Valentine’s recipes worth staying in for

NC) Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, cooking for someone special or treating yourself, these recipes can turn Valentine’s Day into something warm, indulgent and memorable. From chocolate desserts to comforting bakes and flavour-forward dinners, each dish brings a little extra love to the table.

An elegant dinner that feels thoughtfully made

Grilled salmon with prune chutney is proof that nourishing meals can still feel indulgent. With rich flavour, beautiful presentation and a balance of sweet and savoury, this dish sets the tone for a relaxed yet refined Valentine’s evening.

Grilled Salmon with Prune Chutney

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 portions

Ingredients:

• 4 skin-on salmon fillets (675 g/1.5 lbs total)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) orange juice
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and finely diced
• 1 cup (250 ml) California prunes, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh grated ginger
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp (0.75 ml) nutmeg
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• Pinch salt
• Pinch black pepper

Directions:

For the chutney:

1. Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil to a pan set over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add brown sugar, vinegar and orange juice.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add apple, prunes, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often.
6. Add water as needed, using ¼ cup at a time so chutney stays jammy and moist.
7. Set aside.

For the salmon:

1. Sprinkle flesh side of salmon with salt and pepper.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil over medium heat.
3. Cook salmon skin side down, about 10 minutes, or until skin is crisp.
4. Turn and cook until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3-4 minutes (total cooking time is 10 minutes per inch of thickness).
5. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of prune chutney to each salmon fillet and serve.
6. Save extra chutney in the refrigerator.

From savoury mains to sweet treats, these recipes offer simple inspiration for a Valentine’s celebration at home that feels warm, indulgent and easy to enjoy.

For more recipes, visit www.foryourlife.ca/category/food-and-recipes/