Cook Fast, Live Young: Tips for a Frugal and Romantic Valentine

^{Image Courtesy of ilovebutter via Flickr}

If you want to make a dinner that's sure to impress your date, it's always a good idea to find out his or her favorite food and make that. Maybe you'll get lucky and learn that your loved one really enjoys a simple classic like spaghetti and meatballs. But of course, sometimes you don't want to spoil the surprise by asking in advance. In that case, you can surprise your loved one with a really fancy meal, and don't forget to bring out the china, a nice tablecloth, and maybe even a candle or two!

Here are a few options for a romantic dinner for two that won't break the bank.

Fondue for Two

There are few meals more romantic than sharing an intimate fondue dinner, but most fondue restaurants are pricey. Instead make it yourself! You can invest in a nice fondue pot for as little as $20 - $30.  Making fondue requires a little preparation time, but you can have it all ready to go when your loved one arrives. Then you can just sit back and enjoy your meal together. Check out the cheese, broth and chocolate fondue recipes that I've shared in the past. I recommend choosing either cheese or broth. Don't try both, or you'll have too much food. But dessert is a must!

Surf and Turf

This is another classic Valentine's meal that can cost a fortune at a restaurant. The good news is it's not hard to make at home.

For the "surf" portion of the meal, simply purchase frozen, pre-cooked crab legs. I often find them on sale at Target, but you can find good deals at your local grocery store too. Frozen is best because it keeps the meat fresh. Cook them in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 9 minutes, and then serve with melted butter and lemon wedges. Want to get even fancier? Make lemon butter. It sounds impressive, but it's so easy to make. Mix 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and a little pepper, and voila!

Now for the "turf" part. Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, but you don't need to eat much to be satisfied. Keep it small, maybe 6 to 8 ounces for each of you. If you can only find large packages, talk to the butcher and have them repackage a smaller quantity. To cook them, place your oven rack at its highest position and set it to broil. Then rub each steak with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. If you'd like, wrap a slice of bacon around each filet, securing it with a toothpick. Then broil them for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You can also cook the filets in a skillet over medium-heat. It will also be about 5 to 7 minutes for each side.

And don't forget dessert! Buy a few chocolate-covered cherries for a little treat at the end of your meal.

Juliana Weiss-Roessler has ten years of professional writing and editing experience. For four years, she managed the web content for the star of an Emmy-nominated reality series. Currently, she is an editor for the geek girl e-zine PinkRaygun.com, a contributor to the career blog at Resumark.com, and owner of the food blog CookFastLiveYoung.blogspot.com. Follow her @cookfast on Twitter and learn more about her work at WeissRoessler.com.