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A Valentine's Day Dinner in 30 Minutes

valentine's day menu

It’s February 14th, and it’s a weekday—what’s a food-loving romantic to do? How about this indulgent, ready-in-30-minutes dinner for two?

Just because Valentine's Day falls on a weeknight doesn't mean dinner has to get the short shrift. This menu pulls out all the stops, but leaves more time for romance. It pairs vodka-steamed lobster with a buttery tomato dipping sauce. A green salad with luxurious touches of silky prosciutto and avocado provides the perfect contrast. And the dinner concludes with a rich but oh-so-simple chocolate pudding.

Dinner and a Movie: Watch a video of this menu come together.

As an alternative to this menu, use the Valentine's Day Menu Maker to customize your own romantic dinner for two.

the menu

All recipes serve two. If you like, add a loaf of crusty bread to round out the meal.

Menu Timeline

30 Minutes Ahead

Bring the lobster cooking liquid to a boil.
Heat the half-and-half and whisk the eggs for the pots de creme.

25 Minutes Ahead

Steam the lobsters.
Make the pots de creme, divide into serving glasses, and chill.

15 Minutes Ahead

Reduce the lobster steaming liquid.
Wash the greens and make the dressing for the salad.
Cut up the pears, avocado, and prosciutto for the salad.

5 Minutes Ahead

Finish the dipping sauce for the lobster.

Shopping List

Fresh Produce

1 small firm-ripe Forelle pear
1 small ripe avocado
3 cups baby arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix
1 small shallot
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 clove garlic
1 medium lemon

Meat Eggs Dairy

2 whole live lobsters (1-3/4 lb. each)
2 thin slices prosciutto
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
2 Tbs. cold unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces

Other Groceries

1 loaf crusty artisan bread (optional)
1/2 cup vodka
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1 Tbs. tomato paste

Pantry Staples

4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
4 Tbs. granulated sugar
Big pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Black peppercorns

Photo: Scott Phillips

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The Recipes

Vodka-Steamed Lobsters with Tomato-Thyme Butter Sauce

Green Salad with Pears, Prosciutto, and Avocado

Bittersweet Chocolate Pots de Crème

Vodka-Steamed Lobsters with Tomato-Thyme Butter Sauce Green Salad with Pears, Prosciutto, and Avocado Bittersweet Chocolate Pots de Crème

Make it Tonight

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