Did you know that Valentine’s Day has a rather interesting history? Today’s Valentine’s Day is often synonymous with chocolates and flowers, must haves for any suitor who wants to win over the woman (or man) of his or her dreams. But did you know that the Feast of Saint Valentine actually commemorates one of possibly three saints named Valentine who were all martyred at some point in time? As per History.com, one of the most common legends of Valentine’s Day is that it honors Saint Valentine the priest who lived in the 300’s, during which he defied orders of Emperor Claudius II, who banned marriages for fear of young men becoming distracted from their role as soldiers. Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and married young couples in secret, only to be discovered and later ordered by the emperor to be executed. Such acts of heroism in the face of love! Today, we can honor our loved ones by showing them acts of love, such as cooking, baking, gift-giving, and more. As we approach the month of hearts, let’s take a closer look at sweet Valentine’s Day recipes that you can make with the entire family and presents for those who love to cook and entertain. Check out the gift guide below for more details.
Sweet Valentine’s Day Recipes 2021
Valentine’s Strawberry Champagne
Recipe and photo by VibrantPlate at Food52
Here’s a fairly easy way to make Valentine’s Day drinks a little sweeter this year. The Valentine’s Strawberry Champagne only has three ingredients: a cup of strawberries, 1 lime, and a bottle of champagne. All you need to do is puree the strawberries, squeeze the juice of the lime into the puree and mix well. Pour the champagne over the strawberry puree, stir, and serve while cold. You can even go the extra mile and decorate with fresh strawberries. Check out the recipe at Food52.
St. Valentines Heart Shaped Crostatine
Recipe and photo by Ambra Torelli at Food52
Surprise your loved ones with some delightful treats this Valentine’s Day with these heart shaped crostatine, which offers a comforting respite in these trying times. This recipe is crafted with ingredients that are free from gluten, dairy and sugar, but back the punch when it comes to flavor. Get the entire recipe at Food52.
Linzer Cookies
Recipe and photo by Posie Harwood Brie at Food52
Level up your classic Linzer cookies using some creativity and a heart shaped cookie cutter. This recipe calls for the spicy flavor of cinnamon and energizing zest of lemon for a sweet treat that’s perfect for the season. A drizzle of confectioners’ sugar also makes this treat sweeter and visually stunning. Get the recipe at Food52.
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Valentines
Recipe by Sadassa Ulna, photo by James Ransom at Food52
Two Valentine’s Day favorites combine in this sweet treat for an ultimate romantic surprise for your partner. Tart dried cherries are bathed in luscious dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate. Get the full recipe at Food52.
Rich Chocolate and Coffee Cake
Recipe by Laura at Lau Sunday Cooks, photo by Food52
A decadent cake combines the wonderful flavors of chocolate and coffee, topped off with strawberries and almonds. It’s a hearty slice of heaven to indulge in this Valentine’s Day. Get the recipe at Food52.
Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Kitchen and Home
1. Crux 3.7-Quart Touchscreen Electric Air Fryer in Pink
This Valentine’s Day, be good to your heart and skip the cholesterol of fried food with the Crux 3.7-Quart Touchscreen Electric Air Fryer. This kitchen staple offers a healthy alternative to frying your favorite chicken, fries, and more. Now you can prepare delicious meals without the guilt with this machine, which is equipped with a touchscreen control panel that’s easy to use, a pre-set cooking menu, an adjustable temperature range from 170°F to 400°F, cool-touch handle and non-slip feet for effortless use and great results every time. 94% of reviewers recommend this product. Customer Tashina gave this kitchen must-have a 5 out of 5 star review, writing, “I don’t know how people can give this appliance a bad review. This is a game changer for me. I air fry everything and it takes me only eighteen minutes. Got it at a really great price on sale. Easy to clean. Literally so easy to clean. Everything comes out cooked. Only thing is I wish it was bigger. It only holds like six wings but either way I’m happy. I got the black one. Wish I knew it came in white. Would highly recommend.” Get 30% off for a limited time at Macy’s.
2. Le Creuset 2-Quart Cast Iron Heart Casserole
Home is where the heart is and this season, you can cook with even more love with the Le Creuset 2-Quart Cast Iron Heart Casserole, a gorgeous Heart Cocotte with a newly designed classic heart shape paired with a sweet stainless steel knob. Measuring 10 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches, this 2-quart cast iron heart casserole is easily compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F and is crafted with enameled cast iron to provide superior heat distribution and retention. It features a sleek deep red color and a light colored smooth interior for easy visibility. Its tight-fitting lids are especially designed to enable steam to circulate and allow moisture to return to the food. It also features ergonomic knobs and handles for easy use. Shop at Macy’s.
3. The Cellar Words XO Server Tray & Bowls
Valentine’s Day movie marathons just got a little sweeter with The Cellar Words XO Server Tray and Bowls. This delightful set features bowls in shapes of X’s and O’s, so you can give a little more hugs and kisses this season. This cleverly designed set combines warm acacia wood and crisp white porcelain in a highly giftable set that your loved ones will appreciate. It includes 1 tray, a pair of X bowls and a pair of O bowls, which are also oven safe to 350°F. Get up to 50% off for a limited time at Macy’s.
