Valentine’s Day, The Easy Way: Romantic Dinners
Effortless Romance: Three Delicious Dinners to Elevate Your Valentine’s Day!
This year is a big one for Sofie and I as we’re celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary. These days Valentine’s Day in our house looks a lot like collapsing on the couch with popcorn and a movie, completely wrecked after getting the kids to bed. But hitting that decade milestone feels like it deserves a little more effort. So, I’ve put together three recipes that are perfect for anyone looking to step things up this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re cooking for a partner, a friend, or just treating yourself. These dishes are all about indulgence, flavour, and making it look like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have.
Seared Côte De Boeuf Steak with Pommes Aligot and Green Beans
If you’re going big this Valentine’s, Côte De Boeuf is the way to do it. For the uninitiated, it’s basically a fancy ribeye on the bone- thick, juicy, and packed with flavour. It’s proper celebration food, and the cut of choice on many restaurant menus these days. When we moved home in 2020, Higgins Butchers in Sutton Cross became my go-to spot for quality meat, and their Côte De Boeuf was the ultimate lockdown feast. Pair it with Pommes Aligot (think mashed potatoes, but cheesier and silkier) and some green beans, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy meal without leaving the house. Light a candle or two, and you’re practically in Paris!
Roast Chicken with Herb Gnocchi and White Wine Sauce
Now, if steak feels a bit too much pressure or you’re after something a little more comforting, this Roast Chicken with Herb Gnocchi is your answer. Gnocchi is one of those brilliant quick-cooking ingredients that often gets overlooked in the weekly shop and instantly makes any dish feel special. With a creamy white wine sauce, it’s a dish that is just the right amount of fancy to impress without the stress.
For dessert, I’m pulling out one of my desert island dishes- the Chocolate Lava Cake. More of a pudding if I’m honest, it’s rich, indulgent, and has that perfect molten centre that oozes out when you dig in. The best part is that you can make the batter ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready, meaning you can focus on enjoying your evening instead of fussing over dessert. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a fool proof Valentine’s Day winner.
A very, very happy wedding anniversary - enjoy!