I sort of love Valentine’s Day, which is coming up on Monday, and which I acknowledge is a little ridiculous as a day on the calendar. But I find its retro sweetness irresistible, especially when it’s done right, with French toast, strong cocktails, fudgy desserts and homemade Valentines.
I don’t yet know what I’m making this year, aside from Genevieve Ko’s new flourless chocolate cake. What I do know is that it doesn’t have to be expensive or take a lot of time. It just needs to be tailored to the one(s) you love, and what they love. Does that mean nachos? French-bread pizza? Stuffed shells? Tacos al pastor? Bulgogi? Buttermilk roast chicken? Coconut curry fish? I think one of the best dinners for two is shrimp cocktail with a big salad and a baguette on the side. Do not forget drinks.
We have tons of Valentine’s Day recipes for you, and Eric Kim also wrote a wonderful menu for two that you can cook with your sweetie, complete with cute individual beef Wellingtons. Oh yeah, there is also a huge football game on Sunday: There are recipes for the Super Bowl over this way. And I’m here at [email protected] for your questions or requests.
1. Thai Curry Risotto With Squash and Green Beans
Risotto’s luxurious, creamy texture makes it feel fancy, and that it requires a lot of attention at the stove makes its appearances rare. But Hetty McKinnon bakes this recipe, which eliminates the constant stirring; she also uses Thai curry paste and coconut milk to make a dish that is enormously flavorful, creamy and vegan, too.