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The Recipes You Should Be Cooking This February
From caviar-topped potato chips to bananas foster, these 20 recipes will dazzle your Valentine, and more importantly, your Palentines.
![Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios](https://img.sunset02.com/sunsetm/wp-content-uploads/2019-03-28UTC08/holiday-classics-avocado-fan-salad-copy-3-sun-1118-1200x600.jpg)
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As the NFL season comes to a close, awards season is just ramping up. Throw in a holiday that some love and many others despise—Valentine’s Day—and February is filled with occasions for you to showcase your skills in the kitchen. But please celebrate responsibly! No big crowds this year.
Oscar-Worthy Appetizers
![](https://img.sunset02.com/sites/default/files/green-garlic-prosciutto-toasts-su.jpg)
Photo: Iain Bagwell
Green Garlic Prosciutto Toast
For those that aren’t afraid of flavor, this Green Garlic Prosciutto Toast recipe is right up your alley. If you can’t seem to find green garlic (garlic that’s picked before it’s mature) at your local farmer’s market or supermarket, green onions plus regular garlic can be substituted.
Recipe: Green Garlic Prosciutto Toast
Korean Latkes
Make a nod to Parasite, the first Korean film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, by serving these savory Korean Latkes at your Oscars viewing party. You might need to add a stop at an Asian market to your grocery itinerary, but your tastebuds (and guests) will be thanking you.
Recipe: Korean Latkes
Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche
All the glamour of caviar, but atop humble, potato chip vessels—what more could you ask for? How about Caramelized Onions and Spicy Crème Fraîche?
Recipe: Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche
Pancetta Salmon Kebabs with Parsley Vinaigrette
If you’re hoping to impress but your time is pressed, this Pancetta Salmon Kebab recipe by chef Christine Keff will certainly do the trick. Just be sure to soak your wooden skewers.
Recipe: Pancetta Salmon Kebabs with Parsley Vinaigrette
Sesame Fried Artichokes
These Sesame Fried Artichokes are quick to fix and go great with mayo. While the recipe simply calls to mix the mayo with sesame oil, feel free to zhoosh it up with some lemon and garlic.
Recipe: Sesame Fried Artichokes
Valentine’s Day Dinner
![](https://img.sunset02.com/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_horizontal_inbody_900x506/public/image/2016/12/main/herb-stuffed-flank-steak-sun-0516.jpg?itok=lZVB1-Mi)
Herbed-Stuffed Flank Steaks
This rolled and tied flank steak stuffed with olive tapenade and fresh herbs only takes 45 minutes, but will leave your Valentine very impressed.
Recipe: Herb-Stuffed Flank Steaks
Spaghetti with Anchovies and Bread Crumbs
Nothing says “kiss me” like this spaghetti with anchovies recipe. If your Valentine is a first date, maybe avoid this dish. Otherwise, the bread crumbs will add a satisfying crunch that’s sure to please—just have some mints on hand.
Recipe: Spaghetti with Anchovies and Bread Crumbs
Pizzetta 211 Margherita Pizza
For a more hands-on dinner for both you and your Valentine, opt to make this Margherita pizza recipe from San Francisco’s Pizzetta 211. Pizza stones are ideal (but not required) and we recommend making the dough ahead to avoid a dinner delay.
Recipe: Pizzetta 211 Margherita Pizza
Chicken Scaloppine with Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day dinner that pairs well with an unoaked white wine, go for this lemony chicken thigh recipe that will make your tastebuds rejoice.
Recipe: Chicken Scaloppine with Mushrooms
Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitakes and Savoy Cabbage
Vegan lovebirds should try this Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitake and Savoy Cabbage. The genmaicha (a green tea and toasted rice combination) becomes a beautiful crust when combined with polenta and fried.
Recipe: Crisp Genmaicha Tofu with Shiitakes and Savoy Cabbage
Immune System-Boosting Foods
![Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios](https://img.sunset02.com/sunsetm/wp-content-uploads/2019-03-28UTC08/holiday-classics-avocado-fan-salad-copy-3-sun-1118-1200x900.jpg)
Eva Kolenko
Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios
Take advantage of oranges being in season by making this fresh and tasty Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios. With the loads of vitamin C from the oranges and the combination of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, riboflavin and manganese found in avocados, your immune system will be thanking you.
Recipe: Avocado Fan Salad with Oranges and Pistachios
Spicy Moroccan Oats
Tired of sweet oatmeal? This savory Moroccan oats recipe is full of spices like turmeric that will help bolster your immune system. Try the accompanying oatmeal recipes for other flavorful takes on a breakfast staple.
Recipe: Spicy Moroccan Oats
Braised Eggplant with Fried Ginger
This eggplant and fried ginger recipe also boasts a lot of antioxidants, protecting the body from those free radicals and reducing inflammation. Now all you need is a side of rice.
Recipe: Braised Eggplant with Fried Ginger
Cranberry Green Tea Smoothie
Start your day with this antioxidant-packed smoothie, protecting your cells from free radicals along with a boost from essential vitamins and nutrients.
Recipe: Cranberry Green Tea Smoothie
Hanoi-Style Salmon with Turmeric and Dill
Along with turmeric, this Hanoi-style salmon recipe is rich with omega 3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and enhance white blood cell activity.
Recipe: Hanoi-Style Salmon with Turmeric and Dill
Romantic Desserts
![Mango Strawberry Shortcakes](https://img.sunset02.com/sunsetm/wp-content-uploads/2019-03-28UTC09/mango-strawberry-shortcakes-59890-0718.jpg)
Amy Dickerson
Mango Strawberry Shortcakes
Spice up your average strawberry shortcake with lime and mango in this Mango Strawberry Shortcake recipe from Isabel Cruz, chef and owner of Portland restaurant Isabel’s Pearl.
Recipe: Mango Strawberry Shortcakes
Lime Tartlets with Orange Blossom Cream and Toasted Fennel
This Lime Tartlet with Orange Blossom Cream recipe will provide an elegant end to any romantic dinner. If you’re wanting to get a head start, the tart shells can be made up to two days ahead.
Recipe: Lime Tartlets with Orange Blossom Cream and Toasted Fennel
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Nothing says romance like chocolate and raspberries. If you have an hour and a half to spare, this rich tart is a classic Valentine’s treat.
Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Bananas Foster
Be careful of flames when you make this Bananas Foster recipe from Alfred’s Steakhouse in San Francisco. Using cubes of toasted cinnamon brioche instead of pecans gives this dessert a crunchy layer beneath the sweet, caramelized bananas.
Recipe: Bananas Foster
Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups
If you’re feeling particularly in the Valentine’s Day spirit, make these Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups in heart-shaped ramekins. This rich and silky dessert is a Valentine’s Day icon, now and forever.
Recipe: Molten Chocolate Mousse Cups