Valentine’s Day should feel romantic, not overwhelming. There is no need for complicated menus or hours spent in the kitchen to make the evening feel special. I am a firm believer in simple cooking done well, and these recipes are all about creating a beautiful dinner without sacrificing your time or your energy.
Smoked Salmon Appetizers
If you are looking for an appetizer that feels gourmet without the fuss, these Smoked Salmon Appetizers are a fail-proof choice. We love to entertain, and I have perfected this super easy combination of crisp baguette, silky smoked salmon, creamy accents, and bright fresh toppings. Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon Appetizers
Gougeres with Cheese and Scallions
Gougeres with cheese and scallions. Airy cheese puffs to quell your hunger as you wait for dinner. Or the perfect companion to your aperitif. Either way, those golden morsels are a delight and easy to make. I guarantee they will become your go-to appetizer. Get the recipe: Gougeres with Cheese and Scallions
Chilean Sea Bass with Tomato Relish
This beautiful dinner for Chilean sea bass with tomato relish is put together in less than 20 minutes. You will love it! It is simple to assemble with many flavors you do not want to miss. The tomato relish bursts with flavors, with the capers and the green olives.
Get the recipe: Chilean Sea Bass with Tomato Relish
Duck Breast with Port and Cherry Sauce
Sounds decadent, doesn’t it? The perfect dinner for all occasions. Imagine a cooked-to-perfection duck breast served with a rich and flavorful Port wine sauce with added cherries. The combination of flavors leaves you wanting more. Get the recipe: Duck Breast with Port and Cherry Sauce
Coquilles Saint Jacques
Coquilles Saint Jacques is a Classic French dish gracing tables worldwide. This wonderful dish has always been a little mysterious to me. It always mesmerizes me how such a complexly flavored recipe can be quite the opposite in terms of preparation: it’s surprisingly easy! Get the recipe: Coquilles Saint Jacques
Pan Seared Steak
A perfectly cooked pan-seared steak is always welcome. Perfectly seared on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, its rich, meaty flavor is a dream come true for meat lovers. There is nothing more wonderful than indulging in a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak basted with butter, fresh garlic, and fresh herbs. Get the recipe: Pan Seared Steak
Caramelized Shallots with N.Y. Steak
The melt-in-your-mouth shallots are tender and sweet with a hint of savor; it is a must-try recipe! I love shallots; as you may have noticed, they are in most of my recipes. The tender and sweet flavor, with the mild onion flavor, not only enhances any of your dishes but leaves you wanting more. Get the recipe: Caramelized Shallots with N.Y. Steak
Sole Maurniere
Indulge in the flavors of France with this classic Sole Meunière recipe! Renowned for its delicate balance of flavors, this delightfully simple dish features tender sole fillets lightly floured and sautéed to golden perfection, drizzled with an irresistible brown butter sauce, tart lemon, and fragrant parsley. Get the recipe: Sole Meuniere
Cold Pea Salad
Sweet peas meet the gentle sharpness of red onion, all brought together with good olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It is bright, simple, and always a hit, whether served at room temperature for a casual lunch or chilled alongside a meal. Get the recipe: Cold Pea Salad
Pan Fried Green Beans
Pan fried green beans with perfectly soft pieces of garlic is an easy and classic preparation for a green bean side dish.Green beans are universally the most used and versatile vegetable in all cuisines. Get the recipe: Pan Fried Green Beans
Easy Chocolate Mousse
It is with the greatest pleasure that I share one of my most beloved desserts: an easy, elegant chocolate mousse, or “mousse au chocolat.” This French classic is light, airy, yet deeply decadent, with just the right hint of Grand Marnier to make it special. Easy Chocolate Mousse
Zabaglione
I have the fondest memories of homemade zabaglione. My nonna used to whip one up once in a while, and it was the most amazing culinary adventure to see egg yolk become so velvety and expand to a rich cream. Get the recipe: Zabaglione
