Valentine’s Day is probably going to be low-key this year, and honestly, I prefer it that way. I used to get really excited about making fancy dinner reservations weeks in advance and getting all dressed up…and then it usually felt like a let down that wasn’t worth the hype. Crowded restaurants, over-priced, set menus, lackluster service. Now, I’d much prefer to hang out with Aaron at home, cook dinner together, and wear stretchy yoga pants (story of my life). The fancy dinner can happen a different day.
The one Valentine’s Day tradition I always honor, however, is eating something extra special for dessert. These are a few of my favorites…
Chocolate-Glazed Blood Orange Donuts
Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse with Dark Chocolate
And pancakes. Especially for dinner.
What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day? And more importantly, will you be making something sweet?
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
No V-day celebrations for us (we never really have celebrated the day, although R did bring home some lobsters and oysters last year, so there’s that). I had thought to swing by Vosges on my way home for a box of truffles since I love their crazy combos and those purple boxes…but now I’m tempted to find the time to make one of your goodies! Speaking of—I just left a recipe question on that cardamom cashew fudge post.
Vosges Chocolate is incredible. I think you should stop by there AND attempt a sugar-free spin on the cardamom cashew fudge. And then send me some.
I like how you think! Why just one when I could (technically) enjoy both?
And, a sugar-free cardamom cashew fudge for a SCOBY sounds about right!
We are also staying in for Valentine’s Day this year. I’m also looking forward to staying in my yoga pants, cooking dinner, and indulging in some sweet treats!
Sounds good to me! Especially because it’s so icy and messy outside. I can’t wait for this snow to melt!
We are staying in again. I am not interested in spending way too much money for food that I generally don’t feel blown away by! I’d rather take some time to make something a little more elaborate together.
I completely agree. When I think about what I could buy from the grocery store with the amount I’d spend on dinner, I usually opt to cook something myself!
Thank you for these wonderful recipes. Your photos are gorgeous.
I just bought a donut pan at Sur La Table in Natick on Monday. I can’t wait to try your donut recipe! While we were there, they did a demo for the Soda Stream. That may be my next purchase.
My thoughts are similar to yours on Valentine’s Day. It is nice to stay in and relax.
I hope you enjoy the donuts! I was hesitant to buy a donut pan myself, but it’s actually one of my most used purchases. It’s just more fun to bake donuts than muffins.
Last year my Valentine’s Day consisted of drinking 2 bottles of wine with my gay (male) best friend and watching the sex scenes in every movie he owns – saving Twilight for last, obviously. I’m still single, so I’m assuming this Valentine’s Day will be something equally classy.
Um, I think that might be the best Valentine’s Day ever. haha
I’m gonna try my hand at making a pecan pie! My friend gave me a recipe so I’m gonna give it a whirl!
Fun! I love pecan pie.
I can’t even remember the last time my hubby and I went out to dinner for Valentine’s day! This year we are going to look at a new house, LOL. We usually give each other cards and get the kids a treat. We are old and boring, ha ha.
Looking at a new house is exciting! Don’t worry, I’m old and boring too, despite being 28. haha
We stayed in for Vday, and it was perfect. We had gone out to dinner for my birthday (to Great Sage!!) two days before, and then also got Pho on the 13th since potential buyers were at our house at 6:30. It was really nice to cook dinner together and relax- and honestly, I’d choose eating at home 95% of the time, which is why we usually only go out a few times a month. Plus, man- it’s expensive! I can usually buy a week’s worth of groceries for the same amount that a meal for two costs. So, when we do go out, it’s worth it and we enjoy it that much more!
You make the BEST doughnuts. I want one.
I saw your post about Great Sage – it sounds awesome! And yes, eating out adds up fast. More and more, I’d rather use that money to go nuts at Whole Foods and buy fancy ingredients to make at home. Although, not having to cook is definitely nice too.
Thank you for the compliment about the doughnuts! I think I need to bake another batch soon…
Hi Amanda,
It’s been super busy here, hence my just getting the chance to catch up with you. Loved this post (no real surprise here as that’s also the case with your other posts
A few days ago, I was craving some pancakes. So, seeing your delish looking pancakes, I decided to try your recipe. Alas! Sorghum flour, brown rice flour, potato starch and gluten free baking powder are not sold in my neck of the woods. (SIGH!!) Nothing is easy here. Well, enough of my woes. Enjoy the remainder of your week and keep warm.
Ciao,
Ceil
Hi Ceil! Do you need a gluten-free recipe? If not, I also have a pancake recipe that uses wheat flour. I really like it with spelt flour, but you can probably use whatever flour is available with good results.:)
I had a really laid back valentines day too and I totally agree with yoga pants and cooking dinner with the boyfriend
I am going to have to try that ginger chocolate truffles ASAP!!!!