There is something about Valentine’s Day that just calls for Beef & Chocolate – and red wine, of course. I love a fancy Valentine’s Dinner with a really special meal… especially if we get to enjoy it at home in front of the fire… in the comfort of our slippers.
I’ve compiled some of our favorite luxury meals to make at home including this table setting and flower arrangement from a couple of years ago. I’m still wild about those flowers!
I think the key to enjoy “fancy” cooking at home is making it easy on yourself. It doesn’t get much easier (or better) than searing filet steaks. It is our #1 favorite meal at home… so much so that I hardly ever order it in restaurants anymore. The Barefoot Contessa has her “engagement roasted chicken” as in, after you make this for your boyfriend it is so good that he will propose. I could say the same about knowing how to sear the perfect steak… so many people assume you can only get a good steak in a restaurant.
I would serve these with mashed potatoes and a yummy shallot and mushroom cream sauce, if we’re feeling very fancy.
If you are in the mood for more of a sweet sauce, this steak is perfect. Ribeye Steaks with a Sweet Shallot Wine Sauce
This is my all-time-favorite meal, Beef Stroganoff. It can be made fancy (like this with sliced filet and pappardelle pasta) or veeerrrry simple with ground beef and egg noodles (a weeknight staple around here).
Onto the Chocolate Part of the Evening!
This was made from Ina’s Chocolate Ganache Cupcake Recipe – good for a cake or cupcakes. I used my Dripping Chocolate Icing Recipe for the glaze.
Chocolate Molten Cakes in a Cupcake Pan
This is the 2nd most popular recipe on my entire blog… can’t imagine why! They are so simple to make, with really easy ingredients – and they are amazing.
This is something we always order when we see it on the menu. It is so easy to make at home – especially with store-bought croissants.
Another at home favorite is homemade Turtle Pecan Puddles. These take about 20 minutes to make and such a treat! Don’t skip the salt sprinkling on top, my favorite part : ) I hope you all are planning a sweet night with your loves – in or out!