February 14 typically means crowded restaurants with long waits and pricey tabs. Doesn't exactly scream "romantic," does it? Minimize your spending (and stressing!) with a cozy Valentine's dinner at home. We've got simple and delicious ways to enjoy the night—without breaking the bank.
Valentine's Day is all about ambiance. Light candles to create an instantly inviting atmosphere. If you have a fireplace, take full advantage of the mood lighting. Fresh flowers are also a nice touch. Make a special mix on your MP3 player filled with your favorite slow tunes. Your soothing setup will be a far cry from the crowded restaurant scene.
Finger foods make for a fun and playful first course. Make your main squeeze melt with Tomato & Peppered Goat Cheese Fondue. No special kitchen tools are required. Simply heat the mixture in a saucepan. Serve with a toasted baguette or small pieces of French bread. Chunky Tomato Bruschetta is another easy and elegant option.
Want to give your sweetheart the royal treatment? Crown Roast of Pork with Cashew Stuffing is sure to make a statement. For a dish you can whip up in less than an hour, try Orange Chicken Vronique. It looks (and tastes!) as exquisite as it sounds. If your menu is meatless, treat your vegetarian Valentine to a plate of Red-and-Ready Spaghetti.
Nothing says lovin' like dessert from the oven. Bittersweet Chocolate Lava Cakes are sure to make your sweetheart swoon. Want to spice things up? Homemade Habanero Brownies should do the trick. For a fancier finish, try Caramel-Orange Flan. This Latin-inspired indulgence will put a lavish twist on the evening.
Not so kitchen savvy? We've got you covered. Pick up ready-made entrées from your grocery store, such as our new line of Healthy Choice® Fresh Mixers™ or something from our Café Steamers™ selections. Simply pop in the microwave, and voilà! Dinner for two is served. Your sweetie will never know you didn't slave over the stove all day. (Just make sure to transfer the dish from the plastic bowl to a "real" dish.)
Your romantic rendezvous doesn't have to end after dinner. If you're movie buffs, curl up on the couch with your favorite flick. Or simply take some time to talk and connect with your mate, while giving one another foot or back massages. You'll enjoy true quality time together—away from the distractions of the outside world—and save some money while you're at it.
