It might be the most romantic day of the year, but that doesn’t mean you have to splurge to show your loved one how you feel.
Everyone knows the quickest way to anyone’s heart is with good, homemade food. So instead of having the hassle of booking a fancy restaurant, why not cook something special and have a cozy night in with your sweetheart?
Whether you’re a novice or an expert in the kitchen, we’ve rustled up some romantic recipes that you and your date will love. If you’re flying solo on February 14th, don’t let that stop you from treating yourself to a delicious meal. Simply half the ingredients set the table for one and tuck in!
All these recipes can be cooked perfectly in the FlavorCast. It is a Die-Cast, Non-stick Pan here’s why…
The FlavorCast works on all surfaces, including gas, induction, electric, and ceramic hobs, as well as in your oven and grill. Then there’s its clever design. With a square shape and deep walls, you get 25% more space and less spillage compared to most circular pans.
Its non-stick coating means you don’t need to add any oil when cooking. You can easily remove food and wipe it clean. The pan’s superior heat conductivity will rapidly heat up the entire surface to ensure your food is cooked evenly throughout.
The FlavorCast also comes with handy attachments including a steamer and tempered glass lid. Not forgetting its ‘quick release, cool touch’ handle, which lets you move the pan from hob to oven quickly and safely.
Steakhouse Steak – Easy
Easy to prep and quick to cook, a tender, juicy steak is simple cooking at its best – and makes for the perfect date dish. Cooking a steak is more about the technique rather than the recipe. As long as you keep a constant watch on the sizzling meat, you’ll achieve mouth-watering meat. For a flavor-packed steak, we suggest serving it medium-rare.
Ingredients:
- 2 pcs 8 oz (227g) New York strip steaks
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (34g) salt
- 2 tablespoons (14g) coarse black pepper
- 4 tablespoons (57g) butter
Method:
- Pre-heat oven to 400ºF/204ºC.
- Heat pan at medium heat on the stovetop.
- Pat steaks dry, then brush with olive oil and liberally season with salt and pepper.
- Sear steaks on both sides (about 2 min per side).
- Top each steak with 2 tablespoons of butter and place in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches desired doneness when using a meat thermometer: – Rare – 130°F/54°C – Medium Rare – 140°F/60°C – Medium – 150°F/66°C – Well Done – 165°F/74°C If you do not have a meat thermometer handy, assume about 10 minutes per side for thicker steaks, and 6 minutes for thinner ones.
- Let steaks rest for 5-10 minutes prior to serving creamy Courgette Lasagne – Medium
Creamy Courgette Lasagne – Medium
No one does romance quite like the Italians. So, when in Rome… why not rustle up your own homemade lasagne for your partner this Valentine’s? The pasta-layered, tomato-sauce-infused, veggie-stuffed dish will be sure to excite your date’s taste buds and melt their hearts.
Ingredients:
- 9 dried lasagne sheets
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 700 g courgette (about 6), coarsely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 250 g tub ricotta
- 50 g cheddar
- 350 g jar tomato sauce for pasta
Method:
- Heat oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7. Put a pan of water on to boil, then cook the lasagne sheets for about 5 mins until softened, but not cooked through. Rinse in cold water, then drizzle with a little oil to stop them from sticking together.
- Meanwhile, fry the onion in the FlavorCast. After 3 mins, add the courgettes and garlic and continue to fry until the courgette has softened and turned bright green. Stir in 2/3 of both the ricotta and the cheddar, then season to taste. Heat the tomato sauce in the microwave for 2 mins on High until hot.
- In the FlavorCast, layer up the lasagne, starting with half the courgette mix, then pasta, then tomato sauce. Repeat, top with blobs of the remaining ricotta, then scatters with the rest of the cheddar. Bake on the top shelf for about 10 mins until the pasta is tender and the cheese is golden.
Flambéed chicken with asparagus – Advanced
Want to pull off Valentine’s Day showstopper? Try your hand at this elegant date night dish. This is the most challenging recipe on our list. So, here’s the trick getting it just right… focus on the rich, cream sauce. Nail this, and we guarantee you will impress your date.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp seasoned plain flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Knob of butter
- 4 shallots, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp brandy or cognac
- 300 ml chicken stock
- 16 asparagus spears, halved
- 4 rounded tbsp crème fraîche
- 1 tbsp chopped tarragon
Method:
- Dust the chicken with the flour. Heat the oil and butter in the FlavorCast with its Tempered Glass Lids, add the chicken, then fry on all sides until nicely browned. Add the shallots, then fry for about 2 mins until they start to soften, but not color. Pour in the brandy, carefully ignite, then stand well back until the flames have died down. Stir in the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, cover, then cook for 15 mins until the chicken is just tender.
- Add the asparagus to the sauce. Cover, then cook for 5 mins more until tender. Stir in the crème fraîche and tarragon and warm through. Season to taste.