Photo courtesy of ParadeWhether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day alone, with friends, or with your soul mate, you should spend it well fed. This romantic day usually calls for unique splurging in gift-giving and food but this list of great meals provides more affordable and customizable options. From a hearty dessert to a rich lobster entrée, transform your kitchen into a decadent haven this Valentine’s Day with these four recipes.
New York Strip SteakWe are starting things off on a savory note. Impress your loved ones with a garlic butter pan-seared steak. With most of us on a college budget, we are not in the market for a prime wagyu or filet mignon. Instead, a New York Strip, ribeye or top sirloin will work perfectly for this meal. These replacement selections offer the same succulent tenderness at a cheaper price. It is a great dish to pair with your favorite salad, mashed potatoes or asparagus.All you will need is two pounds of steak of your choice, 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or regular salt), 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 cloves of garlic. For an optional touch, you can include 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. This recipe is good for 2 mouthwatering steaks.Step 1Start by thoroughly seasoning the steaks with salt and pepper.Step 2Heat the cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Once it is hot, add in the vegetable oil and swirl around to ensure that the skillet is evenly coated.Step 3Once the oil is thoroughly heated, sear each steak on one side for four minutes.Step 4Next, flip and cook the steak for an additional three minutes.Step 5After both sides have been seared, use tongs to sear the sides of the steaks.Step 6Reduce heat to medium; add in butter, garlic cloves and rosemary. Allow the butter to melt and combine flavors with the garlic and rosemary.Step 7Spoon the butter garlic sauce over the steak.Step 8Transfer the steak over to a sheet of foil and lightly cover. Allow the steaks to rest for at least seven minutes and serve.
Lobster TailsFor this recipe, we are taking a dive under the sea with fulfilling oven-baked lobster tails. This can be brought individually at your local seafood market at a more affordable price than a whole Maine lobster. Just as the New York Strip steak, this recipe rides the luxury on a budget train, moving like a perfect dish for Valentine’s Day. All you will need is two lobster tails, two tablespoons of butter and cajun seasoning. This recipe pairs perfectly with garlic bread, steamed vegetables or pasta.Step 1Preheat oven to 450 degrees.Step 2Cut lobster tails in half vertically and place them on a baking sheet.Step 3Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and spoon over lobster tails.Step 4Lightly season the lobster tails with cajun seasoning to your liking.Step 5Bake for 10 minutes, let cool and serve.
Red Velvet TrifleThis outstanding dessert is delectable, classy, affordable and a velvety way to impress your loved ones. This recipe calls for red velvet cake mix, a 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 4 ounces of cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 can of whipped cream. For an optional touch, dark chocolate shavings can be a delicious topper.Step 1First, make the Red Velvet Cake according to box instructions and allow the cake to cool completely.Step 2Once cooled, cut the cake into 1/2 inch cubes.Step 3In a small bowl, combine the fresh raspberries and sugar and set them aside for assembly.Step 4Whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk until fully combined into a sauce-like consistency.Step 5Next, assemble by placing pieces of cake in the glass first, followed by a couple of raspberries, and then cream cheese sauce. Repeat until the glass is almost full.Step 6Lastly, top with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
Molten Lava Chocolate CakeIf the last dessert did not offer enough chocolate, then this recipe is a splendid overload. To end your night on a buttery cocoa high, all you will need is 1/4 cup of butter, 3 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate, 1 teaspoon of espresso powder, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 cup of flour and 1 tiny pinch of salt.
Step 1First, preheat your oven to 450 degrees.Step 2Generously cover two 6-ounce ramekins with baking spray, oven-safe mugs can be used as well and set aside for later.Step 3Next, add semi-sweet chocolate and butter to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-second increments, stirring in between increments until fully melted and mixed smooth.Step 4Now add espresso powder to the melted mixture and whisk together.Step 5After fully mixed, add in both sugars and whisk until combined.Step 6Add in egg, egg yolk and whisk until combined.Step 7Next, gently fold in the flour until just combined. Do not over mix flour.Step 8Evenly distribute the batter into each ramekin and place it on a baking sheet.Step 9Bake for 12 minutes. The tops should be raised and puffy, the edges firm and a jiggly center.Step 10Allow cakes to cool for 60 seconds, once cooled top with chocolate shavings or fresh berries and enjoy.