I never know proper Valentine’s Day etiquette. Are the guys supposed to be the ones making the Valentine’s Day plans? Are us girls supposed to sit back and act like we aren’t even thinking about Valentine’s Day as soon as our calendars switch to February and play it cool while we wait to see if the guy we can’t get out of our heads will buy us chocolates and flowers? Ladies, lets take matters into our own hands, lets take charge and invite that cute guy over for dinner. What better time to test the theory of the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!

If you’re having Mr. OMG-he-is-so-cute over for a homemade meal my first piece of advice is to know your strengths in the kitchen. If you’re just beginning to cook, don’t overwhelm yourself. It is perfectly okay to go the semi-homemade route. My second piece of advice is to have an idea of what his favorites are. If he is a steak lover, make your man a steak. If he loves lobster, go for it. Is he a super simple guy? Make homemade pizza! Just because it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean your meal has to be super fancy. Just go with what you think your man will like and make him keep coming back for more!

Don’t know where to start with the menu planning? I’m here to help!

Pasta is always a good choice! Bust out that pasta maker that has been collecting dust and impress your man with homemade pasta! Make him some Carbonara, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Ravioli! Don’t want to make pasta from scratch? Make these Goat Cheese Ravioli that use wonton wrappers. And while you’re at it, roast a head of garlic to smear on bread or make some Artichoke Bruschetta or even Red Wine Roasted Mushroom on Goat Cheese Garlic Toasts!

You could also go the comfort food route with chicken and rice with this Arroz con Pollo, the fish route with this Toasted Sesame Ginger Salmon, or wrap bacon around Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken.

No matter what you make, just have fun with it! I’m sure Mr. Valentine will love it! Good luck, ladies!

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