This Valentine’s Day, I did the work so you don’t have to

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, It's Valentine's Day, But There's a Pandemic to Get Through

Doesn't it feel like we just did Valentine's Day? This night last year involved a heart-shaped meatloaf, painted sugar cookies adorned with food puns, and a late-night outing to a Broadway show. This year is just an excuse to get out of our mundane cycle of work, snacking, and Netflix binging. However, the effort to organize something feels like an added stresser to my pandemic life that I just don't have the bandwidth for. Needless to say, I did the work so you don't have to. Explore one of these fun activities for a little something different with your special someone, family, gal pal, or even if it's just yourself:

Bike Crawl: This past summer my partner and I turned a doughnut craving into a bike tour that took us across the 5 boroughs. We mapped out some of the top ranked in the city, then planned our route, eating one or two at each. This allowed us to get out, keep our social distance, and add some movement to our consumption. If it's too cold or you don't have access to a bike you can make this into a car situation with parks and other sites sprinkled in.
Recipe Project: Classic fine dining dishes can seem like a huge lift to make on your own, but they are actually quite approachable with the proper preparation. Make pasta from scratch, try your hand at this old fashioned blood orange sheet cake, or celebrate the Lunar New Year with homemade dumplings.
Reflective Listening: I love a lazy day filled with the sound of my favorite podcasts and puzzle building. It's the ideal blend of solo reflection, while being in the moment together. Give these food-inspired shows a listen, then discuss your thoughts together.
Virtual Mixology Class: If quarantine has taught me anything it's that I love a good cocktail and I'm horrible at making them. There are endless resources for online classes to take your imbibing up a notch.
That's Amore: Make it a full-blown Italian night at home with the checkered tablecloth, red sauce, and a shower of Parmesan cheese. One of my favorite brands, Seemore Meats & Veggies just debuted their Chicken Parm sausage which makes bolognese a cinch. Follow it up with a classic tartufo and cue the Frank Sinatra.
Picnic Retreat: Pack your basket, grab a blanket, and pick a scenic spot. Whether you make your own snacks or choose to support local restaurants by taking out, it's one of the easiest ways to take in the sites around you. I suggest breaking out the frisbee or keep it chill with a crossword puzzle.
Throw it Back: Who doesn't love a good theme night? Throw a 90s celebration with a screening of Big Night, Soul Food, The Joy Luck Club, or Pulp Fiction. Create a menu inspired by movie scenes or your favorite 90s foods. Hello, Viennetta.
Culinary Journey: We all have a growing travel bucket list. Why not explore those destinations through your tastebuds? Choose a cuisine, then dive deep into the culture and history behind the dish as you explore the techniques, ingredients, and flavors.
Pack Your Knives: Turn up the heat through a friendly cooking challenge. Write a handful of random ingredients on slips of paper. Both of you (or if it's the family, breakout into teams) choose 3 slips, then give each other a set amount of time to cook and present your creations. You can even Zoom friends to judge.
Treat Yo'Self: It's been a year. No really, it's been a year that we've all been dealing with the realities of the pandemic in various ways. Whether it means indulging a feast and nice bottle of wine or just making it a spa day at home. Additionally, there are a number of chefs out of work you can hire for a private dining experience at home with the proper precautions.

Whatever you decide, lose the pressure and have fun! Love the ones around you in whatever way keeps the focus on the bright lights in your life and less on the grandiose gestures. Tag us on Instagram @thespruceeats and share in how you're celebrating the love!

- Lauryn Bodden
Associate Food Editor, The Spruce Eats