There is just nothing quite like showing your love through a plate of perfectly seared steak or a bowl of creamy, dreamy pasta. It is the ultimate love language and these recipes are here to help you speak it fluently with big flavors and minimal cleanup.
1. Homemade Dark Chocolate Raspberry Hearts
These are simply the cutest little things. You will need silicone candy molds to create the heart shapes.
I recommend getting a bunch because you will want to make these all the time.
Be sure to purchase flavored oils rather than extracts. Water based flavors will seize the chocolate and make it lumpy.
2. Linguine with Clams
Even I used to avoid clams at home. I worried they would come out rubbery.
Cleaning them is the most time consuming part but do not skip it.
Watching them open up in the sauce is satisfying. Be sure to throw away any that do not open.
3. Cheese Fondue
Why did we ever stop making fondue? Gooey melted cheese plus bread is basically the best meal ever.
You need good quality cheese for this recipe since it is the main ingredient. Spend a little time at the cheese counter.
I like to add beer to the pot for amazing flavor. Serve with bread cubes and veggies and cooked sausages.
4. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp is a luxury ingredient that I like to save for special occasions. It can be expensive.
But nothing beats a bowl of beautiful pink shrimp when I want to impress.
I love the simple sauce made with lemon juice and white wine plus garlic.
Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Squeeze extra lemon over the top.
5. Caprese Garlic Bread
You can pull out all the stops for your significant other with a three course meal. Starters do not have to be complicated.
This garlic bread is seriously delicious.
It combines crunchy bread with juicy tomatoes and tangy balsamic. Nobody has to know you threw it together in just 5 minutes.
6. Love Potion #9 Martini (Triple Berry Pomegranate Martini)
This cocktail is not only completely adorable but also absolutely irresistible.
Strawberry vodka has been a favorite of mine for years.
Mixing it with Chambord creates a powerful berry flavor. Pomegranate juice makes this drink go down a little too easy.
7. Conversation Hearts
What is cuter than a bowl of homemade conversation hearts? Making this candy at home might take a while but it is so worth it.
Using food pens is a real treat. Finish them with declarations of love or go for something a little more naughty.
8. Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter
I feel you if you usually avoid making steak at home. It is easy to go wrong.
Add room temperature meat to a screaming hot pan. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes on either side without moving.
Baste it with melted butter. The thicker filet cut needs 5 minutes in a low oven.
9. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Lobster mac and cheese is the ultimate union of comfort food and luxury. The creamy mac and cheese brings a smile to anyone’s face.
The lobster is something special. Broiling your lobster tails cooks them with extra flavor.
I brush mine with lots of garlic butter.
10. Marry Me Chicken
I am sure you have seen this gorgeous dish popping up all over social media. It lives up to the hype.
It does not take a lot to make it shine. The combination of garlic and chili flakes brings the chicken to life.
Sun dried tomatoes and a dash of cream help too. Use the good parmesan cheese.
11. Bésame (Kiss Me) Cocktail Recipe
This recipe is pretty much perfect for me since I am a margarita lover. It includes Agavero which is a smooth tequila liquor hybrid.
You will be reaching for another immediately.
It is full of passion fruit juice and raspberry. Just shake and pour this tropical cocktail.
12. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate covered strawberries might be the ultimate dessert for lovers. They look just as good as they taste.
Be sure to clean and dry your strawberries thoroughly so the chocolate sticks. Always use good quality chocolate.
I like to put chocolate in a piping bag to stripe them. Switch up the chocolates for color contrast.
13. Caprese Grilled Filet Mignon
The trick to cooking steak at home is starting with room temperature meat. Cook it in a super hot pan.
Cast iron works especially well. Once you perfect the technique you can top the steaks.
Add thick slices of mozzarella and tomato. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic.
14. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto
I admit that I do not make risotto too much due to my lack of patience. It needs a lot of love and attention.
You have to feed in the stock gradually.
The result is a creamy bowl of goodness that is delicious. Drizzle with a little bit of truffle oil to amp up the wow factor.