Special Valentine's Day recipes for a romantic dinner

Gifts, chocolates and candle-lit dinner dates are all great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but nothing says ‘romantic’ the way a home-cooked meal does. Why? When our loved ones cook something special for us, it makes us feel extra loved and cared for because of the warmth and effort they put into it.

While cooking Valentine’s Day dinner may feel a little daunting, it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of easy recipes available for you to impress your significant other. Here are some special Valentine’s Day recipes for you to fix up the perfect dinner.

Main course

Pair this main course with a glass of wine and a side plate with a delectable dessert, and your night is set!

Spaghetti carbonara

The Italians definitely know a thing or two when it comes to cooking romantic meals. And what better way to say ‘mamma mia’ than with spaghetti? Think Lady and the Tramp style dining. With a creamy base, this spaghetti is an explosion of flavours - a perfect way to start off your Valentine’s Day dinner.

Step 1: In a large pot, bring some water to boil with a pinch or two of salt. Add in the spaghetti and let it sit for a while. In the meantime, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet, and add in 2 minced garlic cloves and saute until it begins to give off a strong aroma. Mix in some chopped mushroom, basil leaves, and other vegetables of your choice.

Step 2: Once the spaghetti is al dente, drain out the water, leaving ½ a cup of the water in the pot. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic-infused butter, and add in half a cup of grated cheese. Toss the spaghetti with a pair of tongs until it’s coated well with the cheese.

Step 3: Add in 2 beaten eggs, and toss for another minute before adding in another half a cup of cheese, a few chopped up cherry or sundried tomatoes, some freshly ground black pepper, and the remaining cup of water from the pot to form the creamy sauce. Add a pinch of salt, and toss the spaghetti until it tastes right. Serve warm.

Dessert

For dessert, you have a choice between Valentine’s Day cake or a set of cupcakes. Either way, you’ll be thankful for the decadent chocolatey goodness both bring to the table.

Valentine’s Day cake

Profess your feelings and treat your loved one with a heart-shaped chocolate cake for the occasion. This Valentine’s Day cake will win them over, especially if you surprise them with this after a hearty meal.

Step1: To prep for your cake, preheat your oven to 425 degrees and butter a heart-shaped cake pan . Set it aside, and in a double boiler, melt 18 ounces of chopped chocolate with 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter over simmering water. Stir frequently until the two ingredients are completely melted, and remove from the stove.

Step 2: With a whisk, beat 5 eggs with 4 teaspoons of sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is thick and pale. Sift 4 teaspoons of all-purpose flour and a pinch of cayenne and salt each in, and whisk to combine the ingredients.

Step 3: Pour ¼ of the contents of the bowl into the mixture in the double boiler and mix. And then, pour this whole mixture back into the bowl and mix. Pour this into the cake pan and bake it in the oven for up to 15 minutes until the cake has barely just set. Remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before wrapping it in aluminium foil and refrigerating for an hour.

Valentine’s Day cupcakes

Strawberries pair perfectly with chocolate and are an apt combination to use for a Valentine’s dish. Use a cake mix to make baking this dessert quick and easy.

Step 1: Whisk a chocolate cake mix in a mixing bowl until it’s free of lumps. Fill a silicone cupcake mould with this batter, and allow it to bake in the oven as you make your strawberry frosting.

Step 2: For the frosting, pop a few freeze-dried strawberries in a blender until it’s finely ground into a powder, enough for half a cup, and set aside. In a bowl, use a mixer fitted with a whisk to beat 1 cup of softened butter until it’s creamy, and then add in 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, and the powdered strawberries. Beat on low speed for half a minute, and then beat on a higher speed for 2 minutes. Transfer this to a piping tool.

Step 3: Once your Valentine’s Day cupcakes are ready, allow them to cool before frosting them. Once frosted, allow them to cool in the fridge to set. Place a sliced strawberry on top of the frosting and coat with a little chocolate syrup to jazz up your dessert.

With these Valentine’s Day recipes, you’re definitely set to impress your partner. Check out Wonderchef’s range of bakeware, which includes heart-shaped moulds for cakes and chocolates for the perfect Valentine’s celebration.