Happy Valentine's Day!  Like many people, you may be planning on cooking a meal at home rather than an going out for an expensive meal at a restaurant.  On Valentine's or for any special meal, that's actually my favorite way to go - it's so much more romantic and intimate to enjoy a quiet dinner together.  As a bonus, it's budget-friendly as well!  For right around $20,  you can enjoy any of the meals below, for two, including dessert. 

Here's a quick meal you can whip up in minutes.  I served this with Apricot Baked Brie (from our cookbook) and a ready-made TJ dessert, roughly $20 for two:

Zesty Shrimp over Roasted Aspargus

1/2 pound frozen Jumbo Uncooked Shrimp
12 spears fresh asparagus
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper
1 cube Frozen Crushed Garlic (or 1 clove crushed fresh garlic)
3 Tbsp Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta (Pesto would be a nice alternative)
1 Tbsp parsley, coarsely chopped

1.) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2.) Thaw the shrimp by running under cold water.  When thawed, pull off the tails if desired. 
3.) Trim the ends off the aspargus spears, cut spears in half, and place in baking pan.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Toss to coat.  Put in oven for 10 minutes.
4.) In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil and add the garlic.  Toss in the shrimp and saute until the shrimp looks opaque and nearly cooked (this should take less than 1 minute.  Never overcook shrimp).  Quickly add the bruschetta and stir till coated.  Remove from heat.
5.) Plate the dish by making a layer of asparagus, adding the shrimp on top, and garnishing with parsley.

No evening is complete without dessert!  You can't beat Trader Joe's frozen ready-made desserts for ease, elegance, and affordability combined.  For example, the Raspberry Creme Brulee comes in cute little ceramic ramekins; two servings in a package for $4.  The Apple Blossoms look like mini French bakery pies; two servings in a package for $2.  More suggestions are listed below.

 
** Dessert suggestions
Apple Blossoms
Raspberry Cremes Brulees
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate Souffles
Peach & Blueberry Panna Cotta
Cherry Clafoutis (French custardy cakes)
Lemon Tarts
Pecan Tarts

If you don't want to cook at all, here are some ready-made menus from our recent newsletter that you can simply heat and eat.  You can have a fuss-free dinner and focus on having a romantic evening together.

Dinner #1 Rack of Lamb This elegant entree is available pre-cooked in the refrigerated section.  Simply pair with steamed French green beans and miniature carrots, and you're done!  This meal will make even the most novice of cooks look like a 5-star chef, with no effort. Shopping list Seasoned Rack of Lamb Baby Green Beans Sweet Baby Carrots Dessert **

Dinner #2 Crab Cakes Treat yourselves to warm, soothing French Onion Soup, ready in minutes.  The next course is decadent crab cakes, served on a bed of mache leaves lightly tossed in a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette.  Avocado slices make a wonderful creamy garnish. Shopping list French Onion Soup (frozen) Maryland Crab Cakes (frozen) Crusty French bread Mache lamb's lettuce (or other salad mix) Dessert **

Dinner #3 Asparagus Risotto Start off with delectable puff pastry bites filled with caramelized onions and goat cheese.  Your next course is creamy risotto paired with your choice of boxed gourmet salad kits.  Look for the salad kits next to hummos and ready-made lunches (not the produce section). Shopping list Pastry Bites (frozen) Asparagus Risotto (frozen) Goat Cheese, Walnut, Red Bell Pepper salad (or your choice of pre-made salad)  Dessert **