Give this year's celebration a classic touch with these vintage Valentine's Day recipes. Whether these mains, sides and sweets bring back memories or create new ones, they’re sure to win hearts.
69 Vintage Valentine’s Day Recipes
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Heart-Shaped Cookies
The delicate texture and rich flavor of these heart-shaped cookies make them extra special. As with any cutout cookie, baking them takes a few extra steps, but they're worth it.You’ll love these other Valentine’s Day cookie recipes.
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So-Easy Coq au Vin
Here’s my adaptation of the beloved French dish. I substituted boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lighter, easy coq au vin that still showcases the traditional and memorable taste. —Sonya Labbe, Los Angeles, CaliforniaMake your sweetie one of these delicious Valentine’s Day dinners.
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Salmon Mousse
Sophisticated in presentation yet deceptively simple to make, this salmon mousse will upgrade your garden parties, hors d'oeuvre hours and everyday snack time.Valentine’s Day recipes should be sweet and festive—and all these pink treats fit the bill.
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Chocolate Mousse
Our favorite chocolate mousse recipe makes a light, fluffy, rich showstopper of a dessert.
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Cranberry-Orange Roast Ducklings
I came up with this recipe few years ago. The first time I served it, there wasn't a speck of food left on the platter and I knew I had a winning recipe. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream
I love nothing more than a cold beer and a shucked oyster, so when my partners and I opened Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, we wanted to add them to the menu. We love making them, we love serving them and our guests love eating them. —Taylor Hicks, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Burnt Custard
The recipe for this smooth-as-silk custard came from a local restaurant years ago. With its broiled topping it looks pretty in individual cups. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, Alaska
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Crown Roast with Apricot Dressing
I have been making crown roasts for many years but was only satisfied with the results when I combined a few recipes to come up with this guest-pleasing version. It’s beautifully roasted with an apricot glaze and a nicely browned stuffing. —Isabell Cooper, Cambridge, Nova Scotia
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Paloma
The paloma is a popular Mexican cocktail starring smooth tequila and sweet-tart grapefruit soda. This simple recipe makes a citrusy cocktail that is perfectly refreshing. ¡Salud!
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Raspberry Fudge Torte
This special-occasion cake impresses all who see and taste it. People are surprised to hear that this torte starts with a simple cake mix—they're sure I bought it at a bakery. —Julie Hein, York, PennsylvaniaTake a look at these other Valentine’s Day cake recipes.
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Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin
This recipe features wild rice and apricot stuffing tucked inside a tender pork roast. —Kim Rubner, Worthington, Iowa
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Mint Lamb Stew
The lamb here isn’t just tender—it melts in your mouth! This recipe is an adaptation of a stew my mother used to make while I was growing up in England. Now I round it out with local root vegetables. —Maureen Evans, Rancho Cucamonga, California
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Sacher Torte
Guests will be surprised to hear that this Sacher torte recipe starts with a convenient cake mix. Each bite features chocolate, almonds and apricots. —Taste of Home Test KitchenCupid put down that arrow! We know that Valentine’s Day cookies are the way to your sweetie’s heart.
