Skip the crowded restaurant this year, and make your own cozy Valentine's Day dinner at home.

This menu makes clever use of readily available ingredients: Wonton wrappers stand in for homemade pasta, and a whole chicken is used not just for the main course but also for the pasta filling and a flavorful stock. The spinach is ready in minutes. For dessert, whip up individual Pavlovas, cloudlike meringues tinted raspberry pink and topped with berry curd and cream.

Prepare an appealing make-ahead menu you'll both love, with spice-crusted rack of lamb, chocolate pots de creme, and more. As much as possible, prepare things ahead of time. The diced beets for the couscous can be cooked in advance and refrigerated. The pots de creme and cookies can be made a day before. The lamb should be timed to finish 10 to 15 minutes before you plate it.

Cook up an Italian-inspired dinner for two, featuring hearty spaghetti and meatballs, a pear and prosciutto "carpaccio," and rich chocolate pudding cakes.

This quietly elegant meal comes together with a sense of ease appropriate for a weeknight, yet sacrifices nothing in appeal. We recommend pouring Champagne throughout the meal, though you can serve a Bordeaux with the beef course if you prefer.

This elegant (yet easy to prepare!) menu offers the perfect occasion to show off the subtle artistry of great French wine. We recommend pouring Champagne throughout your meal, though you can serve a white Burgundy (Chardonnay) with the fish course if you prefer.

Charm your valentine with classic romantic favorites: filet mignon, lobster, and a rich, chocolaty dessert.

On date night, tempt your sweetheart with a spiffy Italian menu that's truly easy to put together.

Our menu for two cuts down on time and fuss so you can enjoy this elegant meal on any night of the week -- including Valentine's Day.

We've designed this menu so that almost everything can be prepared in advance and then quickly assembled or reheated before serving. You'll be relaxed, and your kitchen will be tidy.