Winter Recipes To Melt Your Date’s Heart

I feel like I was going on about fall date recipes just yesterday, but it turns out the seasons went right ahead and changed when I wasn’t looking, leaving us with an impending cold and darkness that is WINTER. Starting in December right up to Valentines Day marks the busiest time for site traffic on PlentyOfFish.  So if you’re considering putting your dating life on hold and hibernating this winter, give your head a shake, crank up your stove, and invite your date over for a meal because you are about to make some SOUP.

1. Carrot & Coriander Soup

Soup is the most comforting thing ever when it’s cold outside, but not that sad canned chicken noodle variety that you keep in your earthquake kit! Go homemade or go HOME.  This carrot and coriander soup is very simple with only a handful of ingredients, and happens to be nutritious to boot! I suggest getting started on this recipe about an hour before your date arrives. You’ll finish up just as they’re stepping in the door so you can serve it up hot as a hearty first course.

PRO TIP: Definitely attempt the garnish on the soup because it’s really easy and looks professional. Also, be sure to keep any leftovers in the freezer for an easy weeknight meal well into the new year!

2. Spinach & Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemony White Wine Sauce

It sounds a little intimidating but I promise this chicken recipe is a breeze…and it has BACON. Except for the Gorgonzola cheese, you might already have most of these ingredients in your fridge, meaning you don’t need to break the bank on expensive specialty foods when you’re dealing with the financial stress of the holidays. This recipe takes about 45 minutes, so I recommend prepping the stuffing before your date arrives, meaning all that’s left to do  is whip up the sauce, and stuff/roll up the chicken breasts before you pop them in a skillet.

PRO TIP: Instead of using fresh spinach, I used frozen and it was just fine. Also, to make sure our chicken wasn’t too lonely on the plate, I served with peas.

3. Chocolate Pudding Cake 

This dessert is the ace up your sleeve – no oven required! With only 6 ingredients, it won’t overwhelm you during preparation, but you WILL love the rich flavor and fluffy texture.

PRO TIP: best enjoyed while curled up by a fire – rum and eggnog recommended.

Bon appétit!