VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER AT HOME

My new motto, “Make Dinner…Not Reservations!” What better way to show someone you care about them, than to make them a homemade meal. I have this vision in my head of two lovers in the kitchen, whipping up this meal together. A little wine or a few champagne cocktails. Definitely my version of the perfect date night, or to celebrate Valentine’s Day! This meal is hearty enough to satisfy, without weighing you down! This is the perfect recipe guide to enjoy Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home.

This meal begins, and ends with strawberries. To start, the most perfect raw oysters drizzled with a mignonette of diced strawberries, champagne vinegar, shallots and black pepper. To end, a few super fancy chocolate covered strawberries from SAS Cupcakes, my favorite cupcake shop in Charlotte. Did you know they can ship? Get your orders in now! While you are at it, pick up a few treats for your fur babies!

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

Honestly, you can never have too many desserts on Valentine’s Day, right? If you have not yet had the opportunity to try a Bundt Cake, or Bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes, what are you waiting for? Super fresh ingredients combine so beautifully to create a decadent treat. Pick your favorite flavor! Local to Charlotte? Check out my favorite location on Rea Road. It is owned and operated by my friend, Betsy Marinich Lamb. Believe me, the Bundtlet Towers and Bundt Cakes are as tasty as they look. Call Betsy today at 704.845.2253 to order your Valentine’s Day Bundt treats!

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER AT HOME

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL AND CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

Start with the oysters. Have your fishmonger shuck, or shuck them yourself. Try to keep as much of the oyster liquor in the shell as you can. I like to line the dish with ice cream salt, so as you shuck, you can position them on the salt to stabilize. In a small bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients for the mignonette. I diced my strawberries super tiny. Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes or so. Place a spoonful of the mixture on top of each oyster and ENJOY!

There are not the exact words to even describe to you the flavor profile. Think of a pinch of sweet meets salty, spicy and tang! You just may want to make extra! You can enjoy these amazing oysters with my signature Champagne Cocktail as you are preparing the rest of the meal!

CREAMY PARMESAN RISOTTO

In order to time everything just perfectly, start preparing the Creamy Parmesan Risotto. This will take at least thirty to forty minutes to get the perfect consistency. Low and slow is key! I did forgo the garlic in all of my recipes here. No one wants to have garlic breath after your have enjoyed your Valentine’s Day Dinner! As the risotto is cooking, you can easily finish the steak and lobster tails. I also roasted a bunch of asparagus just prior to broiling the lobster tails. You can place back in oven to heat up just prior to serving.

LOBSTER TAILS

When you have used up about half of the chicken stock for the risotto, start preparing the lobster tails and filets. I have the perfected lobster tails. Seriously! I give you step-by-step instructions and photos. So super easy and they only take about eight minutes to broil. Click here for the how to!

Lobster Pot Pie

As an alternative to the traditional surf and turf, prepare these Lobster Pot Pies!

FILET MIGNON

I enjoy all of my steaks cooked to a very medium-rare. One key is to make sure you take the steak out of the fridge at least a half hour or hour prior to cooking and allow to come to room temperature. This helps with the searing. Heat a cast iron pan to medium-high. Drizzle a bit of olive oil onto the steaks. Season the entire steak with kosher salt and black pepper. Place steaks in pan and sear all sides. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and allow to come to your desired temperature. Only a few minutes for me. Click here for my recipe to make the most perfect steak! Don’t forget to top the steaks with a pat of butter to finish!

Valentine’s Day Dinner at home is DONE! Plate. ENJOY each other, and your creation! Don’t forget to finish the meal with one, or two of these gorgeous and decadent chocolate covered strawberries from SAS Cupcakes. You may even want to throw in a few cake pops! Be sure to also order an amazing Bundlet Tower, or Bundt Cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. All of our local businesses need our support. Now, more than ever! Spread the 💕 !

As an alternative to the above, you may be feeling a little PASTA! Check out some of my amazing pasta recipes! Click here! One of my favorites is my Grilled Lobster Tail Pasta!

LET’S GET SOCIAL!

I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him. He is known as one of the best skate sharpeners in the world!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Pinterest!