This year, instead of scrambling to get a reservation at a fancy restaurant, show your significant other you care with a romantic 5-star rendezvous in the comfort of your own home.

Creating a memorable Valentine’s Day at home comes down to three simple things: the food, the drink and the atmosphere. We’ll walk you through how to perfect each aspect, and raise the bar for the years to come.

Step 1: The Food

Smothered Ribeye Steak with Grilled Onions, Smashed Red Potatoes and Haricot Verts

A warming and luxurious classic dinner made even better with our perfectly seasoned Black Peppercorn Mousse. When dolloped on top, our Mousse melds with the crispy steak and onions to create an irresistible main course. Served with smashed red potatoes and buttered haricot vert, there’s no shortfalls in this masterful dinner for two.

2 ribeye steaks
3 tbsp. chopped rosemary
2 sweet onions, sliced
1 ½ tbsp. Olive Oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 tbsp. Alexian Black Peppercorn Mousse

Preparation
1. Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ½ tbsp. olive oil and rosemary.
3. Season both steaks with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Brush the steaks with the rosemary-olive oil mixture until well coated and let sit and marinate for 30 minutes.
5. While the steaks are sitting, add remaining olive oil to the pan
6. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and soft. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Grill the steaks for 4 to 5 minutes on each side
8. While still hot, add a generous serving of our Black Peppercorn Mousse.
9. Let rest for 5 to 8 minutes.

Serve with smashed red potatoes and haricot verts.

Stuffed Pan Roasted Chicken with Linguine and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A beautifully prepared chicken breast, made increasingly savory with our intensely flavorful Herb de Provence Pâté. We use a classic French blend of spices – including thyme, basil, marjoram, lavender, parsley, oregano, tarragon, bay powder, rosemary and fennel to create the perfect taste. Whole stems of a few of our favorite herbs enhance the flavor even further. When the breasts are pulled out of the oven,they’ll be ready to be placed on a generous serving of fresh linguine, and topped with roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts , skin on
Freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt, to taste
5 ounces of Alexian Herb de Provence Chicken Pâté
2 tbsp. canola oil
Whole stems of fresh thyme, rosemary and fennel

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. With a boning knife, butterfly 4 chicken breasts. Stuff each breast with 2 ounces of Alexian Herb de Provence Chicken Pâté, then tie with butcher’s twine to ensure that it stays together.
3. Season each chicken breast with salt and cracked black pepper.
4. In a large saute pan heat canola oil then lay the chicken in the pan skin side down. Sear for about one minute then turn over and continue cooking for 30 more seconds.
5. Add in the whole, fresh thyme, rosemary and fennel.
6. Place the entire pan in a 350-degree oven and roast until done – about 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve over a heaping plate of fresh linguine and top with crispy brussel sprouts and a drizzle of Balsamic.

Step 2: The Drink
The meal is almost as much about the drink as it is the food, and Valentine’s Day is all about the wine.

If you’re enjoying something from the Alexian menu this year, we’ve made the following pairing guide to help you pick a perfect complement:

Country- Style Pâtés: full bodied reds (Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon) or lighter reds (Merlot, Pinot Noir)
Mousses: Light reds (Merlot, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir) or sweet whites (Sauternes)
Vegetable or Vegan Terrines: Dry whites, demi-sec whites, (Riesling); sparkling whites, or light reds.

Otherwise, try one whipping up one of these romantic cocktail recipes from our partner blogs across the web:

La Vie en Rose – Champagne and Bitters gives this cocktail a sweet and floral flavor with a beautiful rosy hue.
The Vesper – James Bond’s signature cocktail in Casino Royale, and a fun conversation starter for your special night.
Raspberry Chocolate Martini – Two very romantic ingredients, combined with a little liqueur for a sweet drink.

Step 3: The Atmosphere

To create the perfect atmosphere, think with your heart and try to incorporate your partner’s favorite things into the night.

Settings
Make even the most simple of meals a night to remember with thoughtful touches, whether you’re more into a path of flower petals or a bouquet of fresh flowers, or candles with dinner or a roaring fire with dessert.

Music
Turn off the TV, turn on the music. Set the tone of the night with smooth jazz, light hearted classical, or a custom playlist of some of their favorite songs.

Presents
Presents are, of course, not a requirement for a wonderful night – but even something as simple as a homemade card or their favorite candy can give them something to remember the night by.