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I’ve given up on trying for a restaurant booking on Valentine’s Day. It’s impossible to get into the places worth going.
And even if I could, I’d rather light my own castles, pour my own wine, and cook my own dinner rather than wedge myself in between other couples to eat overpriced food.
Valentine’s Day is when I really like to push myself as a cook to make something truly special. This collection of recipes are my favourites, tried, tested and true. it includes everything from sultry pastas, truffle-scented risotto, salmon wrapped in golden pastry, and a beautiful red velvet cake to finish it all off.
Does it look impressive? I hope so, but they are also completely doable on a weeknight, meaning you can focus on the good stuff like enjoying the company around your table. These dishes make staying in irresistible.
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Alfredo
On Valentine's Day, I really want to feel special without the fuss. And so this is what I serve. It gives you succulent chicken wrapped in crispy prosciutto, sliced and arranged over creamy fettuccine. Perfect with a glass of wine!
To pull off proper tableside drama, Steak Diane is your move. It's made of tender fillet in a luxurious brandy sauce. It's retro glamour that tastes utterly modern, and the kind of dish that makes staying in feel like the chicest decision you've made all year.
This is my love letter to anyone who believes pasta is the shortest route to the heart. Plump shrimp nestled into linguine in that same sun-dried tomato cream sauce, turning a simple pot of pasta into something restaurant-worthy. It's dramatic, romantic, and light enough that you won't be in a food coma by dessert.
Filet mignon is a special cut of beef, so perfect for an occasion like Valentine's Day. This recipe proves that you don't need a fancy restaurant to nail it. The steak will melt in your mouth, and the rich sauce till turn the dish into something truly swoon-worthy.
Scallops are pricy in the best of times, but even mores so when on a Valentine's menu. But you can save a fortune by buying your own and making them yourself. This recipe will give you buttery scallops in a soft cream sauce laced with sun-dried tomatoes, chilli and basil. And quick as well. Restaurant luxury in your own home.
This is my drama queen of a main course, in the best possible way. Moist salmon, creamy kale and mascarpone, all wrapped in flaky golden pastry that looks like it came straight from a French bistro. I love that you can assemble it up to 12 hours ahead, then simply bake and slice into that gorgeous 'ooh and ahh' moment.
The smell of truffle always reminds me of a romantic walk through the woods after a rainfall. This recipe makes the most of this incredible ingredient by pairing it with pearly risotto and earthy wild mushrooms. It all feels so luxurious, perfect with a glass of wine in hand.
I don't buy that Valentine's dinner needs to be heavy to feel indulgent. This light and satisfying plant-based pasta only takes a few ingredients and simple steps to make. Plus it leaves room to go bit with dessert!
This creamy pasta recipe is my secret weapon for when time is short. The ingredient list is short, it only takes 20 minutes, but it'll give you a silky pasta in a luscious sauce and studded with smoky salmon. So chic, and saves you from slaving over the stove for hours.
Let's finish our meal with a showstopper, and this is as good as it gets. It's so tasty, and gorgeous enough that it looks like it should be in a patisserie window. Make it a day in advance so all you have to do is cut a slice to finish your meal.
Want to stick with just a bit of something sweet? These little truffles will do the trick. Rich chocolate rolled into balls and dipped in more chocolate. Then decorate as you like. The perfect flirtatious finish to a stunning dinner.
Julia Frey is a London based recipe developer and photographer. Julia founded Vikalinka in 2012 with the main mission to provide her readers with delicious and accessible everyday recipes, which could be enjoyed by everyone.
