4 Delicious Valentine's Day Recipes For The Perfect Date at Home

Like all holidays this year, Valentine’s Day is going to look a little different. Indoor dining is open in some states but with limited capacity restrictions, making it difficult to get a reservation. 

Other states only allow outdoor dining. However, due to winter weather and low temperatures, many don’t want to dine outside. This will force couples, friends and families who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day indoors, at home. 

If you’re forced to stay at home this Valentines Day, don’t worry; Honeysuckle’s recipes will help you celebrate in comfort and style. Cozy up with your loved ones and warm your heat and soul with these delicious recipes. Happy Valentines Day!

The Perfect Starter: Creamy Vegan Lentil Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of soaked red lentils
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning 
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups of water
• 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
• 2 cups of oat milk
• ½ cup of nutritional yeast
• 3 tbsp soy sauce

Time to get cooking: 

1. Begin by soaking your red lentils in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and rinse. 
2. In a large pot heat your olive oil, once glossy add diced yellow onion and saute for about 5 minutes, until caramelized, Then, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add poultry seasoning, red pepper, salt and pepper and allow to toast for 30 seconds. 
3. Add lentils, bouillon and water to pot and cook until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. 
4. Once fully cooked add oat milk, nutritional yeast, and soy sauce and blend in a blender or emulsify. Place back on the stove and allow to thoroughly heat. 

A Hearty Main Dish: Steak and Potatoes 

Serves 2

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb of steak cut into large cubes
• 6 tbsp of vegetable oil
• 3 tbsps butter
• 2 large potatoes, cut into large cubes
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 8 large peeled carrots cut into sticks
• 4 tbsp worcestershire sauce 
• 2 tbsp mustard
• ½ cup red wine
• 1 tsp rosemary
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and Pepper 
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Time to get cooking: 

1. If the meat is not pre-cut, begin by cutting your steak into cubes and generously adding salt and pepper to them.
2. Before searing the meat, add cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water and cook until tender. 
3. In a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet add 3 tbsps of oil to the pan and allow to heat. Once hot at 3 tbsps of butter. Add the cubes of steak and allow to create a brown crust on each side. 
4. Take an oven safe dish and add 3 tbsps oil and heat in a 400-degree oven for about 3 minutes. Drain potatoes and toss in the hot oiled dish and place back in the oven until crispy for about 15 minutes. 
5. Once steak is browned add carrots and onion. Cook for 2 minutes then deglaze the pan with wine, worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Add spices and place into a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.
6. Remove steak and carrots then place back on the stove and add cornstarch to thicken the sauce. 

A Crispy Side: Brussel Sprouts

Serves 2

Ingredients: 

• 16 oz of brussel sprouts
• 3 tbsps vegetable oil
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• Salt and pepper

Time to get cooking: 

1. Start off by cutting the sprouts in half, this will allow for optimal crispy edges. Then mince garlic.
2. Toss brussels in garlic, oil and salt and pepper then place in a 450 degree oven for 30 minutes or until extra brown and crispy.

A Comforting End: Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Serves 6

Ingredients for cake: 

• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 cup of oat milk
• 1 ¾ cup flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder and baking soda
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs or 2 tbsps of flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tbsps of water
• ½ vegetable oil
• 2 tsps vanilla
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 cup chocolate chunks or chips

Ingredients for frosting:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick of softened butter
• 2 tsps vanilla
• 1 tsp salt
• 16 oz box of powdered sugar

Time to get baking:

1. Begin by placing all dry cake ingredients into a bowl and in a separate bowl combine all wet ingredients. Slowly incorporate the wet into the dry and then add chocolate chips. Mix until combined and add to a buttered and floured pan. Size depends on the size of cake desired, and can also be made into cupcakes. 
2. Bake in an oven at 350 degrees. For two round cakes, bake for 30 minutes.
3. Stick a toothpick into the cake when firm to check for doneness. 
4. Remove from pans and allow to completely cool.
5. In a bowl combine butter and peanut butter and whip for 3 minutes on high.
6. Add vanilla, salt and gradually add powdered sugar and whip on medium speed until completely incorporated. 
7. Once the cake is cooled, frost and decorate with melted chocolate on top if desired.