As homebodies, making a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner at home is usually more enjoyable than a romantic dinner out somewhere. It can be part of the fun—and entertainment—to cook together too. Jules would probably opt out of the actual cooking part…but hey, it’s great to have time together chatting while I’m cooking, and she’s hanging out at the kitchen island.
A lot of the meals I cook for Jules are grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. So most of these recipes are great for those with food restrictions. (Although be warned, the ice cream recipe has dairy since I wrote that one pre-restrictions!)
For a Valentine’s Day menu, I wanted the options to be a choose-your-own-adventure. No one is making every meal! You can choose one or two recipes for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner and put together a meal that feels special.
Maybe you want to treat someone to brunch with a frittata you can prep the day before. Or maybe you have evening plans out and want to make a special lunch. Having a romantic dinner in? Choose a main course: from gluten-free crab cakes to no-frills steak, spaghetti & meatballs a la “Lady & the Tramp” to savory pancetta gnocchi. Then add a side of potatoes or vegetables.
Don’t forget to finish off the day with a sweet treat. Chocolate peanut butter mousse, vanilla ice cream with mint, or dairy-free lemon parfaits? Why not make them all in advance and have a sampler? After all, it’s a day to indulge a little.
Now go forth and charm the socks off your special someone!
Valentine’s Day Breakfast Ideas
Valentine’s Day Lunch Ideas
Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas
Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas
What are you planning on making this Valentine’s Day? Any recipes you’d like me to add to the menu?
