Here are some easy recipes to help you plan a memorable dinner for the one you love.
Before you take out every pot and pan in your kitchen, it is important to remember that this is a dinner to show that you really care, not one to particularly show off your prowess as a gourmet cook! The meal doesn’t have to be (nor should it be) an elaborate or time-consuming chore, so if your partner’s favorite food is macaroni & cheese, or a mushroom omelet, serve it in a fancy dish and enjoy. It’s the thought that counts. However, keep in mind that however simple the meal is, presentation is an integral part of creating the proper atmosphere.
Set your table with your best dinnerware, romantic linens, flowers, and candles. Don’t forget the wine and cheese and your favorite romantic music to set the mood. Clean as you cook, but don’t worry about the mess afterwards; leave the dishes till morning and enjoy each other!
If your guy (or gal) is not salivating for macaroni & cheese or an omelet, these simple Valentines dinner recipes are sure to please anyone’s taste.
Chicken and Sweet Onion Casserole Ingredients: 3 to 4 boneless chicken breast halves 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 to 4 large red-skinned or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 3 to 4 medium Vidalia sweet onions, peeled and sliced 1 can (10 3/4 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste
Preparation: Wash chicken and pat dry. Brown chicken breasts in oil and drain on paper towel. Grease a 2-quart casserole. Layer sliced potatoes on bottom; follow with a layer of onions and top with a layer of mushroom soup. Gently, place chicken breast over soup and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover tightly with lid or foil and bake at 350° for 1 hour. This serves 3 to 4, so you’ll probably have some leftovers for a snack or a quick lunch.
Tilapia with Garlic Butter If your partner is into eating healthy (and everyone should be!), Tilapia is a great choice for a low carb diet or any healthy diet.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Dash pepper Dash salt Pinch dried dill weed or parsley Dash paprika 4 tilapia fillets
Preparation: In saucepan, combine butter, garlic, pepper, salt, dillweed, and paprika. Heat over low heat until butter is melted and starts simmering. Remove from heat. Brush a little of the butter mixture in the bottom of a shallow baking dish (line baking dish with foil, if desired) then place tilapia fillets on the buttered area. Brush top of each tilapia fillet with the seasoned butter mixture. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until tilapia flakes easily with a fork.
~Roast Duckling—although not quite as simple as the above two Valentines dinner recipes, this is relatively easy to prepare and is quite delicious.
Ingredients: 1 frozen duckling, thawed 2 oranges, peeled Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice 3 tablespoons champagne 3 egg yolks 2 cups heavy cream Salt and pepper Orange segments for garnish
Preparation: Wash duck and pat dry inside and out. Stuff with peeled oranges. Prick skin all over with fork. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on rack in roasting pan. Roast in a preheated 350° oven for 30 to 35 minutes per pound. Remove and cut into 4 sections; discard orange pulp. Arrange on a hot serving platter and keep warm while preparing sauce.
Place cream and egg yolks in a shallow pan; heat gently. Add orange juice and champagne a little at a time. Add a little salt to taste. Allow sauce to come to a simmer; continue to heat for 15 seconds. Do not boil. Pour sauce over duck and garnish with fresh orange sections.
Good luck with any of these Valentines dinner recipes and Happy Valentines Day! Roast Duckling—although not quite as simple as the above two Valentines dinner recipes, this is relatively easy to prepare and is quite delicious.
Ingredients: 1 frozen duckling, thawed 2 oranges, peeled Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice 3 tablespoons champagne 3 egg yolks 2 cups heavy cream Salt and pepper Orange segments for garnish
Preparation: Wash duck and pat dry inside and out. Stuff with peeled oranges. Prick skin all over with fork. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on rack in roasting pan. Roast in a preheated 350° oven for 30 to 35 minutes per pound. Remove and cut into 4 sections; discard orange pulp. Arrange on a hot serving platter and keep warm while preparing sauce.
Place cream and egg yolks in a shallow pan; heat gently. Add orange juice and champagne a little at a time. Add a little salt to taste. Allow sauce to come to a simmer; continue to heat for 15 seconds. Do not boil. Pour sauce over duck and garnish with fresh orange sections.
Good luck with any of these Valentines dinner recipes and Happy Valentines Day!