Affordable Fancy Romantic Valentine’s Food

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Okay, I know it’s a couple days early, but I wanted to share some romantic Valentines Day dinner recipes for you in time to get your ingredients ready.  Guys, if you’re looking for easy romantic recipes for your loved one, this is the place!  She’ll be amazed at your prowess in the kitchen.  Oh yeah, and it’s CHEAP!  But she won’t think you’re skimping out if you make her a meal like this.

3 keys to wowing your gal with a romantic dinner:

1.  Presentation – If the food is arranged in a fancy way, it shows you really cared to take the time to make it special.  Simply arranging the slices of Asian pear in this simple cranberry pear salad makes it look like it takes tons of prep time, but it really doesn’t!

2.  Finger Food – Eating with your fingers is INCREDIBLE romantic!  Especially if you feed each other.  Some finger foods (like oysters) are also supposed to be aphrodisiacs, but we won’t go there.  Anyway, hand feeding each other broiled oysters out of the shell is so intimate and special.  Plus the fact that you had to pry them open is very manly!

3.  Multiple Courses – Even if you bring it out all at once, having 3-4 different courses like a salad, appetizer, main dish and dessert makes the meal more special.  Don’t just dump it all on one plate, give each course it’s own plate, bowl or platter.  Even better is that you share the plate for each course, then you have to lean in close to each other!  This sirloin with shiso scallion mashed potatoes is an impressive main dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Oh, and for dessert, how about these Chocolate Raspberry Tarts?  The chocolate ganache is so rich and decadent that your wife will groan with delight!  Trust me, it only takes a few ingredients, is simple to make, and is guaranteed to please.  Even if you only make dessert for Valentine’s Day, this one will blow anything else out of the water.

Now that you’re all set for food.  How about a little poem to let your loved one know how much they mean to you?  I certainly don’t consider myself a poet, but had so much fun putting this little love letter together for Eric.

I love my husband deeply, in more than just one way
I love how he can make me smile each and every day.
Or when he sees I’m insecure, and whispers in my ear
“I love you just for who you are, that’s why I’m still here.”

I love my husband deeply, because anyone we meet
he can make feel welcome even standing in the street.
Or if somebody’s hurting, though he may not know them well
he’ll offer them a friendly ear their hardships for to tell.

I love my husband deeply, for his goofy sense of humor
and the way he uplifts others and would never start a rumor.
Or how he knows my thoughts, though I may not say a word
and that he’s not embarrassed to be such a super nerd.

I love my husband deeply, love each cuddle that he’ll give
as he tenderly reminds me it’s for as long as we both live.
Or when he talks to God at night, giving thanks that I’m his wife
I love him, and he loves me, we are man and wife.

To all you married folk: I hope you have not only a great Valentine’s Day, but lifetime with your spouse!