7 Romantic Recipes for an Unforgettable Date Night

Heart-Shaped Homemade Pizza

When it comes to a romantic date night, few things say "I love you" like crafting a meal together. Start your evening with a heart-shaped homemade pizza, where the act of preparing it can be as fun as eating it. Begin with the dough:

• 1 ½ cups of warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

1. Combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it's frothy.
2. Gradually mix in flour, oil, and salt until a dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Divide the dough and shape it into hearts. Cover with your favorite toppings.
5. Bake at 475°F for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Here’s a note on making the perfect heart shape:

❤️ Note: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or freehand cut the dough into a heart. If you're nervous about freehanding, sketch a heart on parchment paper first and use it as a guide.

Toppings Ideas:

• Prosciutto, arugula, and mozzarella for an elegant twist
• Tomato sauce, basil, and fresh mozzarella for a classic margherita
• Caramelized onions, Gorgonzola, and pears for a gourmet treat

Coq au Vin for Two

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that not only impresses but also lets you spend some quality time together in the kitchen. Here's how to make this dish:

• 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 10 pearl onions, peeled
• 4-6 button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in oil and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and carrots. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze with wine, scraping the bottom.
5. Add chicken stock, bacon, pearl onions, mushrooms, and bouquet garni.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.

🍷 Note: You can prepare Coq au Vin in advance and reheat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Passion Fruit Mousse

For dessert, indulge in a light and romantic Passion Fruit Mousse. The tartness of passion fruit combined with the creaminess of mousse creates an unforgettable end to your meal:

• 3/4 cup passion fruit pulp (fresh or frozen, strained to remove seeds)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 1/4 cup cold water

Directions:

1. Bloom gelatin in cold water, then melt in a double boiler.
2. Mix passion fruit pulp with condensed milk.
3. Whip the cream to soft peaks, then gently fold in the passion fruit mixture.
4. Whisk in the gelatin while it’s still warm.
5. Pour into individual glasses or a single dish. Chill until set, about 4-6 hours.

✨ Note: For a visual appeal, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh passion fruit seeds on top just before serving.

By the end of your romantic evening, you’ll have created not just a meal but a memory. From the laughter over shaping the pizza to the cozy moments sipping wine with Coq au Vin, each dish has brought you closer together. The dessert, simple yet exquisite, caps off the night with sweetness, leaving you both with the warmth of love and the comfort of a homemade feast.

What’s the best red wine for Coq au Vin?

+

Burgundy or Pinot Noir is the classic choice for Coq au Vin as they offer the perfect balance of flavor and acidity for braising chicken. However, a good Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can also work well.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

+

Yes! Coq au Vin can be made a day in advance and reheated for even better flavor. Pizza dough can be prepared in advance, with toppings ready to assemble. Passion Fruit Mousse needs time to set, making it another great dish to prepare ahead.

How do I keep the heart shape on pizza?

+

Using a cookie cutter or shaping guide ensures symmetry. Bake until nearly done, then use a knife to re-establish the heart shape if it deforms during baking.