen can be made and even plated ahead of time. That way you can spend time greeting your guest without a thought for the first course.
- The main course selections are the kind of special entrée you might see on a restaurant menu for a Valentine's Dinner. They can all be prepped in advance. Cook times vary but start at only 12 minutes! You can choose how long you want to linger over your bubbly and appetizers.
- The desserts can all be made and plated in advance. Don't give dessert another thought until you are ready to present it at the table. And believe me - the elegance continues through the dessert course!
What Wine Should I Serve With This Dinner?
Consider greeting your guest with a French 75. Not familiar with a French 75? It is Champagne with a shot of gin, some simple syrup and lemon. Absolutely refreshing and sophisticated. Ps... Substitute vodka for the gin for a French 76. And you can substitute a Crémant of Cava for the Champagne. Prosecco is too delicate to stand up to the addition of spirits.
If you are in the mood for bubbly - well done. Sparkling wine is one of the few wines that can take you from the appetizers right through the main course. Consider keeping the 'Champagne' flowing if you have chosen a main course made with 'Champagne'.
You can check out What Makes A Good Sparkling Wine for some pointers on what to buy. Crémants wines are Sparkling wines made using the same method as Champagne but they can't be called Champagne because they are not from the Champagne region. A Crémant de Bordeaux (from Bordeaux) or a Crémant de Bourgogne (from Burgundy) can be an excellent choice at a fraction of the cost of Champagne. Spanish Cavas are another excellent choice representing good value. I would suggest any Sparkling 'made in the traditional method' would have enough weight to pair well with the dishes suggested below.
If you would like to switch to a still wine for the main course check out the wine pairing recommendations in the recipe post for each dish.
For the dessert course, I can guarantee a Grand Marnier snifter will pair with all of the choices! Your favourite liqueur would also be a good choice!
FAQs
A special meal usually involves a special recipe or ingredient-perhaps salmon, scallops or crab. Tenderloin instead of sirloin. Or look for a special sauce with Champagne or Brandy or Cognac that will elevate your dish. Avoid dishes with strong spices or garlic that will linger on your breath or cause indigestion!
You want to create a calm, relaxing ambience without distractions. Candlelight or a sunset view can create romance. Soft, romantic music in the background creates a mood. Perhaps most important of all, the dinner should not create a distraction. Take advantage of recipes that allow you to make most, if not all, of it in advance. Another way is to choose a menu that allows you to 'cook' together, like fondue or raclette.
Chocolate and Valentine's Day go hand in hand. You can keep it simple with store bought chocolate truffles or go for a rich chocolate dessert like Gluten Free Chocolate Cake. Strawberries are often featured as well, perhaps for their heart shape?
Sparkling wine or Champagne are the classic romantic choice. See What Makes a Good Sparkling Wine. Otherwise pair the wine to the meal. See the recipe posts for pairing suggestions.
Appetizer Course
These amazing starters are simple without sacrificing flavour. Make 'em and plate 'em ahead then grab go your favourite bubbly!
Main Course
Some of my favourite elegant main course 3 dishes, chosen to impress your guest! Do the prep work in advance and the cooking is easy.
Dessert
All the desserts can be made and plated well ahead so you don't have to interrupt your special meal in order to enjoy one of these delicious finales.
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