This Valentine's Day, I decided that instead of buying an expensive gift for the BF that will surely end up unused at the back of his closet, I would make him a home cooked, delicious meal. Delicious being a relative term. In any case, I've always felt that food = love. The creation of an amazing meal with amazing ingredients, with all the effort you put into it, is an expression of your love. So why not forgo the tie/sweater/socks he SO will never wear and make a homecooked dinner for two instead? It's sure to be one romantic evening and like they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach! Only, edit that to: the way to ANYONE's heart (i.e. mine) is through their stomach. 

Here are some ideas for the best, most romantic dinner for two this V Day: 

Cocktails: Start the night off with a cocktail to get comfy and start the seduction (wink wink). 



1. Chocolate Cherry Crush 

1.5 oz Luksusowa Vodka 
.5 oz Chocolate Liqueur 
.5 tsp Vanilla Syrup 
.5 oz Cream 
3-5 Cherries, pitted 
Shaved chocolate and cherry for garnish

Muddle cherries in a shaker. Add all ingredients with ice and shake well. Garnish and serve in chilled cocktail glass. 
 
2. Secret Admirer 

1 oz Luksusowa Cherry Vodka 
.5 oz Luksusowa Vodka 
.5 tsp Lemon Juice
.5 tsp Simple Syrup
1 Pineapple Piece
4 Cherries, pitted  

Muddle fruit in highball glass. Fill halfway with ice and add rest of ingredients, stir well. 

3. Basil and Raspberry Smash 

1.5 oz Luksusowa Vodka 
.5 oz Simple Syrup 
5 Basil Leaves
3-4 Raspberries 
 
Muddle basil and raspberry together gently in short glass. Fill 2/3 of glass with ice and add rest of ingredients. 

4. Cherry Blossom 

.5 oz Luksusowa Cherry Vodka 
.5 tsp Vanilla Syrup 
Top with champagne   
Target Cupcake Stands - $14.99 Heart Apron - $11.99

Cook Something Up: Continue with your main course, add aphrodisiac ingredients (hello, oysters!). 
 

1. Remember our AMAZING Cooking with Canadian Cheese event? This app is actually a recipe we served up! It's Crostini with Beef Tenderloin and Blue Cheese and we have a free recipe card for it here.

2. A Rack of Lamb like this once is the perfect comfort food to fill your date's belly! 

3. Lobster Bisque to get things warmed up. 

4. The only issue with Grilled Oysters is that once you start eating them, you won't be able to stop. 

I don't think anything says 'I love you' like handmade pasta. Let Gordan Ramsay teach you how to make gnocci: 



Dessert: Dessert might just be the most important part of the meal. Prepare a little sweetness for your sweetheart. 


1. Red Velvet Nutella Cinnamon Rolls: nutella and red velvet, need I say more?

2. I am literally droooooling over this: Red Velvet Oreo Truffle Brownie Bars. I die. 

3. Surprise Heart Cupcakes are actually fairly simple but will impress your valentine. 

4. Yes, these look like cake pops but they're actually just chocolate dipped strawberries- super easy and adorable as gifts. 

5. This smaller cake is made specifically for sharing... though it might be too good to let anyone else near. 

Keep it Cute in the Kitchen: Last, but not least, it's all in the details with these super cute V Day accessories for the kitchen.


1. DCI  Made with Love Measuring Cups (C$7.50) 

2. Heart Apron (C$11.99) 

3. Paper E Cllips Hugs & Kisses Cupcake Cases (C$4.46)

4. Cupcake Stands  (C$14.99)

5. Indigo Lover Teacup (C$12.00)

6. Nordic Ware Spatula with Heart Print (C$3.99) 
 
7. Nordic Ware Heart shaped Cupcake Pan (C$22.99) 

Are you doing something special for your significant other?