Share a Valentines day dinner for two with these easy and delicious menu and date night ideas. Our recipe for shrimp and grits for 2 makes a fabulous romantic meal at home. The recipe and table setting are also great ideas to celebrate an anniversary.
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Valentines Day Dinner for Two
The countdown is on to Valentines day and I’ve got ideas for a romantic dinner for two date night at home. I hate to fight the crowds at restaurants at times like this so a special celebration at home with my husband is right up my alley.
Honestly, I can’t remember the last time we celebrated Valentines day “out.” It was definitely before the children were born! We always make a special dinner for the two of us. Sometimes he does the cooking…sometimes I do…sometimes we do it together.
This Valentines dinner for 2 was an easy one to create with some quick cooking menu items like shrimp and grits. Plus our favorite honey-roasted brussels sprouts that practically make themselves. And don’t forget to say ‘cheers’ with a red Valentine’s day cocktail!
For dessert you can dress up mini cakes that you make ahead, or make Valentines rice krispie treats for a whimsical alternative.
Once you’re done with the meal, watch one of our favorite romance movies for a dinner and show date night at home.
Set a Romantic Table for 2
Feed the children early and put them to bed, or set them up with a movie so you can enjoy this romantic themed dinner party for two. Pour a bottle of sparkling Rosé and toast to love!
- Set up a small table with red roses as the centerpiece, of course!
- Use your “good china” or wedding china for the occasion.
- Each person can add a Valentine’s day card to their partner’s place setting. Or print out the FREE love notes from this romantic table for two.
- Put a small dish of chocolates on the table as a symbol of the holiday.
Recipes for Date Night at home
Here are some more recipes and ideas to celebrate romance or a February dinner party for 2.
- These steak filets with rich balsamic glaze are sensational!
- Serve salmon and red pepper coulis for a light and delicious entree.
- Make cheese fondue for two and have an indoor picnic on the floor in front of the fireplace.
- Skip dessert at the table and set up a dessert fondue platter on the floor in front of a romantic movie.
- This chocolate & cheese board is also a fun idea to try.
- Make dessert super decadent with a wine and chocolate tasting charcuterie board.
Easy Dinner Menu
This dinner brings us memories of our vacations at The Homestead Resort. The honey-roasted brussels sprouts are inspired by some we had on vacation there, where they’re served in a small crock for sharing.
Shrimp and grits is a Southern staple that has been elevated to gourmet status by many chefs.
- Start the meal with a special Valentines day salad for two.
- Get the recipe for my shrimp and grits for two, below.
- Dress up the entrée with this fun presentation. Place two shrimp on top in the shape of a heart. How cute is that!
- Make easy honey roasted brussels sprouts and share from a dish or bowl in the middle of the table. You can cut the recipe in half for a smaller serving for two.
- Make mini cakes for dessert and served along with the chocolates. The cakes are baked in a special pan so they’re nice and tall. For the frosting, add red food coloring to prepared white icing and then heat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until it’s melted. Pour or ladle it over the cakes and let it drizzle down the sides.
- Add a fluff of cotton candy on top of the cakes and insert a heart shaped skewer to dress them up further.
Valentines Day Entree
There’s a dish in the deep South called tomato gravy, and I first had it when I visited Sister Schubert’s home in Alabama. It was served at the bed and breakfast we stayed at, along with homemade biscuits. I was a fan immediately!
This version of shrimp and grits is inspired by that tomato gravy. It flavors the grits so well and even adds a pinkish-red tint perfect for Valentines day.
I urge you, do not skip the cilantro and cheese garnish. They add so much complementary flavor to this dish. I know some people can’t eat cilantro because it tastes like soap to them (it’s a genetic thing) but if you like it, add it!
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Shrimp & Grits recipe for 2
Shrimp and grits dinner for two is perfect for date night or Valentine's day at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 'quick 5-minute' grits
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 - 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes; drain and SAVE THE JUICE separately
- Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds medium sized shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- Garnish: fresh cilantro and Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a saucepan with water and about 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely so you don't over cook. Drain shrimp and set aside.
- In a medium sized sauce pan, combine the juice from the diced tomatoes plus enough broth to equal 4 cups of liquid.
- Add 1 teaspoon Old Bay to the liquid and bring to a boil.
- Add grits to boiling liquid and whisk well.
- Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook 5-7 minutes.
- Add shrimp and 1/2 cup of the diced tomatoes into grits and stir. Cover and remove from heat for 2 minutes.
- Serve and garnish with chopped cilantro and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Cyd says
This is so sweet – love it!