- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- recipes today articles
- recipes today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
What's For Dinner?
An After-hours Valentine Dinner
By Allison Huller McAlister
Though the stories behind the history of Valentine's Day differ, one thing is certain: February 14 is a day to celebrate love. Children exchange valentines with their classmates, loved ones are presented with flowers and candy, and special meals are consumed. The following menu allows you to feed the kids a dinner and dessert that they'll love and then put them to bed early and enjoy a late-night candlelight dinner with your spouse.
A Heart-Shaped Pizza is a delicious and fun Valentine's Day supper for kids of all ages – and they can even help with the preparation. For dessert, both your children and you and your spouse 
will enjoy Strawberry Vanilla Shortcake, a festive ending to the Valentine's meal.
Once the kids are safely tucked away in bed, just the two of you can sit down to a romantic dinner featuring foods with alleged aphrodisiacal qualities. Since oysters are one of these foods, we'll begin the meal with an appetizer of Smoked Oysters Wrapped in Bacon. The main course is Burgundy Filet Mignon, juicy and tender steaks marinated in a burgundy and oyster sauce blend, with Loaded Baked Potatoes as an almost sinful accompaniment. Conclude the meal with the shortcake dessert, complete with strawberries, vanilla pudding and whipped cream. While you're at it, why not enjoy the meal with a glass or two of champagne? Cheers!
Before indulging in a romantic dinner for two, you'll need to feed the kids and get them off to bed early. This pizza, appropriately shaped like a heart, is easy, fun and delicious for the children, who will have a ball helping you prepare it.
| Ease of Preparation: |  |
 |
who are you?
we have specific content just for you!
| SAH Mom | Working Mom |
| SAH Dad | Working Dad |
| Adoptive Parent | Grandparent |
| Parent of Twins | Special Needs Parent |