Rumor has it that Ina Garten’s engagement roast rooster is so good, it helped an iconic celeb couple take the subsequent step. Yep—Emily Blunt swears it performed a task in John Krasinski popping the query. However you don’t want a proposal on the horizon to know that an ideal meal can work slightly magic.

We’d wish to suppose that irrespective of the place you’re at within the love recreation—whether or not it’s your first Valentine’s Day collectively or your fifteenth—a home-cooked dinner is all the time a successful transfer. So this 12 months, we’re skipping the reservation-making and as an alternative cooking restaurant-worthy meals proper at dwelling.

In that spirit, we’ve put collectively 4 totally different menus tailor-made to each stage of a relationship. Perhaps it’s your first night time in and also you wish to impress with out completely stressing. Or possibly you and your longtime love have perfected the artwork of a comfortable meal for 2. Regardless of the vibe, we’ve a menu to match.

First Valentine’s Days could be nerve-racking, however a fastidiously ready meal can set the proper tone. These recipes are easy sufficient to maintain you from panicking, however particular sufficient to make an impression. Many of the dinner could be prepped prematurely so you will have time to chill out (or tempo nervously, simply being actual) till your date arrives. It’s additionally a traditional, crowd-pleasing dinner which is nice for those who’re not completely positive of their tastes simply but. Serve it with a easy salad or some crusty bread to spherical out the meal.

Whether or not you’ve already proposed or are pondering of doing so, this menu is bound to seal the deal. These recipes steadiness class with a sure degree of ease. A traditional roast rooster? All the time a superb transfer (simply be sure to plan forward for the buttermilk brine—love could also be spontaneous, however good rooster wants time). Or, for those who desire steak, go all in on a rainbow peppercorn crust. To actually take it excessive, end with a citrus-flecked crème brûlée.

By now, you’re comfy, so this menu leans into deeper, cozier flavors with simply the correct quantity of aptitude. Little cornish recreation hens make the proper date-night duo—particularly on this tagine take, which is bursting with warming spices. Serve with a facet of citrusy couscous, red-wine mushrooms, and end robust with some lava truffles.

In case you’ve finished the flamboyant dinners and over-the-top surprises, right here’s a meal that feels particular with out the fuss. The primary dishes do the heavy lifting, with the meat, potatoes, and veggies all cooking collectively. And, every dish could be dressed up or down—just like the winter citrus salad. Stick with simply radicchio, or add nuts and cheese to take it up a notch. Identical with the salmon, which comes with two do-it-yourself sauce choices for a simple improve.

For dessert, lean into the theme with a strawberry chocolate shortcake, or preserve it easy (however simply as indulgent) with double chocolate espresso cookies.