How To Survive Cooking Valentine's Day Dinner With Your Sweetie

If you are the head chef in your home kitchen, it is time to step down from the helm. Consult with your partner about what he or she wants to cook. Perhaps your boyfriend is the master of eggs — let him cook an egg dish. Make sure that he feels confident in the dish choice so you can both feel like you are contributing.

Need some ideas on what to make? Try any of these Valentine's Day recipes!

You're an adult! You can read a recipe! You can do this. In fact, you can make a night of it by cooking a meal with your significant other. A romantic evening in the comfort of your own home? Sign. You. Up.

Dessert is essential on Valentine's Day, but if you're baking, you need to work on this portion first so it is ready in time for your meal. Choose a dessert that really speaks to your relationship, or one you just know you'll devour, and be sure to follow the recipe! Remember: baking is a science!

Get sweet inspiration from these heart-shaped Valentine's Day sweets. 

Going together to the food store is essential for two reasons. One, you get to spend more quality time with your Valentine. Two, if you forget something, you're both accountable and no one is mad at each other. Keep the peace, you have a long night ahead. 

This is where you start to get to work. If your mate is excellent at manning the stove, suggest that he or she sets up a station there. If you are an excellent chopper, take on that task. Just be sure to go down the ingredient list and the directions and share the responsibilities. 

Um, have you ever heard of being hangry? Yeah, you don't want that. Try nibbling on light bites to keep you happy and mildly satiated until dinnertime. 

*Or whatever beverage you prefer. And by "cook with," we mean drink while cooking, if you enjoy alcoholic beverages. Why? Because you're supposed to be relaxed and having fun, darn it. 

While this is totally a "together" activity, crossing paths with hot things and sharp knives is always very dangerous. Stay to your part of the kitchen just purely for safety. 

While you're working on your part of the meal, make sure you give your cooking partner a heads-up as to where you are. Timing is a big part of any recipe, so you want to be sure you are in sync. 

o maybe your partner doesn't quite dice the carrots to your size liking. Perhaps you enjoy your mashed potatoes a little lumpier. Allow each other the smaller pleasures without nagging. It'll be like a gift and a meal all in one. 

Nothing is less sexy than a sink stacked sky-high with dishes. Clean as you go to reduce after-dinner tidying up. You'll have better things to do after dinner.

...Obviously, we meant dessert; get your head out of the gutter!

Nothing is sweeter, not even dessert, than showing your gratitude. Thank your partner for his help and compliment him on what he aced in the kitchen. A little flattery is always welcomes on Valentine's Day!