Valentine’s Day is typically a big production for a lot of couples; however, as parents, we all know how difficult it can be to spend time as a couple. We all have busy lives, we are busy with work, we are busy taking care of our kids, running them from activity to activity, or maybe you’re a new parent and exhausted from the day-to-day dealings of having a new baby! In these moments sometimes we forget our other responsibilities, most importantly our relationship with our significant other. We don’t have to go to extraordinary lengths to show appreciation for our spouses.
This Valentine’s Day, why don’t we all put the kids to bed early and plan a romantic dinner at home with our significant other! All of these recipes are easy to make.
Photo from Dinner at the Zoo
Caprese Skewers from Dinner at the Zoo
Caprese skewers are absolutely delicious. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead of time. If you do prepare ahead of time, I suggest waiting until you are ready to serve before adding the balsamic glaze on it.
Ingredients
- 24 red cherry tomatoes
- 12 yellow cherry tomatoes
- 24 bite sized fresh mozzarella balls
- 36 small basil leaves
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oven-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Herb Pan Sauce from All Recipes
Who says you can’t make a great steak dinner at home in the middle of winter? Oven-seared steak is a great alternative to having barbecue. Another easy dish to make.
Ingredients
- 2 beef tenderloin steaks
- 1 tsp fresh chives
- 1 tsp fresh oregano
- 2 tsp fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp shallots
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tbsp deli-style brown mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Photo from Beyond the Chicken Coop
Green Bean Almondine from Beyond the Chicken Coop
When making a steak, you have to have a great side dish. I love green beans as a side dish. Lets fancy them up a little bit for Valentine’s Day by adding some extras to them. And again, if you have time to prepare the green beans ahead of time, go for it! The less you have to do at meal time, the better.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, washed and trimmed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lemon
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Mini Garlic Butter Parmesan Hassleback Potatoes from With Peanut Butter On Top
Potato dishes can be bland and sometimes undesirable; with garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, who wouldn’t love this simple potato dish?!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby Yukon potatoes, sliced Hasselback style
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Photo from Partylicious
Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Partylicious
Chocolate covered strawberries are incredibly easy. Once again, these can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This recipe is so easy to make, but look like they take a long time to prepare! What a wonderful ending to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.
Ingredients/Supplies
- Strawberries
- Chocolate candy melts (any colour you want)
- Toothpicks
- Parchment paper
- Vegetable shortening
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, luster dust, crushed cookies, candy, etc.
- Pastry bags (optional)
