Win over a special someone or plan a romantic date night in with this Valentine’s Day menu that includes a special brunch, dinner, cocktails and dessert.

small buckwheat pancakes topped with cream cheese, salmon, capers and dill on a brown plate

Brunch

Start the morning off right with a brunch that will effortlessly wow. Keep it simple and elegant with a platter of smoked salmon, buckwheat blinis and all the fixings.

For something a little more time consuming and incredibly delicious, make homemade Mochi Donuts and serve with Candied Bacon.

Appetizers

With dinner ahead, keep the appetizer course light. Nothing too time consuming—just a few options to nibble on alongside a cocktail or glass of wine.

Photograph of oysters on the half shell set on rock salt in a metal pan on a marble surface, topped with a red mignonette sauce.

Dinner

For a romantic dinner in, opt for a cozy, comforting pasta dish. Serve with your favorite red wine (Zinfandel or Cabernet Franc would be delicious). 

Choose a pasta dish: 

Choose a side:

For something a bit heartier, try these Pan-Seared Lamb Lollipops or Stuffed Cornish Hens. Going for the big wow factor? Serve up Filet Mignon.

Overhead image of carbonara in a white bowl

Cocktails

Choose one or two cocktails to serve up with appetizers or after dinner. If you love the bitterness of campari, try the Chocolate Orange Negroni. And if you’re a whiskey sour fan the Blood Orange Boston Sour is perfect.

Red wine or sparkling wine is also a great option.

45-degree angle of pink whiskey sour in a coupe glass set on a marble table.

Desserts

Skip the gifts—give dessert. These sweet bites are a great dessert option when you don’t want to spend too much time baking. if you’d rather serve up cookies or cake, try these Chewy Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies or this delicious Lemon Olive Oil Cake—both recipes are great for special occasions.

Photograph of dark chocolate coconut bark set on a white table with salt in the background

Share it with the world

Pin

About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

Learn More

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *