Ditch the reservations: 10 things to cook for your girl for Valentine's day

By CECELIA MARSHALL Published February 12, 2013 at 10:28pm Updated February 12, 2013 at 10:28pm

What’s hotter than a guy walking a puppy or a guy riding a motorcycle? Easy: A guy making dinner for his girlfriend.

Especially on one of your first dates, taking the time to prepare a home-cooked meal shows that you are interested in more than just taking her to dinner and footing the bill at the end of the night.

“I enjoy cooking for [my girlfriend] and treat her the way she deserves to be treated,” said Nick Rossi, a recent graduate of the UA interdisciplinary studies program. “I know she always enjoys when I cook for her, and coming from a big Italian family, everyone deserves some good home cooking.”

These look more complicated than they are, so they will impress. Your girlfriend will be appreciative no matter what you cook. And although it may be ever so slightly cliché, it’s the thought that counts.

So cancel those Valentine’s Day dinner reservations at Fleming’s or Caruso’s, because chances are she’ll like this much more. Plus, she won’t be distracted by the busy restaurant scene or a waiter with wandering eyes and a knack for flirtation. That could just get ugly.

Know that just like with men, the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach. Don’t be afraid to let loose in the kitchen, even if you’re a bad cook. If you do screw up, you can laugh about it together and there will still be plenty of time to order a pizza and cuddle on the couch.

But if your kitchen has nothing but boxes of cereal and take-out menus, and you don’t know where to start, look no further — these meals are sure to win her over. We asked boyfriends at the UA what they love to cook for their girlfriends and why.

Grilled steak, roasted red potatoes and spinach salad
Show off those manly barbecue skills with your grill and bring out the carnivore in her. Don’t forget the A1 sauce.

Shrimp kabobs, brown rice, grilled asparagus and salad

Sushi and warmed edamame
Teach yourself to roll sushi before you try this, and once you’ve mastered it, you can do it together and show her how you roll.

Breaded chicken, whole wheat pasta with pesto and salad

Carne asada fajitas with sides such as pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded cheese, Spanish rice and black beans

Breakfast for dinner with “make your own omelets,” whole wheat toast and side of fruit
This dinner is fun to make together. Ask her what ingredients she likes in her omelet and then add them yourself. Double points if you can flip it in the frying pan.

Vegetarian stir-fry with noodles
Who says you have to make sacrifices if she is a vegetarian? Make a side of grilled chicken for yourself if you want meat.

Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread and Caesar salad
The perfect Italian dinner: That’s amore.

Baked glazed salmon with steamed broccoli, salad and warmed French bread

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with hotdogs
This is for those novice cooks who are just getting their feet wet in the kitchen. After all, everyone likes mac ’n’ cheese.