valentine’s day dinner at home
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show some love, not just to our partners but also to ourselves and our families. And what better way to do so than with a heartwarming, homemade Valentine’s Day dinner at home? In the latest episode of “Homegrown & Homemade,” we dived into creating a romantic evening that’s both special and effortlessly manageable, even on a weeknight.
creating the perfect ambiance
First things first, setting the scene is crucial for a romantic dinner. We opted for simple yet elegant jars mixed with florals, a setup that’s easy to replicate and instantly elevates your dining space. These jars and florals serve as the perfect centerpiece without overwhelming the table. I found the table decor at my local Hobby Lobby, and the runner, and candles from Amazon. (linked below)
the main attraction: steak and sides
Cooking steak might seem daunting to some, but I shared some foolproof tips to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful. Accompanied by roasted baby potatoes and asparagus, this meal strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity. The key is not to overcomplicate things; good seasoning and proper cooking techniques are your best allies.
for the sweet ending: cheesecake swirl brownies
No Valentine’s dinner is complete without a touch of sweetness (and chocolate in my opinion). Our Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are just the thing: decadent, with a creamy cheesecake layer marbled through rich chocolate brownie. Best part? It starts with a box mix, making it incredibly approachable for any level of baker. Below is the recipe, ready for you to print and try out. (The heart shaped baking dish can be found here.)
Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box of your favorite brownie mix (and the ingredients it calls for, typically oil, water, and eggs)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Brownie Mix:
- Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions (usually around 350°F).
- Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box and pour it into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, reserving about 1/2 cup of the batter.
Make the Cheesecake Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
Create the Swirl Effect:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter in the pan.
- Drop the reserved brownie batter in small dollops between the cheesecake mixture.
- Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake mixture and brownie batter together, creating a marbled effect.
Bake:
- Bake as per the brownie mix instructions, typically around 30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
- A toothpick inserted into the brownies should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Cut into squares and serve. For a Valentine’s touch, you can use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or bake in a heart shaped baking dish.
making a valentine’s day dinner at home special
Remember, it’s the thought and effort that count. This dinner setup is designed to be stress-free yet romantic, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or break the bank to create a memorable evening. It’s all about enjoying the simple pleasures, like good food and good company.
So this Valentine’s Day, why not set aside some time to make something special? Whether it’s for your significant other, your family, or as a treat for yourself, there’s nothing like a home-cooked meal to show love. 🫶🏻 Liked this recipe or episode? Be sure to comment below, or send me a message here, I love to hear from my readers!
