Even though Valentine’s day will look different for most of us this year, there’s no reason we can’t make it fun and festive! Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other or family or a few close friends, I’ve got you covered with recipe and wine ideas!
To make it feel extra festive, why not buy a course, like an appetizer or dessert to support your favorite local restaurant and then make the rest. I also love the idea of ordering dinner from your favorite restaurant and making a fancy dessert!
Brunch:
Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, mix it up this year and make a fun brunch you normally wouldn’t take the time to make! Even better? Pair brunch with Champagne!
- Shakshuka is one of my favorite egg dishes. You poach eggs in a spicy, chunky tomato pepper sauce. Delicious!
- Strata is a great option because you can make it the night before and just bake it in the morning!
- I always want to make cinnamon rolls, and this is the perfect time.
- Make pancakes into hearts using these cute molds! This would be a great thing to make with kids.
Dinner:
- Why not make pizza from scratch? This beer crust is my favorite homemade crust – it’s not hard and always turns out well. Plus it makes enough for 3-4 medium pizzas. Just bake with your favorite toppings!
- I love the idea of cooking lobsters. Dinner and an activity with eating them!
- It’s the perfect time to make homemade pasta and my simple tomato sauce!
Dessert:
- I love Displaced Housewife’s recipe for Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Frosting! To make it extra festive, bake it in this heart pan and top with these pink or red sprinkles.
- My peanut butter cookies are so festive when you make them with Valentines M&Ms (pictured above!)! Plus it’s a fun activity to do with kids. I also love to put them in clear bags with a pretty ribbon and give them as gifts (pictured below!).
- What’s Valentine’s Day without a rich chocolate dessert? I made What’s Gaby Cooking’s Chocolate Brownie Pudding last year and topped it with peanut butter ice cream. So rich, but so delicious!
- Going with the chocolate theme, you can’t go wrong with my Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt.
At Home Wine Tasting:
Do a virtual wine tasting! Many vineyards have packages they’ve put together like Domaine Carneros and Clos Du Val. Also check your favorite local wine store or wine bar and see if they have any tasting packages. In Columbus, Coast and Veritas both have different at home tasting options. Or if you don’t want to do a tasting, choose a new bottle to try! You could even try and pair it with what you’re cooking.
