The Best Valentine's Day Recipes for Everyone You Love

It's been said that cooking is an act of love, so what better way to show your nearest and dearest just how much you love and adore them than by cooking up something special for Valentine's Day? Below, check out our round-up of Valentine's Day-inspired recipes for everyone you love, from your main squeeze to your kiddos to your BFFs!  

For Your Lover: Romantic Dinner at Home 

Forgo reservations at a fancy restaurant for a romantic, cozy, and intimate dinner at home instead. Shut off your phones and send the kids to grandma's house. Create a romantic mood with candles, a soundtrack of your favorite songs, and a table set for two (don't be afraid to bust out the good china!). Surprise your partner with dinner, or heat things up in the kitchen by preparing dinner together. A few of our favorite recipes for a delicious Valentine's Day dinner at home:  

1. Steakhouse Sheet Pan Dinner for Two 
2. Strawberry Ravioli with Balsamic and Basil
3. Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
4. You Won't Be Single for Long Vodka Cream Pasta 
5. Soul-Warming French Onion Pot Roast 
6. Surf and Turf for Two 
7. Chocolate Pasta with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce 

For Your Gal Pals: Galentine's Brunch

Invite your lady friends over to "kick it breakfast style" for a Galentine's Day brunch a la Leslie Knope. Serve up a spread of mimosas, frittata, and, of course, waffles. Try one of these yummy twists on traditional waffle recipes:

1. Chocolate Waffles 
2. Banana Nut Waffles 
3. Cinnamon Roll Waffles 
4. Red Velvet Waffles 
5. Grilled Cheese Waffles

For Your Kiddos: Heart-Shaped Eats  

On Valentine's Day, shower your littles with love and spend time together cooking up a recipe from the heart. Try one of these heart-shaped eats: 

1. Heart-Shaped Lasagna 
2. Heart-Shaped Pancakes 
3. Pizza with Pepperoni Hearts 
4. Grilled Cheese Hearts and Tomato Soup
5. Fried Ravioli Hearts 
6. Heart-Shaped Pita Chips with Red Pepper Hummus 

For Yourself: Decadent Desserts 

Treat yo' self this Valentine's Day with something sweet (bonus points if you add in a hot bath, glowing candle, good book, and a face mask). Whip up a batch of one of the recipes below. Your coworkers are sure to love any leftovers—hint, hint.

1. Brownie Heart Cupcakes 
2. Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches 
3. Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting 
4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
5. Strawberry Nutella Heart Pie Pops 
6. Chocolate Pudding 

For Your Friends: Valentine's Cocktails/Mocktails 

Not into the whole romantic-displays-of-affection vibe on Valentine's Day? Rather than a date-night for two, make it a fun celebration with friends. Invite your best pals over for a Valentine's-themed cocktail/mocktail party and game night. Mix up one of the following recipes: 

1. Pink Champagne Heart-Shaped Jello Shots (classy, we know)
2. Charleston Pink Lady Cocktails  
3. Love Potion Cocktail 
4. Rosewater + Rosemary Champagne Cocktail 
5. Mexican Chocolate Mocktini
6. Virgin Grapefruit Mojito 
7. Chocolate Espresso Martini