If you think cooking a decadent Valentine's Day meal post-work on a Monday seems near impossible, think again. In our most recent issue of Fine Cooking, we created an indulgent lobster dinner for two (plus dessert) that comes together in 30 minutes. Make it. You'll love it. Your valentine will love you.
On the other hand, the beauty of a Monday meal is that it can also be prepped the weekend before. And therein lies the genius behind the gorgeous-looking Red Velvet Cheesecake on Julie Ruble's blog, Willow Bird Baking: It's a show-stopping cake that no one would expect to see on a Monday night, but is also completely make-ahead. All those gorgeous components--the bright red velvet cake, the creamy cheesecake, the decadent ganache filling, and the Oreo crumb crust--can be baked, assembled, and decorated over the course of Saturday and Sunday (or completed in one day, if you have the time), then held for Monday.
Imagine coming home, after a harried, hectic work day, and finding a Valentine's Day cake like this waiting for you. With one big, fat slice, I know I'd be seduced.
