Valentines Day Dinner for Two

Share a Valentines day dinner for two with your loved one with these easy but delicious menu, and party ideas.

The countdown is on to Valentines day and I’ve got you covered for a romantic dinner for two right here. 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 {fyi, my daughter just turned 15}! We always make a special dinner for the two of us, and sometimes he does the cooking…sometimes I do…sometimes we do it together.

This Valentines day dinner for two 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 a dressed up dessert that can be made ahead.

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Valentines Day Dinner for Two:

• Feed the children early and put them to bed or set them up with a movie so you can enjoy this romantic dinner at home. Pour a bottle of sparkling Rose and toast to love!
• I chose to make this dinner because it brings memories of our vacations at the resorts we go to each year. Shrimp and grits is a Southern staple that has been elevated to gourmet status by many a chef. The honey-roasted Brussels sprouts are inspired by some we had at The Homestead Resort and they’re served in a crock for sharing.
• A fun way to dress up the entree is to place two shrimp on top, in the shape of a heart. How cute is that!
• I set up a small table with red roses {of course} and the “good china.” You can add Valentines day cards to each place setting.
• For dessert I made mini cakes and served a selection of chocolates on the side. The cakes are baked in a special pan so they’re nice and tall and make a pretty presentation. For the frosting I just added red food coloring to prepared white icing and then heated it in the microwave for about 20 seconds so I could drizzle it down the sides.
• A fluff of cotton candy on top of the cakes really dresses them up, and a heart shaped skewer is added at an angle.

There’s a dish in the deep South called tomato gravy, and I first had it last year in Alabama during my trip to Sister Schubert’s home. It was served with homemade biscuits at the bed and breakfast we stayed at, and 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 that pink-red color 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, do it!

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Shrimp and Grits

• 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 pound medium sized shrimp, peeled and de-veined
• Garnish: fresh cilantro and parmigiano reggiano cheese

Prepare shrimp by cooking them in boiling water seasoned with Old Bay, until cooked through. Set aside when done.

In a medium sized sauce pan, add the juice from the diced tomatoes plus enough broth to equal 4 cups of liquid, total. 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 half of the diced tomatoes into grits and stir. Cover and remove from heat for 2 minutes.

Serve and garnish with chopped cilantro and shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese.

TIP: Make this dish even easier by using pre-cooked frozen shrimp from the grocer. Dunk thawed shrimp into boiling liquid for about 10 seconds {before adding the grits} to season. Remove and set aside while you cook the grits.

If you want more ideas for Valentines day dinner for two check out fondue for two here, or this anniversary celebration for two.

resources: gold rimmed dinner plates: Hayneedle.com  |  “LOVE” balloons & cards: Red Stamp  |  Sparkling Rose: Santa Margharita

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