Giangi's Kitchen

Enjoy a  Romantic Valentine’s Family Meal  

On Valentine’s Day we love staying in and having a romantic dinner as a family. We make sure that our teenage son takes part in the whole meal, and hopefully one day he will do the same for the special people in his life. As a mom, I am loving it.

If you are also staying home vs. going out, I have curated the perfect Valentine’s Day meal for your family by suggesting some of my favorite and most romantic deserts, appetizers and main courses. Each dish is easy, unique, and absolutely delicious.

Also, just in case you are wondering if I started from the wrong direction: for Valentine’s Day, I love to start with dessert as it sets the tone for the whole dinner!

VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT SUGGESTIONS

 Strawberry Chantilly

Ready in 5 minutes and only 3 ingredients. Make plenty as it will disappear fast.

Strawberry Chantilly

Raspberry Fool

Super easy to prepare. It is bliss with each spoonful. Your family will love you even more for making it.

Raspberry Fool

VALENTINE’S DAY APPETIZER SUGGESTIONS

Prawns Cocktail with Kiwis

This is a perfect dinner starter. It is ready in less than 30 minutes, and this crisp and refreshing appetizer will keep your family eagerly looking forward to what comes next. The kiwis in the salad lends a sweetness against the spice of the tabasco. The recipe requires gin, but you can split the ingredients and in one to omit the alcohol.

Prawns Cocktail with Kiwis

Prawns Saltimbocca

Ready in just 20 minutes, the wine butter sauce will become an instant family favorite. It has a very unique taste and is yet so rich in flavor.

Prawns Saltimbocca

VALENTINE’S DAY MAIN COURSE SUGGESTIONS

Jalapeno Orange Glazed Scallops with Beurre Blanc

Sounds sinful doesn’t it? Well, it is!  Imagine tender scallops basted with a peach-pineapple pepper jelly and orange juice, and a subtle hint of heat that gets caramelized into the scallop. The ultimate dinner to impress your family and show them how much you care.

Jalapeno Orange Glazed Scallops with Beurre Blanc

Pepper Crusted Racks of Lamb with Horseradish Creme Fraiche

For meat lovers, this is hands down this is one of our all-time favorites. The pepper crusted rack of lamb with horseradish crème fraiche is a wonderful combination of peppercorns, lemon zest, garlic, fresh herbs and panko. A tasty outer crust over a perfectly juicy lamb. The horseradish crème fraiche is fantastic.

Pepper Crusted Racks of Lamb with Horseradish Creme Fraiche

New York Steaks with Wine Sauce

A staple French recipe that is easy to prepare. In less than 30 minutes the sauce and steaks are ready. The lingering flavor will make your family fall in love over and over again with this dish (and the wonderful person who prepared it for them!).

New York Steaks with Wine Sauce

New York Steaks with Mustard and Mushrooms

What can I say? This is simply to die for it. It is my own creation, and everyone that tries it falls in love with it. Words cannot do it justice. You must try it!

New York with Mustard and Mushrooms

Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Leeks

This dish has a very impressive presentation. The taste is fantastic, with tender and juicy chicken over a bed of potatoes and leeks. Finger licking good.

Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Leeks

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Also, do not forget candles — yes candles and no overhead light — along with champagne, chilled wine, and soft music to set the mood of the evening. Who says that you cannot enjoy a romantic evening at home with your family?

Happy Valentine’s Day and until next time!

Giangi