There’s nothing less romantic than having dinner at a crowded restaurant on Valentine’s Day. With the kitchen in the weeds and the waiting staff bustling around, perhaps it’s better to set a romantic mood at home and cook for your special someone. We have compiled a few ideas to have a perfect, romantic Valentine’s dinner at home.

Spicy Stir-fries

We’re not talking about Chinese takeout – we’re talking homemade, spicy stir-fries. Spice things up with a little heat and the sound of a sizzling pan.

One pan (a wok works even better), your favorite protein, and as many colorful vegetables as you can manage. Toss it all together and stir your one-pan, sexy meal until fully cooked. Remember to add soy sauce, a spicy chili sauce, or sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce to hit the right notes.

Get a bottle of semi-sweet white or pink wine, a peachy Riesling, or a flowery Moscato. They’ll tame the heat in your Asian-inspired meal and bring subtle sweetness to the table.

Fondue

This one’s a classic. Dust off the candle-powered fondue pot you got as a wedding gift and talk to your local cheese monger to see what he’s got in the back. Whether you go with cheese, broth, oil or chocolate, fondue has got to be one of the most romantic, laid back meals you can enjoy with a loved one.

Compliment your dinner with a bottle of crisp white wine like a Chenin Blanc, a crisp and herbal Sauvignon Blanc, or an un-oaked Chardonnay. 

Italian, the real language of love

Pasta is the ultimate Valentines Day dinner. Italian eateries are fully booked every February 14th for a good reason – olive oil, garlic, tangy tomato sauce, basil, and flakes of parmesan cheese are decadent ingredients that can get anyone in the mood for romance. When you’re cooking it at home, give your pasta an extra boost with shrimp, anchovies, or lobster.

Any Italian red wine, from Chianti to Montepulciano, will work exceptionally well, but a silky California Pinot Noir will work wonders too.

Creative Charcuterie

Pepperoni, Chorizo, Sopresatta, Patés are just the beginning of an excellent hearty dinner that’ll take you no time to prepare; a dinner that will reward your creativity. Get all sorts of cured meats, olives, pickles and a selection of cheeses to create the perfect platter. Add some specialty crackers or a couple of loaves of artisan bread with infused butter for a more satisfying meal.  

Try a medium-bodied red wine like a California Merlot or a Malbec from Argentina. Silky tannins will match a cured meat selection beautifully.

A Sweet Ending

Don’t forget dessert! Or, even better, skip dinner altogether and surprise your special someone with a wholesome and colorful array of sweet indulgences. Strawberries, a chocolate fountain, cookies, cake! Don’t forget the ice cream! Enjoy both picking out and eating decadent treats with your love.

Because date night is not complete with a glass of wine, try a rich port wine alongside your dessert.