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February 11, 2013

What to make for Valentine’s Day:

Valentine’s Day! I can’t remember the last time we went out to dinner for Valentine’s Day. It’s been ages! Can I be honest with you? Going out to dinner on V-day is not my thing. I like making dinner with/for my husband. There’s less stress/pressure, it’s cheaper, and we don’t have to worry about paying a babysitter!  We usually go out to dinner sometime in February, but never ON the 14th. I’m gonna give you some ideas for those of you who are like me and want to make a meal at home. Clothing is entirely optional, except when you’re frying chicken.

FRENCH 75

A perfect way to start the night!

HERBED FLATBREAD

I can imagine this herbed flatbread would be killer with a beautiful cheese plate. So romantic!

BACON & EGG BREAKFAST PIZZA

You could start the day off right, or have breakfast for dinner!

Speaking of breakfast…

APPLE-PECAN STICKY BUNS

If you are able to have a leisurely breakfast together, make these sticky buns! No yeast involved means they’re EASY.

TRACY’S KILLER GARLIC BREAD

Valentine’s day should always include garlic bread. As long as the two of you are eating it, you’ll cancel out garlic breath.

FLAT ROASTED CHICKEN

My husband loves this flat roasted chicken. The lemony sauce pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes!

STICKY BALSAMIC RIBS

Let’s get real.

The husband just wants ribs and potatoes for Valentine’s Day. Thought I’d throw this one in for the dudes.

ROASTED GREEN BEANS W/ PARMESAN

If you want to get some greens in, these green beans are fab! I’d probably eat them all while Casey gets his rib fix.

CHICKEN AVOCADO BLT SALADS

If you both want a big salad, this one is hearty enough for dinner!

ANGEL HAIR PASTA W/ CHILE LEMON & ARUGULA

This pasta dish is classy & sexy! Serve with grilled/garlic-y shrimp and you’re living!

RIGATONI W/ MARINARA & RICOTTA

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best! You can easily execute this after a long day of work.

Add a salad & garlic bread. BOOM.

PROFITEROLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE

You can make these days before and freeze them! Who doesn’t love a cream puff?

Who doesn’t like someone feeding them a cream puff? Maybe me.

CHOCOLATE PECAN CAKE

Need I say more?

APPLE GALETTE

Apple pie is supposed to turn a man on. I’ve read this. It’s a fact.

HEART GLAZED CORNMEAL COOKIES

Cookies are always welcome. Am I right??!

CHOCOLATE DUTCH BABY

You say pancake, I say a really thin chocolate cake that you can load up with strawberries & cream!

CHOCOLATE HEART SANDWICH COOKIES

I made these this year. You should too!

  • Jenny

    Great suggestions! I was thinking of going out for Valentine’s Day but with all these great recipe choices it might be more fun to just cook!

  • Kelly

    Love so many of these 🙂 Great job!

  • Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar

    So many great suggestions! Hope you have a fabulous day with your love(s)!

  • Chelsea

    Thanks so much for this! I’m eyeing adding a French 75 or Chocolate Pecan Cake to my already existing Valentine’s Day menu. My husband and I have been cooking Valentine’s Day dinner together our entire time together (a product of our dating-anniversary being February 10th… too much all at once, and also, hard to start off with a romantic Valentine’s Day when you’ve only been dating for four days), and I look forward to it every year.

    I’m a new reader, brought from the Joy The Baker podcast, and love your site and your recipes!

  • jenny

    I don’t have a valentine to cook for, but I may just make one of these yummy things for myself! why not, right? 🙂

  • perber

    happy valentine’s day to you, tracy! thanks for the great ideas. I’m thinking to do a picnic this year so these recipes will be helpful. I made your killer garlic bread last night and it was delicious!! While I was looking for the dill I decided to reorganize my spice cabinet and it was so satisfying 🙂 (inspired by your high straightenence.. )

  • Jenn

    I agree, Valentine’s Day dinners out are always lame. Any good place is booked solid, abbreviated menus, jacked up prices, and the servers want to stab their eyes out. Make a nice dinner at home and then plan a special evening out sometime in March.

  • Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen

    I don’t have a Valentine this year, but I kind of want to make a Valentine’s Day brunch for myself, and eat that whole breakfast pizza. Although, eating whole pizzas might not help me attract a new man…

    I love these round-ups to remind me of old stuff you’ve posted!

  • Kiran @ KiranTarun.com

    Everything looks so delicious, Tracy! Thanks for sharing! I love how delicious the roasted chicken looks.

  • Sarah

    Could you maybe throw this menu as a dinner party? And then invite me? I will fly from Australia. And bring wine. And bourbon.

  • Jayne

    I love every single recommendation! Especially the pasta options. Hubs and I are kinda doing our Valentines today as it’s a public holiday here. Definitely not into going out at all! Pork loin chops , pasta, baked potatoes and a salad is in the menu tonight.

  • Kait @ ChickadeeSays

    Those sticky balsamic ribs look so good! I am such a big rib fan, and LOVE balsamic, so they sound like heaven!

    xx Kait

  • Heidi - Apples Under My Bed

    Sweet! Love this, thanks, Tracy! Fab suggestions. I love cooking with my man too on Valentine’s Day. Having a date with the grandparents this year, though, as he’s interstate. I’m excited 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Friday Link Hootenanny // Oh yes. – Modern Kiddo

    […] Tracey posted all these tasty TASTY recipes as a “What to Make for Valentines Day” guide, but man I’ll be making these allll year long! Check them out here. […]

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