For Moms with little ones or even tweens, it can be “Mission Impossible” trying to put some romance in your life. Getting out for a Saturday night is hard enough, let alone on Valentine’s Day when restaurants and baby sitters have been booked for months and menus are overpriced for the evening. With all this working against you, you might feel like someone dumped cold water on your love life. But don’t give up we have the perfect plan for you. If you have a date for the evening, a cozy spot in your home and the desire, we have 3 hot tips to help you prepare an intimate Valentine’s Day celebration for two...

Hot Tip #1: Get Romantic with a Fire & Ice Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. Vodka (fire)
• 4 oz. Brut Champagne
• A splash of pomegranate Juice or scoop of pomegranate sorbet (ice)

Directions:

• Pour vodka in champagne flute, add champagne and top off with a scoop of pomegranate sorbet. Add a rock candy sugar stick for a garnish that looks like ice.

Hot Tip #2: Serve a Tasting Menu for Two
Keep it simple and it won’t be overwhelming. Enjoy small plates - eating this way encourages a leisurely meal and conversation, much more romantic than feeling overstuffed and rushed at a restaurant. Serve bite-sized portions so you can eat with your hands – it’s very sensual. Just make sure everything you serve can be made ahead so “what’s cooking” is not you in the kitchen. Then, for dessert indulge your desire for chocolate. On Valentine's Day, or any romantic winter's eve, chocolate is an essential element.

Menu Suggestions:

• Cheese plate with all the accoutrements; figs, honey, nuts, and crackers
• Soup
• Stuffed Bread (broccoli and cheese)
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Assorted Fruit (like grapes and strawberries) and whipped cream
• Assorted Chocolates

Hot Tip #3: Create a Romantic Atmosphere

• Set the scene for a romantic evening. Add romance and surprise by moving your party for two from the table to a more comfortable location. If you have a fireplace, clear the floor directly in front, spread out a blanket and arrange some throw pillows for comfortable lounging. If you have a faux fur blanket, drape it on the side for cozying up later with a cocktail. If you don't have a fireplace, locate a cozy corner, light some candles and create your own "fire".

• Create a music play list not only as an important element of your romantic evening, but also as a love letter to your partner and a keepsake of the evening. It makes a beautiful gift that your loved-one can enjoy all year. You can easily create your play list on iTunes. Turn on the music before the evening begins to get into the romantic mood of your evening. Here is a list of 50+ Love Songs to get you started go>