Romantic food and drink ideas for Valentine’s Day

From baking homemade desserts with little ones to preparing an intimate meal for two, sharing delicious food together at home is a great way to show your loved ones just how much you care. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a romantic partner, your extended family, or your gal pals, here are some swoon-worthy food and drink ideas that’ll help get you in the mood for love.

International Date Night Dinner

Plan a flavourful getaway for two by taking your sweetheart on an international adventure – no passport required. Select an amorous foreign destination for the evening and prepare a delicious homecooked meal to match the exotic locale. Whisk your sweetheart away to the warm beaches of Mexico by serving up a build-your-own taco bar alongside flavourful margaritas. Live ‘La Dolce Vita’ with fresh antipasto and rustic pasta dishes paired with fine Italian wines. Or escape to the City of Lights with a menu of Parisian bistro favourites like baked brie, moules frites, duck confit, and crème brûlée. Recreate the right ambiance with a thematic soundtrack and décor inspired by your global date-night destination.

Homemade Sweets for Kids

Plan an at-home activity the whole family will love this Valentine’s Day with an afternoon of thematic baking. From heart-shaped cookies and frosted cupcakes to delicate cream puffs and decadent chocolate truffles, you’ll find an almost endless array of Valentine’s Day dessert recipes online for kids of all ages. Try jam-filled, heart-shaped Linzer sugar cookies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or Savoury City’s own decadent brownies. If you’re feeling ambitious, spend a day baking a few batches of multiple homemade desserts that can be shared with friends, teachers and neighbours on February 14.

Sips and Bites

If you want to keep your menu light on Valentine’s Day, opt for elegant finger foods to share with your date for the evening. The menu could include miniature tartlets, artisanal flatbreads, savoury skewers, and gourmet platters of local charcuterie, cheeses, and grilled veggies. Don’t forget some fresh-shucked oysters – a legendary aphrodisiac that just might inspire an evening of romance. Pair canapes with a Valentine’s Day inspired cocktail that’ll woo your sweetheart. Look for a festive cocktail recipe online or mix-up your own signature libation with red-hued ingredients and garnishes like sparkling wine, cranberry juice, rose-infused gin, and fresh fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

BFF Brunch Buffet

You don’t need to be coupled up on Valentine’s Day to enjoy a sweet celebration. Get in the ‘Galentine’s Day’ spirit and invite your best buds over for a delicious brunch. Prepare a serve-yourself spread featuring fresh-baked pastries, a savoury quiche, or a pancake or waffle bar with gourmet toppings. For a healthier approach, opt for fresh fruit and individual chia seed parfaits made with almond milk and fruit compote. Serve your tasty breakfast foods with a fun daytime cocktail – think bubbly mimosas or Irish coffees – and arrange a memorable activity foryour guests to bond over. We love the idea of a virtual flower arranging workshop, at-home spa treatments, or a book club discussion about a hot new bestseller.

Fondue for Two

There’s something inherently romantic about sharing a smooth pot of fondue with the one you love. With origins in 18th century Europe, savoury cheese fondue is a warm and simple wintertime snack that’s guaranteed to melt your heart and delight your tastebuds. Get cozy with your Valentine and recreate a rich and savoury cheese fondue by combining garlic, white wine, and a mix of artisanal cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere and Emmental together in a dedicated fondue pot or a stovetop saucepan. Pair the gooey cheese with an assortment of edibles for dipping such as cooked or raw vegetables, crusty bread, pickles, and baby potatoes. For a sweet variation, melt high-quality white, milk or dark chocolate to serve with fresh fruits, marshmallows, and sponge cake.