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February 6, 2024
I love cooking for Valentine’s Day. Or any occasion, as you know. I know that’s not the case for everyone, so this Valentine’s Day guide includes a little bit of everything. You’ll find some of my favorite main dish and dessert recipes below, but first check out some of my favorite local makers for gifts. And, of course, I offer up some great Twin Cities dinner date spots for those who are looking for a night out.
If you want to keep it simple or have kids, start out with the easiest sugar cookies ever. They’re perfect for school or party treats!
Valentine’s Day Chocolates
We have some amazing local chocolate in the Twin Cities! You can find some at speciality stores or order online, and here are a few of my favorite places to shop local for special chocolates for a special occasion:
- Chocolate Celeste (652 Transfer Road, St. Paul): Made with local cream and butter, and the finest European chocolate, this is high-end chocolate that is definitely worth it!
- Sweet Stuff Minnesota: Cute, fun treats that are clever and full of whimsy. This online shop also has a pop-up at T.Rex Cookies in Eagan on Feb. 10.
- Rose Street Patisserie (171 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul) and Patisserie 46 (4552 Grande Ave. S., Mpls.): The bon bon box from one of the first patisseries anywhere are fantastic and available for pre-order.
Three Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
- Who isn’t familiar with Surdyk’s? I love the local liquor, deli and cheese shop because they have multiple locations and they sell almost everything you need for a fun Valentine’s night in.
- Golden Fig Fine Foods is another of my favorite local makers. It’s a one-stop-shop if you’re looking for spices or spice blends to cook a meal or a fun little gift.
- Try a cooking class from one of the amazing Twin Cities Cooking schools.
Valentine’s Day Restaurants
Pappardelle, Sage and Mushroom Pasta
This is a delicious pasta dish featuring mushrooms sautéed in butter with sage that gets crispy. Each pile of pasta is topped with a snowy white pile of shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Dark Chocolate Tart with Raspberries
Dark chocolate Oreos meets raspberry jam and dark chocolate in this beautiful tart that is finished with a sprinkling of sea salt. This is a tasty idea for the Valentine’s day table.
Winter Citrus Upside Down Cake
This is a beautiful, citrusy upside down cake. It’s crammed full of citrus flavor, and you can use anything from lemons to grapefruit.
Lemon Cheesecake
Here is a bright, light, lemon cheesecake that uses the beautiful goat milk from The Stickney Hill Dairy. The Lemon Cupcake Humble Goat Cheese is perfect in this recipe to get a bright, fruity but creamy goat cheesecake.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
This flourless chocolate cake is gluten-free and delicious. served with berries, powdered sugar, or just plain with whipped cream