Special Occasion Dinners for Any Home Chef

For many of us over the past year, an evening to celebrate a special occasion with dinner out on the town has been put on hold. In the meantime, we still need to celebrate, perhaps now more than ever. No matter your culinary talents — or lack thereof — any home cook can upgrade an ordinary night in, to give a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day (hint hint), or any big announcement or milestone the recognition it deserves.

Create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It is easier than you think, but the results are just as impressive as if it were prepared by a professional. One of our most popular cuts of beef for a special dinner is the filet mignon. Keep it simple with a classic pan-seared cooking method that can’t be beat for tenderness. The same goes for the porterhouse, often a steak that is a real treat for hearty appetites. Serve with your favorite steakhouse sides, and it’ll taste truly authentic. Another special occasion meal that might be far from your usual at-home menu: grilled lollipop lambchops. The “rack of lamb,” has incredibly tender meat. It’s a perfect meal for two, either for Valentine’s Day or any weekend night and easier to prepare than you’d think.

Focus on the cooking and let us help with the dessert. Butcher Boy has a sweet selection of cakes and pastries to pair with your savory entree. Looking for something decadent? Try a chocolate lava cake, Mousse Tower, or the Konditor Meister ganache cake for two. Need a great bottle of wine or the makings for a fancy cocktail? We have that, too!

Even though you’re at home, there are some easy ways to make it feel like a special night out. Change out of your usual attire and dress the part, break out the good dishes and glasses, light a few candles, and set the mood with music. If you have a fireplace, create some fireside dining romance. If the weather cooperates, how about an outdoor winter wonderland? String up some lights around the deck or patio. Sit around a crackling fire pit under blankets take the time to reconnect under the stars.

What are your time-tested romantic meals and at-home date ideas? Share with us on Facebook or Instagram.