13 Ideas for Romantic Meals
Set the mood for romance this Valentine’s Day or on any special occasion by cooking up a little fun in your own kitchen.
There are, of course, the classic romantic, made-for-two go-to dishes, like fondue and chocolate cake. And they’re classics for a reason. But if you’re looking to up the ante on Valentine’s Day or date night with new ideas to surprise a loved one, look no further. We’ve got romantic meals and desserts to make any date night memorable.
For example, take that classic fondue and give it an upgrade with a pink-hued surprise. Create a new obsession with Sea Urchin Linguini, the pasta dish you didn’t know you needed in your repertoire. Prove to your loved one you’ve been paying attention to those episodes of Top Chef with a Saffron and Preserved Lemon Risotto. Serve a breakfast in bed with this Stuffed French Toast or deliver the real shock and awe with the ultimate dessert, Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups.
No matter what, your efforts in the kitchen will be noticed when you try one of these dishes for two.
1 /13 Erin Kunkel Blushing Cheese Dip
As you dip the roasted beets into this delicate fondue, it will gradually turn pink. The cheese stays molten and creamy for a long time—a fondue breakthrough, as far as we’re concerned! When the fondue cools, it has the texture of cream cheese; post–Valentine’s Day, spread it on toast as a delicious snack.
Recipe: Blushing Cheese Dip
2 /13 Annabelle Breakey Avocados with Warm Bacon Parsley Vinaigrette
3 /13 Thomas J. Story Artichokes with Garlic-Thyme Mayonnaise
Artichokes are the perfect way to start any romantic meal. Purchased mayonnaise makes this a breeze to prepare. You can make this the day ahead and keep everything chilled until ready to serve.
Recipe: Artichokes with Garlic-Thyme Mayonnaise
4 /13 Erin Kunkel Sichuan Peppercorn Filet Mignon with Crisp Mushrooms and Kale Slaw
5 /13 Annabelle Breakey Chicken and Roasted Figs
You don’t need beef to make a meal romantic. Juicy, jammy figs combined with fresh oregano and chicken thighs create the perfect union of sweet and savory in this easy dish that uses just one pan.
Recipe: Chicken and Roasted Figs
6 /13 Thomas J. Story Sea Urchin Linguini (Ricci del Mar Linguini)
If any ocean creature can be said to have a cult following, it’s sea urchin (uni). Its roe, the edible part, has a briny, sweet taste. When mixed with hot pasta, the roe melts and creates a luscious sauce, as in this recipe based on one from sea-urchin diver Peter Halmay. California produces most of the American sea-urchin supply; look for the top grade, called California Gold, or B-grade California Premium, which has a slightly softer texture. The roe is extremely perishable, so use it as soon as possible.
Recipe: Sea Urchin Linguini (Ricci del Mar Linguini)
7 /13 Thomas J. Story Asparagus Shrimp Stir-Fry
Prepare all your ingredients before you heat up your frying pan or wok. Then dazzle your sweetheart by getting this sweet and juicy stir-fry on the table in no time!
Recipe: Asparagus Shrimp Stir-Fry
8 /13 Annabelle Breakey Saffron and Preserved Lemon Risotto
9 /13 Thomas J. Story Saffron Couscous
Legend has it that Cleopatra considered saffron an aphrodisiac and bathed in it before her encounters with men. We prefer to use this exotic spice in cooking because it brings color and flavor to dishes like this one. The couscous comes together quickly and is great served along side grilled or roasted chicken or beef. You can also top it with any combination of oven-roasted vegetables and serve as a vegetarian main dish.
Recipe: Saffron Couscous
10 /13 Stuffed French Toast
11 /13 Erin Kunkel Fudge Cakes with Jasmine Tea Whipped Cream
12 /13 Annabelle Breakey Chocolate Sherbet
If you’re looking for a light ending to your romantic meal, look no further than this simple sherbet recipe. With only three ingredients, it can be easily made any time you have a craving for something sweet and chocolatey.
Recipe: Chocolate Sherbet
13 /13 E. Spencer Toy Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups
Cap off your romantic meal with this decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. They bake from frozen, which means you can do the prep ahead of time, bake them while you dine, and enjoy them warm from the oven.
Recipe: Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups
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