Easy Meals to make for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a romantic day, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to celebrate love with the entire family. What better way to share the love than by cooking and enjoying a delicious meal together? Here are some family friendly Valentine’s Day recipes that are simple, fun to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

1. Heart-Shaped Mini Pizzas

Who doesn’t love pizza?! This meal is perfect for kids and adults alike. Heart-shaped mini pizzas are fun to make and allow everyone to pick their favourite toppings.

Ingredients:

• Pre-made pizza dough (or homemade if you prefer)
• Tomato sauce
• Grated mozzarella cheese
• Assorted toppings (pepperoni, ham, tomatoes, peppers, olives, mushrooms, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Roll out the pizza dough and use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out mini pizzas.
3. Spread tomato sauce over each heart and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Let everyone decorate their pizzas with their favourite toppings.
5. Bake on a baking tray for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Spaghetti with Love Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic comfort food, and with a little creative twist, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Mince beef or turkey
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning / mixed herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara sauce
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls and form some of them into heart shapes by pinching one end and flattening the other slightly.
4. Cook the meatballs over medium heat until browned on all sides.
5. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve the meatballs over spaghetti and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

3. Valentine’s Day Breakfast Pancakes

Start the day with a sweet treat that sets the tone for love! Pancakes are a crowd-pleaser, and with some creative serving, they’ll be perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients:

• Pancake mix (or your favourite homemade recipe)
• Red or pink food coloring
• Fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Whipped cream
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare pancake batter according to the package or recipe. [Homemade Recipe linked HERE]
2. Divide the batter into two bowls and add a few drops of red or pink food colouring to one bowl.
3. Cook pancakes on a hot pan, alternating colours.
4. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pancake hearts.
5. Stack the pancakes and top with fresh berries and whipped cream.

4. Cupid’s Caprese Salad

For a lighter option, try a take on the classic Caprese salad. It’s colourful, healthy, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Thread mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves onto small skewers or toothpicks.
2. Arrange the skewers on a plate in the shape of a heart.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
4. Serve as a side dish or appetiser.

5. Sweetheart Strawberry Smoothies

This quick and easy smoothie is a treat for the whole family, packed with nutrients and bursting with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• Honey or agave syrup to taste
• Whipped cream and sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine strawberries, banana, yogurt, milk, and honey in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and sprinkles if desired.
4. Serve with a Valentine’s type straw for extra fun.

6. Love Letter Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a simple meal that’s perfect for busy parents. Add a Valentine’s Day twist by cutting them into fun shapes or writing messages with cheese.

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozarella, or a mix)
• Cooked chicken, beans, or veggies (optional)
• Sour cream or guacamole for dipping

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with cheese and any desired fillings.
3. Top with another tortilla and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
4. Use a cookie cutter to cut the quesadilla into hearts or write messages on top with sour cream.
5. Serve with dipping sauces on the side.

7. Chocolate-Covered Fruit Platter

End the meal with a sweet and healthy dessert that everyone can enjoy. Chocolate-covered fruits are easy to make and taste so good!

Ingredients:

• Fresh strawberries, banana slices, or apple wedges
• Melting chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
• Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate
2. Dip the fruit into the melted chocolate, covering it halfway.
3. Place the fruit on a baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles or nuts if desired.
4. Let the chocolate harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
5. Arrange the fruit on a platter and serve.

Tips for a Successful Valentine’s Day Meal

1. Get the Kids Involved: Let your kids help with age-appropriate tasks like mixing ingredients, cutting out shapes, or decorating.
2. Set the Mood: Create a festive atmosphere with Valentine’s Day decorations, such as themed plates, napkins, and candles.
3. Make It Interactive: Meals like mini pizzas or quesadillas are great for encouraging creativity and customisation.
4. Keep It Simple: Focus on recipes that don’t require a lot of prep or cleanup so you can spend more time with your family.

Whether you’re making heart-shaped pancakes in the morning or indulging in chocolate-covered strawberries at night, the most important thing is to have fun and celebrate love of all kinds!

Happy Valentine’s Day!