Ah, Valentine’s Day - the holiday that causes countless fights among couples who either can’t decide how to celebrate, complain that they “never do anything special anymore”, or are disappointed with whatever celebration they’ve chosen or gifts they’ve received. Do yourselves a favor, guys, and lessen the pressure by acknowledging this day with a simple home-cooked meal. Cooking together will actually bring you closer together and isn’t that what the day is all about? Here are some recipe suggestions.

If you have the chance to enjoy a long breakfast the morning of, or plan to have one the morning of the 15th, try this amazing pancake recipe (1) or this fruit-filled french toast (2) that just begs to be eaten in bed. If you prefer the savory route, I suggest the bacon and mushroom grilled cheese sandwich (3).

As for dinner, impress your carnivore of a significant other with boeuf bourguignon (4) (which is easier to make than it sounds), or if you’re vegetarians, try the creamy chick pea, tomato and basil pasta (5).

If you’re single, invite over a fellow single friend, make yourselves some curry beef tacos with pico de gallo (6), toast to your singledom (come on, you know it’s fun) and plop down on the couch for a Ryan Gosling rom-com.

Enjoy!

The title of this post is a reference to “My Funny Valentine” by Chet Baker.