Valentine's Day Menus

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

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Dinner for Two

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.

appetizer

Stuffed-Noodle Soup

main

Radicchio and Mushroom Chicken Roulade

side

Simple Steamed Spinach

dessert

Raspberry-Cream Pavlovas

Serves 2

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Valentine's Day Dinner

John Kernick

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.

soup

Roasted-Carrot Soup

main

Spice-Crusted Rack of Lamb

side

Crimson Couscous

Haricots Verts with Mustard Vinaigrette

dessert

Chocolate Pots de Creme

Hazelnut Kisses

Serves 2

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Spaghetti and Meatballs for Two

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

appetizer

Pear and Prosciutto "Carpaccio"

main

Spaghetti and Meatballs

dessert

Individual Dark Chocolate Pudding Cakes

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Beef Wellington Menu

Sang An

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.

salad

Frisee and Green-Apple Salad with Goat-Cheese Toasts

main

Beef Wellington Tarts

side

Haricots Verts

dessert

White-Chocolate Semifreddo

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Sauteed Sole Menu

Sang An

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.

salad

Frisee and Green-Apple Salad with Goat-Cheese Toasts

main

Sauteed Sole with Lemon

side

Haricots Verts

dessert

Sparkling Sorbet Floats

Serves 2

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Filet Mignon Menu

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

main

Filet Mignon with Herb-and-Cheese Potatoes

salad

Warm Butter-Poached Lobster Salad with Tarragon-Citrus Dressing

dessert

Molten Mocha Cakes

Serves 2

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Romantic Dinner Menu

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

appetizer

Pear and Prosciutto "Carpaccio"

main

Goat-Cheese "Ravioli" with Parsley Sauce

side

Lemony Swiss Chard

dessert

Sparkling Sorbet Floats

Serves 2

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