Valentine’s Dinners For Two

Thinking of putting your culinary knowledge to good use this weekend by cooking your Valentine something special? Cooking a dinner for two doesn’t have to be an ordeal, and it doesn’t have to take a long time in order to be romantic. Consider making one of these dinners to feed yourself and your significant other. None of these recipes are very time-consuming, so you’ll have plenty of time for other Valentine’s Day activities.

Roasted Cod
Made with olives and lemon, this roasted cod is light and satisfying and takes less than an hour to go from the fridge to the dining room table. Serve upon a bed of roasted red potatoes and garnish with fresh thyme.

Pumpkin Canneloni
Are you and your partner missing the season of pumpkin? Well, never fear. While pumpkin recipes are usually associated with the fall, they can be enjoyed all year round. If you can’t find a fresh pumpkin, canned does just as well. This canneloni recipe is an interesting alternative from the traditional ricotta-stuffed recipes.

Pancetta Linguini
Mixed with pancetta and Brussels sprouts but seasoned with just Parmesan, black pepper, garlic, and onion and tossed together in a white wine sauce, this pasta is hearty and filling without being too much.

Pork Roast
You wouldn’t usually think of a pork roast as being particularly romantic, but prepare it with some wine-stewed dried figs, apricots, cherries and some rosemary, and you have yourself an impressive Valentine’s Day dinner. Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

Chestnut Sauce Scallops
It seems that there are infinite ways to serve scallops. This recipe calls for a chestnut sauce made up of bacon, flaming Cognac, chicken stock and chestnuts. The scallops are seasoned with sage and cooked in butter until they’re browned. For bonus points, cook this recipe while your date’s over because who wouldn’t be wooed by you setting Cognac on fire?

Duck Salad
Many people don’t bother with duck because they’re afraid it’ll be complicated. Don’t worry about that, though. This recipe calls for smoked duck breast, and you just have to cook the skin and fat until they’re crispy. This is a great way to take a simple salad and make it elegant and filling.

Rack of Lamb
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of cooking lamb, either. Preparing this seemingly decadent dish only takes about 15 minutes. Add a simple homemade mustard shallot sauce and the object of your affection will hardly believe that you made this dinner all by yourself.

Parmesan Risotto
If you have the time to stir risotto to make sure it’s cooked properly, this recipe for Parmesan risotto with shrimp will be right up your alley. It’s simple and light, yet delicious. Cut this recipe in half to serve just you and your date, or make the whole recipe to bring leftovers for lunch during the week.

Stuffed Eggplants
Pomegranate seeds add a fun pop of color to this meal that’s perfect for vegetarians. It can be served as a side dish or an entree.