A low-cost menu to celebrate Valentine’s Day

From cocktails to desserts, including ideas for appetizers and main courses, we’ve selected recipes to create a Valentine’s Day menu that’s easy on the wallet. The suggestions will appeal to lovers who want to celebrate the holiday for two as well as to those who prefer to gather the family around a good meal.

Sweetheart by Monsieur Cocktail

Let’s raise our glasses to this heartfelt day with this cocktail made with sparkling wine and unicorn syrup (a strawberry syrup) that gives it a colourful touch. The drink is served in stemmed glasses and decorated with strawberry halves, whose red colour is reminiscent of Valentine’s Day hearts.

Litchi Martini

This mocktail is sure to please everyone. A mixture of white grape juice and lime juice has star anise, cinnamon sticks and litchis added to it before refrigerating. The drink is presented in martini glasses and decorated with a cinnamon stick and star anise.

Prosciutto, olive, and orange brochettes

Brochettes combining prosciutto, orange supremes, basil leaves and olives make for the perfect aperitif. Thread the ingredients in this order to maximize the balance of flavours and drizzle with oil and balsamic vinegar for an easy-to-make starter that also has the advantage of being budget-friendly.

Shrimp and grilled red pepper canapés

Shrimp are at the heart of this recipe that’s served as an appetizer. They are cooked with onion in boiling water along with pepper and a bay leaf, then served as a garnish on crackers spread with a mixture of peppers. These little bites will be gone in no time!

Pork wellington with creamy herb sauce from Trois fois par jour

Pork tenderloin, an advantageous cut, is favoured for this recipe inspired by beef Wellington. The meat is coated with a filling made of vegetables and dates cooked in a broth. Once the pork is filled and coated with its crust, it is frozen for 15 minutes before going into the oven. Drizzle with a delicious herb sauce just before serving.

Chicken leg Cacciatore from Stefano Faita

This comfort food dish will fill the kitchen with its classic Italian cuisine cooking aromas. Tomatoes, roasted peppers, olives and herbs accompany chicken legs that are cooked in a generous broth and served over linguine. This tasty recipe, prepared with several ingredients from the pantry, is warm and welcoming

Queen Elizabeth Cake

With its dough made with date puree and its coconut-based icing that gets spread on the cake while still warm, the Queen Elizabeth is a real favourite for those with a sweet tooth. This indulgent dessert, which is served at both big and small occasions, is easy to make and easy on the budget.

Decadent brownies with red velvet icing

Chocolate, a Valentine’s Day staple, is one of the key ingredients in this favourite recipe. This variation is prepared by replacing the traditional chocolate frosting with a red velvet icing and topping the brownies with white chocolate shavings. Festive and delicious!