Valentine's Day Recipes You Can Cook Together

Instead of making a lavish dinner for your partner, how about making dinner? This wasWhat is the date?

Cooking for others is its own wonderful love language, but it’s a different kind of special to cook together—and it’s a great excuse to try something outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s something a bit more involved that benefits from an extra set of hands, like fresh pasta. Maybe it’s a fun DIY-style dinner that you assemble as you go. It will take your time, attention, communication, and creativity. A sense of humor is also recommended for when things don’t turn out as expected (nailing those perfect dumpling pleats will take a few tries).

THE COUPLE WHICH PREPS TOGETHER

With an extra hand, recipes are easier to make.

PIZZA

Mix the dough. Shape it into pillows. Add your favorite toppings. Bake it until golden brown.

Che Fico Pizza Dough

GP loved this pizza so much, she asked Che Fico chef and co-owner David Nayfeld to show us how it’s done.

Brussels Sprouts, Pancetta, and Ricotta Pizza

Brussels Sprouts, Pancetta,
and Ricotta Pizza

This lighter version of a white pie is a great choice. The richness of the pancetta and cheeses is balanced well by the sweet cruciferous Brussels sprouts. Finally, the bright lemon juice at end awakens your palate.

Margherita Pizza

This pie’s secret is its simplicity. Use high-quality ingredients.

PASTA

Making pasta with your partner is so much fun. Try a variety of pasta shapes and fillings.

Pasta Dough

From Roberta’s CookbookThis is a quick and easy recipe for making pasta dough that can be used for any occasion.

Three-Cheese Tortellini en Brodo

A delicious combination of creamy ricotta, tender pasta dough, garlicky broth and salty Parmesan creates an amazing bite.

Mushroom, Greens, and Goat Cheese Ravioli

Mushroom, Greens,
Ravioli made with Goat Cheese

Umami-rich mushrooms, earthy greens, and tart but creamy goat cheese.

DUMPLINGS

Making dumpling fillings is easy and quick. Once it’s done, it’s time to fold and pleat. You can keep it simple with store-bought wrappers or try your hand at a homemade dough—we like this dumpling and dough recipe from The Woks of Life.

Chicken, Cabbage, and Zucchini Dumplings

Chicken, Cabbage,
Zucchini Dumplings

The classic flavor of dumplings is created by ginger and green onions. We also love the addition of cabbage and zucchini.

Spring Veggie Dumplings

These tiny, veggie-packed green dumplings are light and fresh.

Five-Spice Squash Dumplings

A delicious filling is roast squash, especially when it’s combined with the warming Chinese five spice blend.

SWOONS-DAY PREPPERS

La DoubleJ
Apron
goop, $120

One for you.

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La DoubleJ
Apron
goop, $80

You can have one for each half.

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Fly by Jing
Triple Threat
Fly by Jing, $45

A dumpling’s best friend.

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Nobleza Del Sur
Day Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
goop, $37

This Spanish olive oil has a full-bodied flavor and is great on almost everything.

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Gefu
Ravioli Pasta Maker Case
goop, $32

You’ll look like a ravioli pro.

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Marcato
Atlas 180 Pasta Machine
goop, $150

Boxed pasta is not welcome to the party.

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goop Home
5QT Covered Cassarole
goop, $150

Every kitchen needs a large pot.

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DIY TYPE

Romance: The perfect bite, lovingly prepared by your crush.

LETTUCE WEAR

Cool, crisp lettuce stuffed with protein-rich foods or cooked vegetables. There are so many toppings and sauces that you can use to make your wrap unique.

Yellowfin Red Romaine Wraps

Wraps of Yellowfin Red Romaine

If you’re not into fish, this is also great with sliced grilled rib eye.

Eggplant, Tofu, and Cauliflower Lettuce Cups

Tofu, eggplant, and
Cauliflower Lettuce Cups

We love traditional pork bo ssam, so we wanted a meatless version with the same savory, spicy flavors and crispy texture.

Pork Lettuce Cups with Nuoc Cham

Pork Lettuce Cups With Nuoc Cham

Douse your lettuce cups in nuoc cham and you’ll be in umami heaven.

CHICKEN SKEWERS

Grilling is already such a fun way to cook, and it’s even better if you’re able to be outside. We love making skewers because they’re highly customizable.

Turmeric Chicken Kebabs

Feel free to change up the veggies—this one is super riffable.

Detox Teriyaki Chicken

As written, these aren’t skewers, but if you cut up the chicken and stick it on a skewer with some green onion, you’re on your way to an easy and impressive yakitori-inspired situation.

Chicken Kefta Wraps

Wrap each kebab individually in a lettuce leaves. Top with fresh herbs and cucumbers. Finally, dip the entire thing in tahini.

HANDROLLS

You can cook rice in a rice cooker. Or you can buy rice precooked at the sushi station at your grocery store. Then, put out a spread made of thinly sliced raw or pickled vegetables. For a complete spread, you can add either a super fresh or cooked protein. Roll it up.

Easy Hand Rolls

Rolls of easy hand

Our go-to combos for hand rolls—they never miss.

Kimchi and Grilled Chicken Nori Wrap

Kimchi adds heat and acidity to this wrap.

Salmon Sushi Burrito

These burrito-size nori wraps are substantial, but you can easily make smaller ones—just use a half sheet instead.

GET COOKIN’, GOOD LOOKIN’

Cuisipro
Handheld Mandoline
goop, $48

Every time, perfect slices

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Nordic Ware
Set of 3-Piece Nonstick Sheet Pans Made from Gold
goop, $75

There are many uses for a sheet pan set, but we love using it to organize our mise en place.

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Everdure
The Cube Portable Grill
goop, $199

For cooking and dining alfresco—at the park, on the beach, or in your backyard.

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Alexis Steelwood
Blackened-Oak Carved Heart
goop, $200

It’s easier to say it with a board.

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Anissa Kermiche
Body Salt and Pepper Shakers
goop, $88

Never has salt and pepper been so powerful.

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La DoubleJ
Large tablecloth
goop, $260

Set the scene.

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goop x GreenPan
Blush Padova 10-Piece Set
goop, $400

You can even have your cookware on the theme for the evening.

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GreenPan
Rice cooker
goop, $130

Every time, perfect rice

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EXTEND YOUR DESSERTS

You’ve done a lot already—enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor for dessert.

Lady M New York
Signature Mille Crepes
goop, $123

This is a very special cake for someone special.

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Mosser Glass
Glass Cake Dome
goop, $52

Dessert should be displayed as a work-of-art.

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Spiritless
Kentucky 74
goop, $36

Non-alcoholic alternatives to a nightcap

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Clevr
Rose Cocoa Superlatte
goop, $32

Simply add water.

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La DoubleJ
Set of 6 Dessert Plates
goop, $340

Enjoy a stylish meal.

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La DoubleJ
Espresso Cup Set of 2
goop, $185

The prettiest little demitasse you ever did see.

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