Need a little extra something to put the sizzle back into your Valentine’s Day? I’m right there with you. I haven’t been feeling particularly romantic these days, with a baby due next month. But let me impart these words of wisdom: Don’t waste your money on an expensive Valentine’s dinner out. Not only is the holiday known as “amateur night” in chef circles, but an average dinner for two will cost you anywhere from $140 to nearly $400 on this “special” night.

Instead, do something truly special and cook for the one you love. Not only are these homemade meals delicious, but they’re also easy on the wallet (I just totaled up the costs on freshdirect.com, and my meal came out to be $42). This way, you and your sweetie will have more dough to put toward a romantic evening at a nice hotel some other night—or at least a babysitter for a kid-free evening out.

Istockphoto

Foreplay
Feeling weighed down is the last thing you want when you’re trying to get in the mood. I recommend starting the meal with one of these light dishes.  The Shrimp, Grapefruit, and Avocado Salad and Goat Cheese and Spiced Walnuts on Endive have heart-healthy ingredients (avocado and walnuts), and our Light French Onion Soup has less than one-third of the sodium in typical recipes, making it much better for your ticker.

Hot, but not heavy
Seafood is always sexy in my book. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your date but is still light enough to make sure he or she leaves plenty of room for dessert. For a light pasta-based seafood dish, try Pappardelle With Asparagus and Salmon. If you have a bit more time and want to put your big soup pot to use, our Cioppino With Garlic Toasts is seriously impressive. Once you plate this Italian fisherman stew in a nice bowl with the crispy toasts, it’ll look like you slaved in the kitchen for hours.

If you’re trying to cut down on costs even more, there’s no need to use all the seafood called for in the cioppino recipe. And go with the cheapest ones—shrimp and halibut.

I love to order scallops when I’m out to eat, but they are also a cinch to cook at home. The key is to avoid overcooking them, which gives them a rubbery texture. Our Pan-Roasted Scallops With Sesame Sauce is absolutely mouthwatering and easy to make, even for first-timers.

I’m not sure about yours, but my guy isn’t satisfied with a meal unless there’s meat involved. You can serve up a nice piece of steak without breaking the bank or racking up too many calories. Our Steak Frites has less than 300 calories—and that’s with the fries! Plus, flank steak won’t give you sticker shock. For another steak idea that’s light on the hips and the grocery bill, try our Hoisin-Glazed Beef Tenderloin Steak with a side of Minty Snap Peas.

The afterglow
Now for the best part—dessert. What’s sexier than gooey, warm chocolate cake? Gooey, warm chocolate cake that only takes 30 minutes, is less than 300 calories, and basically takes three ingredients to make. If you want to dress up our Molten Flourless Chocolate Cake, make a quick raspberry sauce out of frozen raspberries and a bit of sugar. Not a chocolate fan? Try my simple, inexpensive Apple Tart Tatin hot out of the oven.

Next: Wines and table settings