Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be spent at a crowded, expensive restaurant with other couples. Instead, why not spend the 14th at home with your loved one where you won’t be bothered by indifferent waiters and loud customers? With the right meal (preferably prepared using a grill), mood lighting and soft music, your special valentine will love an intimate dinner at home. If you live in a warm climate, you can hold it outdoors in front of a cozy fireplace or firepit. Or if you’re in a colder part of the country, consider serving the meal in front of the indoor fireplace. Move the furniture and prepare a picnic-style meal on the carpet. This will surely keep both of you warm on Valentine’s Day!

Here’s an easy Rib Eye recipe that won’t cost you $50 a plate.

Rib Eye with Garlic-Thyme Marinade

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grates
6 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons (about 15 sprigs) fresh thyme leaves
2 rib-eye steaks, each about 1 pound and 1 ½ inches thick
Coarse salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium baking dish (or bowl), combine oil, garlic, and thyme. Add steaks, and turn to coat. Cover dish and refrigerate; let marinate, turning steaks occasionally, at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
2. Heat grill to medium-high; lightly oil grates. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off (discard marinade); season with salt and pepper. Place steaks on grill; cover. Cook, turning once, until meat is desired doneness, 12 to 16 minutes for medium-rare.

And for the ultimate, yet simple, dessert try this Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries recipe. Make them a head of time or together, this classic dessert will always set the perfect mood.

Dimplex