Three Easy Recipes for a Romantic Dinner for Two (2024)

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Dessert Dinner

Posted onFebruary 8, 2012October 15, 2023Updated onOctober 15, 2023

30 Comments

Written by Cheri of Kitchen Simplicity.

There haven’t been many years that my hubby and I have actually been able to go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day. Whether it be because of a new baby, lack of babysitters, sick kids or just wanting to avoid the crowds, there are many reasons to stay in and enjoy a romantic evening together at home. It may seem impossible with kids, but it’s much easier to accomplish then one might think.

It all starts with a simple meal that can be brought together quickly once the kids are tucked in their beds and quiet has settled over the home. I can’t guarantee that the kids will stay quiet or that things will go smoothly but these recipes are so quick and so simple you should be able to enjoy a romantic three-course meal in the candlelight before the craziness begins again.

Dessert – Instant Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with Chocolate Shell

Instant Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with Chocolate Shell

You'll want to start the festivities off by making the frozen yogurt, so it has a bit of time to sit in the freezer while you make and eat dinner. Since it's made in a food processor you may want to whip it up just before the kids go to bed, if you're afraid it'll disturb their sleep. This is not a make ahead frozen yogurt though, if it sits for too long (a couple of hours) in the freezer it'll become too hard to eat.
This dessert takes no effort and is much healthier then the ones you'll get from the store. All you do is whiz it up, scoop it into serving bowls and place it in the freezer. When it's time to serve, melt the chocolate shell and pour it over the frozen yogurt - dessert is served. Instant Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
This can also be made in a blender but you will need to put the yogurt in the bottom first and you'll have to stop the blender occasionally to dislodge any pieces of fruit that get caught up in the blades.
The recipe for Chocolate shell was adapted from the New York Times

1 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Desserts

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Frozen Yogurt

2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup vanilla yogurt
Sugar or honey to taste

Chocolate Shell

7 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

Frozen Yogurt

Place two small bowls in the freezer.
Process strawberries and yogurt in food processor until fully blended.
Add sugar or honey to taste, if desired.
Spoon mixture into frozen bowls and place in the freezer while you prepare the rest of the meal.

Chocolate Shell

Melt together chocolate and oil over a double boiler.
Drizzle on ice cream while warm.

Notes

You will have leftover chocolate shell. It can be stored in the fridge and reheated before use.

Nutrition

Appetizer – Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers

Cheese Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers

Apart from serving veggies and dip, appetizers don't get much simpler then this. Get these prepped just before you make the pasta (below). Once the pasta and sauce start bubbling, pop these into the hot pan and enjoy a quick appetizer, with a glass of wine, while you wait.

1 from 3 votes

Ingredients

1 12 oz jar roasted red bell peppers
2 slices pepper jack cheese or more, depending on taste
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley optional garnish

Instructions

Put a small bit of olive oil in a frying pan just to coat the bottom.
Cut peppers into smaller pieces and fold each over a slice of cheese.
Place in prepared pan preheated over medium heat.
Allow to cook until cheese is melted.
Sprinkle with parsley to serve.

Nutrition

Main – Garlic Ham Fettuccine

Since this is a three-course meal and the pasta is quite rich, this recipe makes two small portions. Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad to round out the meal or double the recipe for bigger portions.

Garlic Ham Fettuccine

The sauce will keep for quite a while, warm on the stove top, so there's no need hurry or stress. Just toss it together with the hot pasta just before serving.

1 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Dishes

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 759kcal

Author: Cheri

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon thyme optional
6 oz fettuccine
1/4 cup chopped ham

Instructions

Melt butter in small saucepan. Add garlic and cook just enough to get rid of the raw edge. Do not brown. Add cream and spices. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes to reduce.
Meanwhile cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain.
Add diced ham to cream just to warm through. Pour over spaghetti and stir to combine.

Nutrition

Will you be going out or staying in for Valentine’s Day?

All photos by Cheri Neufeld

Cheri

Cheri is a mother of two and a Canadian expat living in Norway. With a passion for quick and simple food, Cheri shares recipes, tips and tricks on her food blog, KitchenSimplicity.com.