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Barley Risotto and Beef Stroganoff
I was missing my Russian grandma's barley porridge and beef stroganoff, so I combined the two dishes. Cook the barley using the risotto method to keep the grains whole and irresistibly chewy. —Tatiana Kireeva, New York, New York
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Sour Cream Bavarian
Are you ‘sweet on’ someone who’s counting calories? Show them you care with this light and refreshing dessert. It’s sinfully creamy and so pretty with the tart raspberry sauce. No one would ever guess that it’s fat-free! —Judi Janczewski, Berwyn, Illinois
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Scallops with Wilted Spinach
Two of my favorite foods are bacon and seafood. In this dish, I get them together with white wine, shallots and baby spinach. Serve with bread to soak up the tasty broth. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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Amaretto Cherries with Dumplings
You can't beat the combination of almond flavor with cherries. These light and fluffy dumplings are heavenly. Topped with the sauce and ice cream, it makes for a scrumptious dessert. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Mother's Rolls
These golden cloverleaf dinner rolls were one of my mother's specialties. We always looked forward to them on holidays and special occasions. —Patricia Baxter, Great Bend, Kansas
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Fluted Lemon Cake with Fresh Fruit
This citrusy, golden-brown cake looks especially beautiful baked in a fancy fluted pan. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. —Donna Pochoday, Morristown, New Jersey
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Red Wine & Cranberry Poached Pears
While being poached, the pear absorbs the sweetness and spice from the sugar, wine, cinnamon and peppercorn. It makes an easy yet elegant dessert that's perfect for a special night. —Kiersten Atkinson, Birmingham, Alabama
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Blue Cheese-Stuffed Shrimp
Cooked shrimp become something more extraordinary when stuffed with blue cheese. The mild flavor has mass appeal.—Amy Dollimount, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
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Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo
When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia
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Mulled Wine Jelly Candies
I don’t drink alcohol, so after I’ve had company over for dinner, I have to do something with the leftover wine. These unusual jelly candies make a nice hostess gift during the holidays. I make the mulled red wine version for the winter holidays, and a white wine variation in spring and summer.—Jennifer Mack, Pensacola, Florida
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Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake
This cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the cake. If it breaks while you're transferring it to the serving plate, just push the pieces back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
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Three-Cheese Souffles
No matter when I've made these soufflés, they have always been a success. Although I've never seen the centers start to fall, it's best to plan on serving them hot from the oven. —Jean Ference, Sherwood Park, Alberta
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Swedish Creme
Swedish cream is similar to panna cotta, because it is set with gelatin, but the tender dessert includes sour cream for subtle tanginess.
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Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
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Oysters Rockefeller
This old-school oysters Rockefeller recipe is decadent and dressed-up, yet easy to make at home. That just might be why it's been around for over 130 years.
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Tenderloin Steak Diane
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
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Banana Cream Eclairs
To surprise my banana-loving family, I made this dessert for a reunion, where it stood out among the usual fare. These special treats are something to look at and mouthwateringly delicious. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops
One of my absolute favorite meals to eat anytime is lamb chops! My girls, Hanna and Amani, love watching me make my delicious chops, but they love eating them even more. —Nareman Dietz, Beverly Hills, Michigan
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Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Baking a fun treat is a must when my four grandchildren come to stay for "grandma camp." Sometimes the grandkids help by piping the cake batter. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Classic Beef Wellingtons
Perfect for holidays, this beef Wellington recipe is also impressively easy. Find ready-made puff pastry sheets in the frozen food section. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
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Salmon Mousse Cups
I make these tempting little tarts frequently for parties. They disappear at an astonishing speed, so I usually double or triple the recipe. The salmon-cream cheese filling and flaky crust will melt in your mouth. —Fran Rowland, Phoenix, Arizona
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Cranberry Ambrosia Salad
My paternal grandmother used to make this for Christmas dinner. I'm not sure how many batches she made since there were nearly 50 aunts, uncles and cousins in our family. I still make the recipe in memory of her, and it's still as good as I remember. —Janet Hurley, Shell Rock, Iowa
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Bacon Water Chestnut Wraps
The holidays around the house just wouldn't be the same without these classic wraps. Through the years, Christmas Eve guests have proven it's impossible to eat just one. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
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Martini Recipe
When making a cocktail as naked as a martini, every move counts. Here is how to make a martini recipe like a true bartender.