4. Deny Designs Heart Lollies Rectangle Cutting Board
Whether for prepping or serving, this funky cool cutting board from Deny designs showcases art on one side to make a statement in the kitchen and a matte natural wood grain reverse for prepping meats, cheese, and more. This half-inch birch wood cutting board measures 16 x 10.5 x 5 and features a 1-inch hold for easy hanging and handling. Each piece is custom made for every order. Get 40% for a limited time at Macy’s.
5. Le Creuset L’Amour Mug with Heart Applique
Whether as a gift this Valentine’s Day or a quaint little addition to your V-Day themed kitchen, the Le Creuset L’Amour Mug is a charming piece that you’ll enjoy using for years to come. With a capacity of 14 oz, the mug features an artisanal hand-applied heart applique on a classic white background. It also features a virtually non-stick glazed and crack-resistant surface for quick clean up. Its colorful glaze is nonporous, non-reactive, scratch-resistant, and resists stains and flavor absorption. This mug is dishwasher safe. Shop at Macy’s.
More Sweet Valentine’s Day Treats for Your Kitchen and Tablescape
1. Bella Mini Waffle Maker in Heart Red
Breakfast in bed? Show your special one a little extra sweet love this Valentine’s Day with the Bella Mini Waffle Maker, which features a heart-themed non-stick cooking plate so that a heart is drawn on your waffles! With a 350-watt heating system and a PFOA-free, nonstick coating, this waffle maker features a compact design for convenient storage and a recessed plate for less batter overflow. This handy waffle maker makes 4-inch classic mini waffles, perfect for a hearty breakfast this Valentine’s Day. Get 20% off for a limited time at Macy’s.
2. Martha Stewart Collection Valentine’s Day Two-Tier Heart Server
Perfect for sharing sweets and treats this Valentine’s Day, this two-tier heart server adds romance to any buffet or intimate dinner for two. With charming heart-shaped tiers and gold-tone accents, this is one tablescape must-have that you’ll want to bring out every year in February to celebrate the season. This server is crafted from earthenware and iron. Shop at Macy’s.
3. Martha Stewart Collection Heart Pie Dish
Desserts get sweeter with the Martha Stewart Collection Heart Pie Dish, a heart-shaped stoneware pie dish that features a vibrant red glaze for a romantic oven-to-table presentation. This durable stoneware is oven safe up to 450°F and is dishwasher safe. It’s highly giftable too! Get up to 65% off for a limited time at Macy’s.
4. Le Creuset 2.75 Quart Soup Pot with Heart Applique and Gold-Tone Knob
Whipping up some hearty soup this Valentine’s season? Make sure it’s cooked in the Le Creuset L’Amour Soup Pot/Chef’s Oven, made from enameled cast iron for superior heat distribution and retention. This charming and giftable soup pot features artisanal hand-applied heart applique on a classic white background and comes with an elegant brushed signature light gold-tone knob that will surely warm hearts this season. Like other Le Creuset pieces, this item features a light colored smooth interior enamel for easy monitoring of cooking progress, a tight-fitting lid to circulate steam and return moisture to food, and ergonomic knobs for easy lifting. Shop at Macy’s.
5. Godinger Meridian Blush Stemless Glasses, Set of 4
Whether for enjoying wine as you dine at home or simply to level up your tablescape on a regular day, the Godiner Meridian Blush Stemless Glasses are an elegant addition to your glassware collection. It’s great for all events and occasions and features an elegant flare on a classic, timeless piece. This set of 4 glasses are made of durable crystal. Shop at Macy’s.
Giftable Valentine’s Day Pieces for the Home
- Royal Albert Rose Confetti 3-Piece Set, including 8.3-inch salad plate, 4.5-inch teacup and 5.5-inch saucer made from bone china. Discounted for a limited time at Macy’s.
- Martha Stewart Collection 2-Quart Cast Iron Love Casserole, made from enameled cast iron with a capacity of 2 quarts. Discounted by 50% for a limited time at Macy’s.
- Deny Designs Wonder Forest Kiss Kiss Lips Coffee Mug, made of ceramic and with a 12 oz capacity. Discounted by 42% for a limited time at Macy’s.
- Martha Stewart Collection Valentine’s Day Melamine Nesting Food Storage Containers, Set of 3, with large, medium, and small melamine containers that conveniently nest for storage. Discounted by 65% for a limited time at Macy’s.
- Martha Stewart Collection Heart Measuring Cups, made of polypropylene, a dishwasher safe material. Discounted by 71% for a limited time at Macy’s.
Don’t miss out on more Valentine’s Day gift guides in the links from our archive below. To make sure you’re the first to find out about deals and discounts, sign up for your newsletter today.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Pampering Gifts for Men and Women
Valentine’s Day Night Out Dresses Plus Accessories to Match
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Jewelry and Accessories for Her and For Him
Make It a Spicy Valentine’s Day with the Best Hot Sauces Ever!
Valentine’s Day on a Budget: Sweet Gifts Under $50
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