By EduPlated
For years while living in New Year City we chose to skip overcrowded overbooked restaurants and prix fix menus on Valentine’s Day and instead cook an intimate dinner at home. It became a fun tradition that we looked forward to and was also the way we spent our 4th date together, with (my now husband) cooking a 3 course dinner for me at home in his apartment. If you’re looking to change it up this Valentine’s Day, Anniversary, or for any other special occasion read on for some of our quick and healthy appetizers, entrees, and desserts (recipes included!). We promise you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen!
- Bruschetta: This is a favorite appetizer of ours because it can be prepared in advance and snacked on while you prepare the rest of your dinner. You can even buy crostini crackers in many supermarkets if you want to skip toasting the bread! One tip to keep in mind is that by serving the tomatoes on the side with a small spoon you avoid soggy bread!
- Mussels: We have served mussels as both an appetizer and a main course for a special occasion dinner. They are affordable, quick to cook, slow to eat, and can stay warm on your stove without drying out. Our top recipe picks are these White Wine and Garlic Mussels and Fra Diavolo Mussels.
- Shrimp: Another great seafood staple for a special night in. As an appetizer for shrimp cocktail or over linguine for a Healthy Shrimp Scampi.
- Surf and Turf: Seen as an indulgence at most steakhouses we love to cook this combo for a romantic night in. Choose your favorite cut of steak and pair with mini crab cakes or quickly pan sear 2-3 jumbo shrimp per person. To make the plate complete serve with roasted asparagus and baby potatoes.
- Desserts: Nothing says love and Valentine’s more than chocolate for dessert!! Below are some of our favorites:
- Easy lava cakes – these mini lava cakes are ready in 10 minutes so you can pop in the oven right after your entree!
- Chocolate fondue – serve with assorted fruit (berries, pineapple, kiwi), marshmallows, graham crackers, and pretzels
- Chocolate covered strawberries – at favorite of ours that you can make at home or buy in most supermarkets.
- Drinks: Don’t forget the bubbly or the wine! A great compromise is to buy a mini bottle of Prosecco or Cava (our personal favorite over Champagne) to toast while you cook and then share your favorite bottle of wine as you dine.
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