Valentine’s Day Family Dinner

• February 14, 2012  |
• by Laurie David

This Valentine’s Day, plan a festive family dinner with these love-inspired recipes. 

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two, four or ten this Valentine’s Day, make sure the first ingredient is love. Instead of feeling duped into buying corny cards or overpriced flowers, why not use it to start a family ritual? A home-cooked meal where everyone participates is the best gift of all. 

Here’s my family twist for this special night: we dine in the fancy room, use our good dishes and fill the table with everything red we can possibly find. Even the food gets the red treatment.

Start out with these Ruby Red Razzle Dazzles and a “Let-Us Love” Salad tossed with a special pomegranate vinaigrette.

For the main event, get out your heart-shaped cookie cutters and make sure nothing is safe from them, not even the mozzarella! These Oh, I Love You So Tortelloni-os in festive pink tomato sauce are sure to please everyone at the table.

Make Dad the head waiter (tray in hand) and the kids the guests of honor at a dinner the whole family cooked together. Finally, cap the meal off with a sweet treat, like these I’m a Fool for You Raspberry Parfaits.