Did you forget to make a reservation at the fancy steakhouse for Valentine’s Day? No need to panic — we’ve got the recipe for a romantic dinner at home that’s sure to score you some serious points.
Instead of sitting through an expensive, multi-course dinner at a crowded restaurant, you can make your favorite meal at a fraction of the cost and without nearly as much pressure. Your special someone will feel loved and appreciated, and you’ll stay out of the dog house for another year.
Here’s how to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day at home.
Design the Menu
A little bit of pre-planning will help you pull off the perfect night — and let you show off your skills in the kitchen. Here’s a simple but elevated menu for your romantic night in:
Drinks
A bottle of her favorite wine is a must, but if you want to add a specialty cocktail (or mocktail), here’s an easy recipe that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Fresh basil
- Sparkling wine or grape juice
- Pink lemonade
Muddle strawberries and basil and pour them into the bottom of a nice cocktail glass. Fill the glass halfway with any sparkling wine (or grape juice) and then top with two ounces of pink lemonade. If you want to really show off, garnish the drink with a strawberry.
Appetizers
Put down that bagged salad you picked up at the grocery store. Instead, make your valentine an impressive but simple caprese salad. It’s homemade, comes from the heart, and best of all, takes only five minutes. It also gives you a chance to use up the rest of the basil from your drink.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mozzarella
- Tomatoes
- Basil
- Balsamic glaze
This recipe is quick and easy. Just cut your tomato and fresh mozzarella into slices, then layer them on a plate with basil leaves in between. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Entrees
Recreate the most expensive dish from your favorite steakhouse for half the price with fresh ingredients from the Primehouse Direct. All you need is your favorite cut of beef (we suggest the filet), some fresh-caught shrimp, and your best cooking skills to really wow your date.
Ingredients:
- Primehouse Direct Filet
- Primehouse Direct Peeled & Deveined Shrimp
- Half a stick of unsalted butter
- ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Potatoes (or boxed mashed potatoes)
- Asparagus
- Parmesan
Preheat your oven to 425℉. While the oven preheats, heat your cast iron pan to medium high. Pan sear your steak for two minutes on each side with butter, garlic, and rosemary and then finish in the oven to your preferred temperature. Here’s how long to roast for each steak temp:
- Rare: 2-4 minutes
- Medium rare: 5-7 minutes
- Medium: 7-9 minutes
- Medium well: 9-11 minutes
- Well done: 12-15 minutes
Make sure to rest your steak for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. While the steak cooks, saute your shrimp until they are opaque and set aside.
For sides, we recommend sticking to the classics: mashed potatoes and asparagus. Boil the potatoes in chicken broth until tender, then hand mix them with the butter, heavy whipping cream, and as much cheese as you can handle. If you’re short on time, boxed mashed potatoes will do the trick — we won’t tell on you. The asparagus can be drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper, and parmesan and then placed in the oven for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork tender.
Dessert
Time for the best part — dessert! We’re going to dip the rest of the strawberries in chocolate for a sweet treat after your meal.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries (use the rest of the pack)
- Bars of milk chocolate or dark chocolate
Important note: you can’t just melt chocolate on the stovetop. Set up a double boiler to prevent the chocolate from burning and getting bitter. Melt the chocolate on your double boiler and then dip your strawberries. Put the chocolate-covered strawberries on a plate and then into the fridge to set.
The Set Up
Make sure to head home from work early, because your Valentine’s celebration isn't just about the meal. You’re going to create an atmosphere that will turn your weeknight dinner into a fine dining experience.
First, you’ll want to set the table. In case that’s something you haven’t done in a while, here’s a quick refresher: forks on the left, knives on the right. Use your best dishes and serveware to set the tone for the kind of meal you’ll be making.
Grab your favorite record or play one of your partner’s playlists on the sound system to set the mood. You’ll also want to add candles, flowers, and set out any gifts that you’ve gotten for your valentine.
Don’t Forget the Dishes
One last thing you can do to make it a perfect night: handle the cleanup. Sure, you’ve cooked, so normally she would clean — but not tonight. Instead, send her off to relax with her favorite show and a glass of wine or cup of hot tea while you clear the table and take care of the dishes. Trust us, this is a gesture that will make an impression on your special someone.
Get ready for your at-home steakhouse experience with a high-quality, delicious cut from the Primehouse Direct. Order online or check out one of our truckload events near you.