I am one of those women that enjoys cooking at home on Valentine’s Day. Yes, it’s certainly easier to make a reservation, but the rewards far surpass those of the restaurant meal. Most importantly, you are steps away from where the real celebration takes place after dinner. Not only that, your loved one will truly appreciate that you took time from your busy schedule to make a memorable moment for the two of you.
The whole point of doing this at home could be moot if you exhaust yourself putting this together, so the gist of my suggestions will be “KISS”. Keep It Simple Stupid. Of course, no Valentines Day menu would be complete without a few aphrodisiacs thrown in, so I’ve included a few below. Below these are some menu ideas, keeping it simple!

Known Aphrodisiacs:

Passion Fruit – well, maybe just the name…
Fresh Figs
Marcona Almonds (a symbol of fertility)
Arugula (documented since the first century A.D. as an aphrodisiac)
Ginger
Honey
Nutmeg
Oysters
Truffles
Avocado
Basil
Pine Nuts
Asparagus
Broccoli Rabe
Chocolate
Raspberries and Strawberries

Valentines Day Dinner

Specialty Cocktail
Passion Fruit Cocktail

1 cup passion fruit juice- Goya makes a good brand
4 ounces rum
2 tsp. sugar
2 cups crushed ice
Angostura bitters
Freshly grated nutmeg

In shaker add juice, rum, sugar and ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into 4 glasses and add a dash of bitters and some freshly grated nutmeg.

Hors d’œurves
Figs stuffed with Fontina Cheese and wrapped in Prosciutto
Heart Shaped Toast with Roasted Shiitakes, Roasted Red Pepper and Gorgonzola
Oysters on the half shell with Cocktail sauce or Champagne Mignonette

Buffet Dinner
Arugula with Shaved Parmesan and Lemon Vinaigrette

Rare Beef Tenderloin with a Horseradish Cream and Caramelized Onions
Truffled Mashed Potatoes

Pan-seared Asparagus with Marcona Almonds
Or
Brocolli Rabe with Toasted Pine Nuts

Dessert

Linzer Tarts
Valentines Cupcakes
Chocolate Mousse

Strawberries dipped in Chocolate and Champagne for later!