Cooking Together for Valentine’s Day

February is the month where everything happens in pairs—love and expectations alike. And it all peaks around Valentine’s Day, whether you’re planning to cook something special or book a table at a fancy restaurant. But how about trying something different this year? A relaxed cooking session for two, with no pressure and all the perks of spending time together. You pick the menu, the tools are easy to find online or in stores, and the tips below come tested by couples with varying degrees of kitchen chemistry. The rest is a love story written in your own flavors.

Tips for an Unforgettable Couples Cooking Experience:

1. Convince the Less Enthusiastic Half

Get your partner—even the one not so passionate about cooking—on board from the start. Make sure they don’t leave you alone in the kitchen after just 10 minutes. This is non-negotiable.

2. No Culinary Adventure Without Foreplay

Start the preparations a day in advance—set the menu, write the shopping list, marinate the meats. Read the recipes thoroughly and make sure everything is organized so you’re not rushing through it. If you’re planning to cook something like a frozen turkey, remember it needs 24 hours in the fridge to thaw safely.

3. Sharp Knives Only

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: everything starts with a sharp, quality knife. A dull knife slows you down, increases the risk of accidents, and makes clean cuts impossible. A good knife isn’t just a kitchen essential—it’s also a thoughtful gift for any cooking enthusiast. (Zwilling has some of the best—just saying.)

4. Divide and Conquer (the Ingredients)

Split the tasks and the ingredients. One kneads the dough, the other whips the cream. One chops veggies in the food processor, the other washes tools and bowls. Or go big: one handles the steak while the other prepares a decadent dessert. However you divide the duties, try not to trip over each other unless everything is already in the oven and the only thing left is to fall into bed.

5. Try a Little Role-Play

She’s the head chef, he’s the sous-chef—or vice versa. It’s not just for laughs (though there’ll be plenty); it actually makes the process smoother. Help each other out, whether it’s passing the rolling pin, setting up the mixer, or just taste-testing a syrup that “needs something—but I can’t tell what.”

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Butcher

Even if you’re not into love triangles, Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to bring a passionate butcher into your love story. Ask for the best cut of meat for your dish or have them trim off the excess fat. A patient, knowledgeable butcher is worth their weight in gourmet gold.

7. Temperature Is the Heart of Every Dish

Contrary to popular belief, hotter isn’t always better. Respect the temperature guidelines in your recipes. A buttery tart crust needs cold butter straight from the fridge. A yeast-based dough—like for a brioche—needs ingredients that are warm and cozy.

We could say more—but that would be more about love than cooking, and love doesn’t need tips or tricks. Just a well-timed gift and a little inspiration—both of which you’ll find in our curated recommendations and beyond.