5 Luxurious Dinners to Make for Valentine's Day (+ Wine Pairings!)
I’m not going to deny this…I’ve been preaching that you should stay home for Valentine’s Day for many, many years now. Its time to jump on the bandwagon!
Here’s why: having worked in the restaurant industry all my life, V-day tends to be the most dreaded day of the year for restaurant staff. In a nutshell, its incredibly busy, lots of stuff tends to go wrong and the energy is anything but romantic…not something I’d like to partake in when I can go out on a date any other night of the week.
Instead. I’ve always opted to stay home on Valentine’s Day and enjoy a luxurious home-cooked meal. And I think you should too! Open up a good bottle of wine, put on some good music, and make the evening however YOU envision it to be.
If you’re staying in for Valentine’s Day this year, welcome to the party! (Remember you can always support your favorite restaurant on a different night of the week).
Its so easy to make the evening extra special by cooking up something romantic and making a night in the kitchen out of it. Get your partner involved and open up a bottle of wine (or pre-dinner cocktail) while you make dinner together. If you usually don’t cook your own meals, use this as an opportunity to have fun learning! And if you happen to be a seasoned home cook already, try out a new recipe that will be a fun change for once.
Here are some great recipes to make for a luxurious date night at home:
Broiled Swordfish with Lemon Butter Sauce
Swordfish may not be something you eat very often, so its great for a special occasion like date nights at home. Plus, it comes together super quickly! There are many wines you can open up with this meal as well. Click here for recipe and wine pairing suggestions.
Scallops in Lemon Cream Sauce
Scallops are one of my favorite “special occasion” go-to’s and they come together super quick! Here’s my favorite recipe, paired with Chardonnay (of course!). Click here for recipe and pairing suggestions
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
Yes, you too can recreate the Lady and the Tramp date night scene right at home with your own homemade spaghetti and meatballs! The meatballs can be made ahead which makes this dish perfect to whip together while sipping on a glass of Sangiovese. Grab the recipe and suggested wine pairings here.
Pasta in Butter and Cream Sauce
It doesn’t get much easier than this my friends! If you are new to cooking, you can still make a romantic meal at home with this homemade pasta in butter and cream sauce, known more commonly in America as “Fettucine Alfredo”. Although this meal can be whipped up in about 15 minutes, be sure to eat it immediately after making so that it stays nice and saucy. Seriously, anyone can make this dish! Get the recipe and wine pairing suggestion here.
Seared Lamb Steaks with Simple Herb Sauce
I love treating myself to lamb for luxurious nights at home…this is a meat that most people don’t cook for themselves! I’m telling you though, this recipe for lamb couldn’t be easier. Break out the big Napa Cabs or funky Bordeaux blends for this special meal. Check out the recipe and pairing suggestions here.
