Plan the perfect Valentine?s Day menu

?I have made a lot of mistakes falling in love, and regretted most of them, but never the potatoes that went with them.?

Nora Ephron

Love is in the air friends, and whether you are madly in love with another or still searching for them there is no excuse not to pay homage to one of our greatest love’s of all this Valentine’s Day: food!

Celebrating Hallmark’s biggest holiday tends to create stress amongst couples and singles alike.  If you’re in a relationship, it’s the decision to eat out, stay in, or pretend like the holiday doesn’t exist.  If you’re single, the question turns to staying in to watch love stories and sulk, embrace single-hood and party it up at a bar with friends, or go out on a mission to find mr./mrs. right.  While I am no Oprah, Dr. Laura, Dr. Ruth or other self-help guru I do know one thing, nothing brings people together like food.

I am of course partial to this argument, but my advice to you this year is to plan a romantic meal at home for your partner, or throw a fun dinner party for friends and take time out from the craziness that is the restaurant industry this time of year.  I have compiled some of my favorite recipes to create menu options for everyone from the novice cook to the next Food Network star, and those in between. Cooking for someone else is one of the most sincere expressions of love and with a little bit of planning you can wow your Valentine, or Valentine’s, this year with a meal fit for Aphrodite.

Tips

Know your limitations.  Showing someone your love by burning a dish or being so tired because you spent 8 hours learning how to cook something is not the goal here.  Make sure you select a menu that suits your skills and abilities in the kitchen.
Set the mood.  Candles are of course a nice touch, but so is music.  Some of my favorite romantic music choices are the sounds of a French cafe.  Look for artists like Melody Gardot, Carla Bruni, Norah Jones, and Van Morrison.  Pandora’s French Cafe Radio is an easy way to pump in the sounds of love.  Having an I Hate Valentine’s Day party? Alanis Morissette always works well
Wash as you go.  The worst part of cooking at home is doing the dishes and it’s a chore you, your valentine or your guests won’t want to do.  As you are preparing your dishes be sure to clean as you go so that at the end of the night clean up will be minimal and you can enjoy the evening.
Don’t be afraid to cheat.  On the meal that is!  If you know you don’t have the patience for preparing one of the items listed below, try a store bought alternative to help you save time, as long as you don’t tell them it’s store bought no one has to know.
Mix and match.  Love one of these menus but not one item in particular? Don’t be afraid to mix and match or add in a personal favorite.

Menu #1: The Steakhouse

If you or your partners idea of a great meal involves going to Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s or some other high end steak house, try this menu and you will be amazed at not only the quality, but the savings!

Wedge Salad

Petite Filet with Gorgonzola and Porcini Mushroom Sauce

Pommes Frites with Parsley Butter

Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli

Chocolate Truffle Tarts with Raspberries

Menu #2: The Bistro

Transport you and your Valentine to a quaint bistro with this classic menu.

Mixed Green Salad

Perfect Roast Chicken

Lemon-Butter Green Beans with Pine Nuts

Potato Pave

French Apple Tart

Menu #3: The Italian Feast

Italian is the language of love and this meal will say all the right things.  Warning, this meal will take some time to prepare.

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Pappardelle Bolognese *note, you can certainly substitute store bought pasta here, but try at home if looking for a real challenge

Tiramisu

Menu #4: The Novice Chef

Does the thought of cooking a meal for someone you love scare you?  Try this simple menu and you will impress even yourself.  I won’t call it fool-proof because honestly, how can anyone claim that, but I’d be surprised if you ruined this one

Roasted Chicken Purses

Pork Milanese with Portobello Mushroom Risotto *mushroom risotto can be bought in a kit at the grocery store, try the Alessi brand

Roasted Asparagus

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Menu# 5: The Fresh Catch

If the ocean and all it’s bounty is what you love, then try this seafood themed menu.

Fennel, Mushroom and Arugula Salad with Seared Scallops

Salt-Baked Sea Bass with Warm Tomato Vinaigrette

Roasted New Potatoes

Creme Brulee

Need wine pairing suggestions? Check out Real Simple’s nifty wine pairing guide and you will find the perfect wine to accompany your romantic feast.

I hope that this weekend brings you a grand excuse to prepare a fabulous meal, and if you are lucky in love, a romantic night to share together.

Bon Appetit!