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As the NFL season comes to a close, awards season is just ramping up. Throw in a holiday that some love and many others despise—Valentine’s Day—and February is filled with occasions for you to showcase your skills in the kitchen. But please celebrate responsibly! No big crowds this year.

Oscar-Worthy Appetizers

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Green Garlic Prosciutto Toast

For those that aren’t afraid of flavor, this Green Garlic Prosciutto Toast recipe is right up your alley. If you can’t seem to find green garlic (garlic that’s picked before it’s mature) at your local farmer’s market or supermarket, green onions plus regular garlic can be substituted.

Recipe: Green Garlic Prosciutto Toast

Korean Latkes

Make a nod to Parasite, the first Korean film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, by serving these savory Korean Latkes at your Oscars viewing party. You might need to add a stop at an Asian market to your grocery itinerary, but your tastebuds (and guests) will be thanking you.

Recipe: Korean Latkes

Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche

All the glamour of caviar, but atop humble, potato chip vessels—what more could you ask for? How about Caramelized Onions and Spicy Crème Fraîche?

Recipe: Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche

Pancetta Salmon Kebabs with Parsley Vinaigrette

If you’re hoping to impress but your time is pressed, this Pancetta Salmon Kebab recipe by chef Christine Keff will certainly do the trick. Just be sure to soak your wooden skewers.

Recipe: Pancetta Salmon Kebabs with Parsley Vinaigrette

Sesame Fried Artichokes

These Sesame Fried Artichokes are quick to fix and go great with mayo. While the recipe simply calls to mix the mayo with sesame oil, feel free to zhoosh it up with some lemon and garlic.

Recipe: Sesame Fried Artichokes

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Herbed-Stuffed Flank Steaks

This rolled and tied flank steak stuffed with olive tapenade and fresh herbs only takes 45 minutes, but will leave your Valentine very impressed.

Recipe: Herb-Stuffed Flank Steaks

Spaghetti with Anchovies and Bread Crumbs

Nothing says “kiss me” like this spaghetti with anchovies recipe. If your Valentine is a first date, maybe avoid this dish. Otherwise, the bread crumbs will add a satisfying crunch that’s sure to please—just have some mints on hand. 

Recipe: Spaghetti with Anchovies and Bread Crumbs

Pizzetta 211 Margherita Pizza 

For a more hands-on dinner for both you and your Valentine, opt to make this Margherita pizza recipe from San Francisco’s Pizzetta 211. Pizza stones are ideal (but not required) and we recommend making the dough ahead to avoid a dinner delay. 

Recipe: Pizzetta 211 Margherita Pizza

Chicken Scaloppine with Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day dinner that pairs well with an unoaked white wine, go for this lemony chicken thigh recipe that will make your tastebuds rejoice.

Recipe: Chicken Scaloppine with Mushrooms

Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitakes and Savoy Cabbage

Vegan lovebirds should try this Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitake and Savoy Cabbage. The genmaicha (a green tea and toasted rice combination) becomes a beautiful crust when combined with polenta and fried.

Recipe: Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitakes and Savoy Cabbage

Immune System-Boosting Foods

Eva Kolenko

Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios 

Take advantage of oranges being in season by making this fresh and tasty Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios. With the loads of vitamin C from the oranges and the combination of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, riboflavin and manganese found in avocados, your immune system will be thanking you. 

Recipe: Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios

Spicy Moroccan Oats

Tired of sweet oatmeal? This savory Moroccan oats recipe is full of spices like turmeric that will help bolster your immune system. Try the accompanying oatmeal recipes for other flavorful takes on a breakfast staple.

Recipe: Spicy Moroccan Oats

Braised Eggplant with Fried Ginger

This eggplant and fried ginger recipe also boasts a lot of antioxidants, protecting the body from those free radicals and reducing inflammation. Now all you need is a side of rice.

Recipe: Braised Eggplant with Fried Ginger

Cranberry Green Tea Smoothie

Start your day with this antioxidant-packed smoothie, protecting your cells from free radicals  along with a boost from essential vitamins and nutrients.

Recipe: Cranberry Green Tea Smoothie

Hanoi-Style Salmon with Turmeric and Dill

Along with turmeric, this Hanoi-style salmon recipe is rich with omega 3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and enhance white blood cell activity.

Recipe: Hanoi-Style Salmon with Turmeric and Dill  

Romantic Desserts

Amy Dickerson

Mango Strawberry Shortcakes

Spice up your average strawberry shortcake with lime and mango in this Mango Strawberry Shortcake recipe from Isabel Cruz, chef and owner of Portland restaurant Isabel’s Pearl.

Recipe: Mango Strawberry Shortcakes

Lime Tartlets with Orange Blossom Cream and Toasted Fennel

This Lime Tartlet with Orange Blossom Cream recipe will provide an elegant end to any romantic dinner. If you’re wanting to get a head start, the tart shells can be made up to two days ahead.  

Recipe: Lime Tartlets with Orange Blossom Cream and Toasted Fennel

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Nothing says romance like chocolate and raspberries. If you have an hour and a half to spare, this rich tart is a classic Valentine’s treat. 

Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Bananas Foster

Be careful of flames when you make this Bananas Foster recipe from Alfred’s Steakhouse in San Francisco. Using cubes of toasted cinnamon brioche instead of pecans gives this dessert a crunchy layer beneath the sweet, caramelized bananas.

Recipe: Bananas Foster

Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups

If you’re feeling particularly in the Valentine’s Day spirit, make these Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups in heart-shaped ramekins. This rich and silky dessert is a Valentine’s Day icon, now and forever.

Recipe: Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups