Romantic Dinner

With a lot of help from Fab, we told you how to get the after-dinner look for Valentine's Day night, but first — well, really it can go in any order — you must eat.

Yum has already mapped out a romantic dinner for two, named the healthiest aphrodisiacs, and compiled everything you need to know about chocolate, the ultimate aphrodisiac, but delicious menus aren't recipes for perfect nights. Susannah Chen, associate editor of Yum, gives us her advice for a stress-free Valentine's Day dinner.

• "Rule No. 1 — dine at home! Unless a restaurant is offering something truly special that night (and chances are, they aren't!), skip the overpriced prix fixe and eat at home, whether that means cooking together, making dinner for your sweetheart, or ordering your favorite takeout with some nice wine. There's nothing more romantic than feeling like the two of you are the only people in the room — and that's not going to happen in a crowded, overpriced restaurant packed full of lovers making eyes at one another."
• "Create a plate that's meant for two. Sharing food can be very sexy. Remember Lady and the Tramp?"
• "This one's from my favorite sommelier, Eugenio Jardim, at Jardiniere in San Francisco. It's simple but brilliant: Stay away from wine bombs like New World Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, which can be upwards of 14 percent alcohol. A lighter alcohol content means the two of you won't be ready to pass out before dinner's over."

Read the rest below.

When planning a romantic dinner, it's important to make it different from the everyday meals you have together. The easiest way to do this is to set up a small table in an area you wouldn't normally eat, like by the fireplace or overlooking the window. Use placemats, cloth napkins, good china, and fine flatware. Place wine and water glasses on the table. Dim the lights and light lots of candles. Fill a vase with beautiful red flowers and position them in the background.

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day this year?

Before you sit down to a romantic dinner for two on Valentine's Day, enjoy each other's company over a blushing cocktail. This drink is the perfect boy meets girl concoction.

Don't be fooled by the pink color; it's gin-based, so it's not for the faint of heart. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness, while pomegranate juice and simple syrup slightly sweeten the beverage.

It's sure to get your intimate party started! To look at the easy recipe, read more

No romantic dinner is complete without a sweet finish and an occasion like Valentine's Day requires chocolate. Select a dish that's decadent, but can be made in advance. I recommend these creamy chocolate pots. They are rich and chocolatey, but most importantly, the recipe is super simple and fast! For an extra special treat, enjoy with cookies from your favorite bakery. Get the easy chocolate pot recipe when you read more

This Valentine's Day, don't bother with restaurant reservations and overpriced three-course menus. Instead, cook up a deliciously decadent dinner for two in the comfort of your own kitchen. Light candles, turn on mood music, and pour glasses of wine.

As for the menu, start with classic crab cakes — this variation highlights the meaty, pure flavor of crab. For the main course serve a luxuriously rich fettuccine Alfredo. Yes, it's fattening, but it's a special occasion! On the side, offer a mixed green salad with heart shaped beets. For these simple yet stunning recipes, read more