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A Romantic Dinner for Your Sweetie

Creamy Bacon Pasta w/Coffee Spice Rubbed Scallops

I love heading to my favorite neighborhood restaurant for dinner. But, on a holiday, I like to stay in. We’ve all heard the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. This Valentine’s Day, I plan to show my hubby how much I care by making a special meal at home.

Seems that Kelly Williams (Forked River, NJ) feels the same way I do. “I actually prefer not to eat out on Valentine’s Day – I hate fighting the crowds, the noise, and usually bad service,” shares Kelly. “I make this Filet De Boeuf En Croute for the main course and it’s to die for… almost too pretty to eat.”

This recipe is really impressive and REALLY easy. You can prepare this ahead of time. Then, when ready, just stick it in the oven and enjoy a little extra time with your valentine.

Scallops are always special and something I really enjoy. Some people are intimidated to cook them at home, but really they can be very simple to prepare. A recipe I’ve fallen in love with is Cindy Sandberg’s (Carlisle, IN) Creamy Bacon Pasta with Coffee Spice Rubbed Scallops.

Coffee adds a wonderful – and surprising – flavor. Then cooking the scallops in rendered pancetta fat… wow. It elevates this to a stand-out dish. Very special and pretty simple!

“This recipe is a teeny bit fussy, but it’s surpassing and wonderful,” says Tam D. (The Dalles, OR) of her Date Night Pork Chops. “My husband raved over it and it became one of his favorite meals.”

Yes, there are a few steps to this recipe. But it’s not that difficult and the outcome is worth the time. The pork chops are amazingly tender and dill adds a level of flavor. The yogurt sauce on top is pretty delicious too.

I think it’s fun to cook together and what better day to do that than Valentine’s Day?! Megan Olson’s (Baraboo, WI) Fettuccine Alfredo is a great recipe if you’re looking to prepare something special together.

“This rich, creamy dish is one of my favorite comfort foods and it has gotten rave reviews,” explains Megan. “When my husband learned to cook, this was the first dish he made.” This traditional recipe is delicious just as it is, but adding some chicken would be great too. Comfort food to the max.

It’s always nice to end the evening with something sweet. “Delicious like a warm hug,” jokes Linda Elmenhorst (Oilton, OK) about her New Orleans Bread Pudding. Linda’s bread pudding is perfectly light and fluffy while still remaining warm and hearty. It’s topped with a wonderful bourbon sauce. One bite and your partner will definitely be giving you a big hug.

Chocolate desserts more your speed? Try Kelli Thomas’s (Ralston, NE) Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies. “I love chocolate, my husband loves cheesecake,” shares Kelli. “But we both agree these brownies are to die for!”

Minus the raspberry this is a really good brownie… but WITH the raspberry, these are do-a-jig delicious. The brownies are moist, rich and, with a cup of coffee, the perfect way to end a special evening.

I’m not sure what I’ll make, but I know my husband will enjoy the meal because it was made with love. Are you planning to cook at home too but not sure what to make? You’ll find more dinner ideas on Justapinch.com… Happy Pinching!