Valentine’s Day Recipe Round-Up

Here are the recipes we reach for when the holiday comes around, whether we’re dining solo, with an SO, or cooking for a crew.

Lots of people seem to have opinions on the renaissance the martini has been enjoying over the past few years, but we’ll just say this: it’s a classic for a reason. It’s one of those drinks that can make a regular evening feel like an occasion, and when Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, we’ll take as much of that vibe as we can get. Friend of CDS Ashley Brooke filled us on in her favorite way to make a martini, and we haven’t strayed since. Pro tip: if martinis feel a little too strong for a Tuesday, or you don’t drink but are comfortable with mocktail mimicry, Monday Gin makes a 0% ABV alternative that’s as good as the real thing–especially when paired with a Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic, which will mirror the flavors of Brooke’s preferred liqueur, St. Germain.

By the time we’ve hit mid-February, winter is almost behind us. And what better way to nod to the impending springtime than with a light, fresh pea dip, paired with a simple soft cheese and spread atop some healthy, hydrating vegetables? It’s the type of appetizer you might not expect for mid-February, but one you’ll certainly welcome.

Admittedly, some aspects of Valentine’s Day can be a bit kitschy. Hallmark cards, red hearts everywhere, and impossible-to-clean confetti might not be our personal favorite features of the day, but there are a few we’re happy to embrace, in more subtle ways. So, instead of wearing an all red-and-pink ensemble (although we will admit, we consider it one of the chicer color combos out there), serve an appetizer in the vibrant color that has become the holiday’s signature hue–that also happens to be incredibly delicious.

If you haven’t heard the phrase “engagement chicken,” here’s a recap: in the eighties, Glamour released a recipe for chicken the auteur claimed was so good, it’s the reason her longtime boyfriend finally proposed. Decades later, when news of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s engagement broke, the concept resurfaced when they revealed to the press that Markle had been roasting a chicken when it happened. And while we hardly believe roasting the perfect chicken should be what convinces someone to take the next step in their relationship, we are fairly certain that our creamy, tangy miso and tahini take on the bird could do that job, too. But don’t just take our word for it: try it and see what happens.

If there’s one thing Valentine’s Day is consistently good for, it’s delicious sweets. It’s a holiday of flowers and chocolate–and we’re going to take a moment to put an emphasis on the latter. Our black tie chocolate cake is a labor of love, but it’s more than worth it. And love is what this holiday is all about, right?