Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean dining at a packed restaurant or ordering takeout. Why not make this year special by cooking a cozy, delicious meal at home? These three simple recipes are perfect for creating an intimate and stress-free Valentine’s Day experience with your loved one!

Appetizer: Caprese Salad with a Twist

Ingredients:

• Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Ripe tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange alternating slices of mozzarella and tomato on a plate.
2. Tuck basil leaves between each slice.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, olive oil, and a light touch of honey for sweetness.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Garden season is almost here! Soon enough we’ll be using fresh basil and tomatoes straight from the backyard! Anyone else as excited as me!? If you’re looking to get into gardening this year, make sure you check out my blog post for beginners!

Main Course: Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This rich and comforting pasta dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss in cooked pasta and shrimp, mixing until well-coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Dessert: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

A Valentine’s classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Plus, it’s great to include the kids with this recipe once dinner has wrapped up.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
• Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries (moisture will prevent the chocolate from sticking).
2. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.
3. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. If desired, melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the dipped strawberries for a decorative touch.
5. Add sprinkles or crushed nuts before the chocolate sets.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.

With these simple recipes, you can create a Valentine’s Day meal that’s both delicious and memorable. Light some candles, pour your favorite wine, and enjoy a cozy evening filled with love and great food! What are your Valentine’s Day plans this year?

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