Three Easy Recipes for a Romantic Dinner for Two
Written by Cheri of Kitchen Simplicity.
There haven’t been many years that my hubby and I have actually been able to go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day. Whether it be because of a new baby, lack of babysitters, sick kids or just wanting to avoid the crowds, there are many reasons to stay in and enjoy a romantic evening together at home. It may seem impossible with kids, but it’s much easier to accomplish then one might think.
It all starts with a simple meal that can be brought together quickly once the kids are tucked in their beds and quiet has settled over the home. I can’t guarantee that the kids will stay quiet or that things will go smoothly but these recipes are so quick and so simple you should be able to enjoy a romantic three-course meal in the candlelight before the craziness begins again.
Dessert – Instant Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with Chocolate Shell
Instant Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with Chocolate Shell
This dessert takes no effort and is much healthier then the ones you'll get from the store. All you do is whiz it up, scoop it into serving bowls and place it in the freezer. When it's time to serve, melt the chocolate shell and pour it over the frozen yogurt - dessert is served. Instant Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
This can also be made in a blender but you will need to put the yogurt in the bottom first and you'll have to stop the blender occasionally to dislodge any pieces of fruit that get caught up in the blades.
The recipe for Chocolate shell was adapted from the New York Times
Ingredients
Frozen Yogurt
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- Sugar or honey to taste
Chocolate Shell
- 7 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
Frozen Yogurt
- Place two small bowls in the freezer.
- Process strawberries and yogurt in food processor until fully blended.
- Add sugar or honey to taste, if desired.
- Spoon mixture into frozen bowls and place in the freezer while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Chocolate Shell
- Melt together chocolate and oil over a double boiler.
- Drizzle on ice cream while warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Appetizer – Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers
Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz jar roasted red bell peppers
- 2 slices pepper jack cheese or more, depending on taste
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Put a small bit of olive oil in a frying pan just to coat the bottom.
- Cut peppers into smaller pieces and fold each over a slice of cheese.
- Place in prepared pan preheated over medium heat.
- Allow to cook until cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with parsley to serve.
Nutrition
Main – Garlic Ham Fettuccine
Since this is a three-course meal and the pasta is quite rich, this recipe makes two small portions. Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad to round out the meal or double the recipe for bigger portions.
Garlic Ham Fettuccine
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme optional
- 6 oz fettuccine
- 1/4 cup chopped ham
Instructions
- Melt butter in small saucepan. Add garlic and cook just enough to get rid of the raw edge. Do not brown. Add cream and spices. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes to reduce.
- Meanwhile cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain.
- Add diced ham to cream just to warm through. Pour over spaghetti and stir to combine.
Nutrition
Will you be going out or staying in for Valentine’s Day?
All photos by Cheri Neufeld
Simple, yummy and totally doable on V-day! Love the dessert idea 🙂
Love how easy all these are! Thanks! That frozen yogurt is a dream.
I cant wait to try this kind of yogurt..Sounds really delicious..
This is brilliant! Simple, yet impressive and delicious. A one-stop post that anyone – from an experienced home cook to one who is less so – would feel good about reproducing.
We’ll be staying in for Valentine’s Day 🙂
Ohh this is a keeper. Think I’ll try tonight
Great ideas for a special dinner at home with your darlin’, love the cheese stuffed peppers 😀
Mmm, this sounds amazing! We are also planning to spend Valentines at home and share a meal with the couple who we swap babysitting with after we put the two 18-month-old boys to bed : )
What lovely ideas for a V-day dinner.
Love the simplicity of these recipes! The Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers sound so tasty. Thank you!
We’ll probably be staying in unless we get together with friends.
I love that these dishes are simpler to make than even our normal food, but they look and taste like special ocassion food! Too bad I’m dairy free right now ;-(. Maybe next February!
Those cheese stuffed roasted red peppers look so good! Thanks for sharing.
We’ll be in for actual Valentine’s Day but might make it out the following weekend. These recipes look great; we need more stay-at-home dates.
What a lovely Valentine’s menu!
If my husband were to ask for a Valentine’s Day present, it might be that he’s allowed to eat as much of that fettuccine as he can handle.
Mmmm…love those cheese stuff red peppers. What a great idea! And the frozen yogurt–never knew it was that easy! Thank you!
Those look really yummy!
sounds incredibly delicious!
This year the hubby and I are apart for Valentine’s Day, but we never really make a big deal of it anyway. This is a perfect meal for when we’re back together again though! Especially love the frozen strawberry yogurt – may make this one for the niece and nephew as a special treat this week!
Just this week, my husband and I spent our anniversary by making a homemade curry dish together. It was absolutely delicious, we save a lot of money and it just as fun to eat at home. My little guy toasted with his mocktail to 9 years of marriage – making the celebration a family affair.
What a wonderful menu! Our dinner plans for tomorrow just got cancelled. My husband and I could make this together after our girls are in bed.
The only time we’ve been out to eat on Valentine’s Day was when we were dating!
We stay in on Valentine’s Day.
I love this dish! Thank yo fore sharing the tips how can I accomplish my date this coming Valentine.
We always stay in on V-day–even before having kids. Going out on V-day means overcrowded restaurants, mediocre service, and not too much relaxation! Staying at home is where it’s at. Great options here, perfect for making while getting the kids ready for bed.
I just have to say — I made this tonight for our Valentine’s dinner IN and it was so delicious! I made just a plain alfredo sauce with heart shaped pasta since we had this with our kiddos too. The cheese stuffed peppers were amazing and so was the frozen yogurt with chocolate shell sauce. Heavenly! Thank you, Cheri, for such a wonderful dinner menu that we all enjoyed!
Thanks Kimberly! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Looks so yummy and delicious.
> Romantic recipe
> Garlic
Pick one and only one.
Great idea for lovely dinner. thanks for this
Treat your sweetheart to an intimate dinner for two with these decadent Valentine s Day recipes.
I was wondering if I could (or if you have) baked these in the oven, or even broil for a tiny bit, instead of frying in a pan. I want to make these as an appetizer for a large group and it would be easier for me to back in oven on a sheet pan. Thoughts!