Hosting a “date night in” is nothing new for most parents… but on a casual night, that usually means a simple Netflix and popcorn night on the couch. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon and everyone feeling more cooped up during the pandemic than ever before, we thought you could use a little inspiration to make this V-day fancy, despite the circumstances.
So today, you’re going to hear from food bloggers and chefs about their recommendations for fancy, but easier-than-expected three-course date night meals for parents to enjoy when their little ones go to bed for the night.
So without further ado, let’s find a three-course meal you’ll love…
Breaded mushrooms, Chicken Pomodoro, and Gluten-Free Brownies
Chef Tariq is your go-to food blogger for Middle Eastern recipes. He recommends starting with some Crispy Deep-Fried Breaded Mushrooms that you can pair with a garlic dip as a wonderful appetizer.
You can follow it up with an Easy & Creamy Chicken Pomodoro, because nothing says romantic dinner like Italian food.
To wrap up the evening, these Almond Flour Brownies with Ice Cream are perfect! The almond flour adds an extra dimension of sweet that will not disappoint.
Tariq Nasir is an Arab-American food blogger and founder of ChefTariq.com
Caprese Cucumber Salad, Beef Short Ribs, and Fudgy Brownies
This is literately my dream easy meal, which can mostly be made ahead, so when the kiddies go to sleep you can sit down and enjoy your date night at home.
For your dinner, I recommend starting with a flavor packed Caprese Cucumber Salad. For your main course, these “Melting” Sous Vide Beef Short Ribs are sure to please. And don’t worry! If you don’t have a sous vide, you can make these in a slow cooker as well.
To end the night, try these Chewy Fudge Brownies. You’ll taste the difference between this homemade brownie recipe and box brownies. Totally worth the extra 5 minutes to measure your own ingredients. And the kids will love them, too.
Salmon Ceviche, Peach & Plum Chicken, and Ice Cream Brownie Bites
Lior Lev Sercaz, also referred to as NYC’s Spice King, brings unique spice blends to some of our favorite dishes. He recommends starting with a Salmon Ceviche, which is simple to prepare but with complex flavors, chopped lemon balances the rich fish.
For the main course, this Peach and Plum Braised Chicken Legs recipe is a great way to use some overripe fruit and that half bottle of red wine you did not finish and just stayed on your counter for a few days (if that’s ever happened).
To finish your meal, these Ice Cream Brownie Bites are sure to be a delight. The pink pepper brings a floral piquancy that cuts through the richness of chocolate and complements the aroma of cardamom.
Lior Lev Sercaz, co-founder of the Galilee Culinary Institute and founder of NYC’s favorite spice and biscuit shop, La Boîte
So what are you in the mood for?
An evening out might be out of the question for now, but that’s no reason to forego a special date night. I hope this list of DIY prix fixe menu inspires some romance and brings the “special” to your Valentine’s day plans.
Cheers!