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Lobster alla Diavola
I’ve cooked lobster alla diavola (devil’s style) since I was first married. We serve lobster at family celebrations, usually with linguine or capellini. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
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Succulent Strawberry Soup
This creamy fruit soup makes a perfect summertime treat for family and friends. The strawberry base with a hint of orange appeals to all palates! —Paula Pelis, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
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Cornmeal Parker House Rolls
My mom deserves the credit for making this recipe a family tradition. These sweet, tender rolls have been on every holiday table at her house for as long as I can remember. —Lisa D. Brenner, Harrisburg, Nebraska
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Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
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Lemon Chiffon Cake
Lemon chiffon cake is soft and spongy, with a fresh lemon flavor in the cake and the luscious buttercream frosting. Plan to eat this cake quickly, as chiffon cakes don't last very long. But that shouldn't be a problem, given how delicious this cake is.
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Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
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Prime Rib with Horseradish Sauce
To ring in the New Year, we invite friends for dinner and usually serve this prime rib with horseradish sauce. A menu featuring tender prime rib is festive, yet simple to prepare, and the pepper rub and mild horseradish sauce complement the beef's great flavor. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
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Boston Cream Cupcakes
Boston cream cupcakes have been my favorite bakery treat since I was a child, so I put together this easy-to-make version. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, MinnesotaCheck out these other Valentine’s Day cupcakes.
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Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing
Cornish hens bake up with a lovely golden brown shine when they are basted with my sweet and tangy glaze. The traditional rice stuffing has some added interest with crunchy pecans and sweet golden raisins.—Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
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Easy Chicken Piccata
If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do with chicken breasts, get inspired with this chicken piccata recipe that brings the cutlets to life with citrusy lemon flavors and a creamy butter sauce.
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Cherry Kiss Cookies
Topped with a chocolate kiss, these cherry-flavored cookies look super cute on a dessert tray. Share them with family and friends. —Joy Yurk, Grafton, Wisconsin
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Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries
A fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Nana's Italian Roulade
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
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Butter Cookies
Learn the basics and perfect the art of making the best-ever butter cookies with this step-by-step guide.
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Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
This comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba
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Heart's Delight Eclair
This lovely and luscious treat is rumored to have been the favorite dessert of European royalty long ago. I know that it's won the hearts of everyone I've ever made it for. Enjoy! —Lorene Milligan, Chemainus, British Columbia
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Cherry Waldorf Salad
We combine apples with tart cherries and dried cranberries to give an autumn twist to classic Waldorf salad. —Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
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Strawberry-Hazelnut Meringue Shortcakes
In summer the strawberry farms are open for picking. I serve strawberries with a crunchy hazelnut meringue cookie. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Twice-Baked Red Potatoes
Before my baby was born, I was in nesting mode and made lots of freezable recipes like these creamy red potatoes. The yogurt is a healthy swap for sour cream. —Valerie Cox, Secretary, Maryland
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Chocolate Truffles
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
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Slow-Cooker Beef Tips
As a busy mom, I love my slow-cooker meals! Beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I make this slow-cooker beef tips recipe with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Mocha Baked Alaskas
Make these baked Alaskas ahead of time—you can torch the completed desserts and freeze them up to 24 hours before serving. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
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Lemon-Herb Salmon Toasts
Quick, light and tasty, my salmon toasts make irresistible finger food. —Christie Wells, Lake Villa, Illinois
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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple upside-down cake was once a retro relic that now ranks among the most classic desserts of all time. Follow our traditional recipe below—no extra frills needed here!
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Brandy Old-Fashioned
In Wisconsin, we do things differently with this classic cocktail. Learn how to make a Badger State brandy old-fashioned to sip wherever you call home.
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Brown Sugar Pound Cake
This tender pound cake is the first one I mastered. You'll want to eat the browned butter icing by the spoonful. It tastes like pralines. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
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Parmesan Creamed Spinach
This rich and creamy spinach dish takes minutes to make. If I'm expecting guests, I'll double or triple the recipe. —Leann Ross, San Tan Valley, Arizona
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Old-Fashioned Scalloped Pineapple
My deliciously different dressing goes well with turkey or ham. It's also good for dessert with a little cream poured over the top! —Nancy Brown, Dahinda, Illinois
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