Menu: A Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

Sure, we all love the thought of getting glammed-up to paint the town red (with a night full of roses, champagne, and a 5-course dinner) to celebrate Valentine’s Day. But, when you’ve got kids (and let’s be honest, a mortgage) some things have got to give. Besides, we all know restaurants don’t always offer their best service on Feburary 14 anyway. So we say skip the fancy reservations this year and instead celebrate with an ultra-romantic homemade Valentine’s Day dinner for two.

Does it seem like a lot of work? Don’t fret. From the decadent menu (think pink peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin and the most indulgent warm chocolate cakes ever) to our step-by-step recipes and a handy grocery list, we’ve done most of the work for you.

Now all you have to do is get the kids to bed early, light some candles, turn on some music to set the mood, and pop the cork on that bottle of Veuve.

A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

The Salad

Light and healthy, yet packed with robust and peppery flavours, this salad is the perfect start to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two. Keep it as it is, or elevate it even more with some crumbled goat cheese or feta.

Get the recipe → Arugula & Cherry Tomato Salad

The Main Course

Could anything say Valentine’s Day more than a juicy fillet of beef? We’ve upped the romance-factor even more by crusting the beef tenderloin fillets with flaked sea salt and lots of crushed pink peppercorns.

Get the recipe → Pink Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin Fillets

The Sides

Roasted with maple syrup and scattered with fresh thyme, these glazed heirloom carrots are an extra-special addition to an already special meal.

Get the recipe → Maple & Thyme Roasted Heirloom Carrots

The perfect side to a beef tenderloin steak? Perfect mashed potatoes. YUM.

Get the recipe → Perfect Mashed Potatoes

The Dessert

Pure decadence. The perfect end to a perfect meal. Need we say more?

Get the recipe → Bittersweet Warm Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Your Valentine’s Day Dinner Grocery Shopping List:

Pantry staples you probably have:

• Good quality Olive Oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Additional ingredients you will need:

• 1 container baby arugula leaves
• 1 container cherry tomatoes
• 2 Beef tenderloin steaks
• Pink peppercorns
• Flaked sea salt
• 2 bunches heirloom carrots
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 1 bottle pure maple syrup
• 5 to 7 Yukon gold potatoes
• 1 lb (4 sticks) unsalted butter
• 250 mL container table cream
• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate
• 1 dozen eggs
• Coarse sugar

Looking for more Valentine’s Day ideas? Check out our Savvy Guide to Valentine’s Day!