Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe & Other Valentine’s Day Ideas

This creamy mushroom risotto, along with some dessert and appetizers, are a great way to surprise your special someone on Valentine’s Day.

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and you’re still trying to figuring out what to cook for that special someone, aren’t you? That’s okay, I’ve got you covered. Nothing says, “I love you” more than a pot of gently simmered, carefully tended creamy risotto. Really, it beats conversation hearts any day of the week. Even though the word “creamy” is in the title, this mushroom risotto is one of the healthiest versions around. I ditched the butter and extra Parmesan, and was still rewarded with a dish that tasted as decadent as a molten lava cake.

Of course, a Valentine’s meal isn’t complete without dessert, and perhaps a special appetizer or side dish. So, I put together a couple of menu options that take the guesswork out of menu planning. Scroll down for more details.

For the mushroom risotto recipe, pop over to this post that I wrote for allParenting.com.

Dinner #1:

If you’re going to serve a salad on Valentine’s Day, why not serve one with a kick of bourbon? Between the bourbon and the glass of red wine you’re sure to be sipping while stirring the risotto, you and your loved one will be feeling very amorous by then end of the evening. Top the meal off with a beautiful meringue, which can be made the day before, served with a scoop of red raspberry sorbet.

Warm Bourbon Spinach Salad with Bacon & Avocado
Almond Meringue with Raspberry Sorbet

Dinner #2:

If you tend to get the nibbles before dinner, whip up a few strawberry and Brie cheese crostini. These would go beautifully with a glass of Prosecco, or your favorite sparkling wine. End the meal with a gloriously chewy bar made of oats and Nutella.

Strawberry, Brie Cheese, Honey & Basil Crostini
Chewy Nutella & Oatmeal Bars

Of course, these meals don’t have to be saved only for February 14th. Surprising your loved one with a special meal, perhaps after a long work week or to kick off a vacation, is a sure way to earn points.

Tagged as: appetizer, Dessert, meal, mushroom, recipe, risotto, Valentine's Day