Take a seat, ladies, because this one’s for the guys. The dudes. The bros. I know many of you couldn’t care less about Valentine’s Day but I wanted to share some insight when it comes to progressing your current relationship to the next level by using a creative Valentine’s recipe.

Even if you’ve only been dating her for a couple of weeks, planning something on Valentine’s Day shows her that you’re thoughtful and intend on making her feel special.

By not ignoring Valentine’s Day, you’re scoring major points. And Valentine’s Day still exists, even if you try to ignore it.

Now, you know who you’re looking to impress. Maybe your woman is the type who prefers a game day hot dog over a five-star dining experience, has always said she doesn’t care to receive flowers and she’s happy to kick back and watch the game with you on a Saturday night . . . Don’t be fooled! Ladies love to be spoiled. You just have to know how to keep it simple while making it personal all in one go. That’s where I come in.

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year so let’s plan a fun Taco Tuesday: Valentine’s Edition. This is going to be the type of date-night-in that might actually be better than going out.

Let me just say that dating a man who cooks is one of the sexiest things ever. She’ll want you, I promise, once you whip up a home cooked meal for her. I can still remember the feeling I had after the first sleepover I shared with my boyfriend, when I woke up smelling bacon that would then be delivered to me within a breakfast sandwich, right in bed. He proved to me in that moment that my needs would now be in line with his. Good sign. Plus, bacon.

Now, cooking can be daunting especially if you’re kind of an amateur in the kitchen but I’ve put together an easy, three course (I know, don’t freak out) meal for you to wow her in the comfort of your home.

Experts say that people are most relaxed and themselves when they’re in their personal space, so if you’re looking to open up and let her to get to know you better, this is a win-win. If you’re looking for a little sugar, I can’t see this not working out for you, either.

I’ll be teaching you how to kick things off with an awesome spicy tuna ceviche appetizer. Ceviche is a South American dish comprised of marinated raw fish or seafood, typically garnished and served as an appetizer. This recipe offers a little bit of heat, and a little bit of sweet, which is exactly how I foresee your evening going.

The main course will consist of yummy steak tacos with your secret weapon, guacamole.

The third course (dessert course) can be modified depending on the offerings of your favourite local bakery. A simple selection of French Macaroons or a box of Mexican chili chocolates is a sure home run.

Your first tip for making this meal as easy as possible is to leave about 4 hours for your steak to marinate. This specific cut of steak will break down and become more tender if you marinate it for 4 hours. During this time you can busy yourself with other things, like putting fresh sheets on your bed and cleaning your place.

Steak prep:

• 10 – 12 oz of skirt steak (go right up to your butcher and ask for this)
• 4 large cloves of garlic
• 1 tbsp of white vinegar
• 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp of crushed red pepper flakes (amp this up if you both like added heat but taste as you go!)
• Salt and Pepper

(Serves two people.)

Directions:

1. Mix all of the above ingredients in a bowl, and taste for personal modifications in case you need to add more salt, more red pepper flakes etc.

2. Coat the steaks in this delicious marinade you’ve created, and place the steaks into a large Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1-4 hours.

3. Preheat a grill pan (preferably a grill but a heavy skillet works too) over medium-high heat. Place the steaks in and grill for 1-2 minutes per side depending on thickness for medium rare.

4. Remove and let them hang out before slicing.

5. While the meat rests, warm some corn tortillas in a non-stick pan to increase pliability. Heat the pan to low-medium heat and place the tortillas throughout trying not to overlap them too much.

6. Guacamole is a cinch to make and always adds a classic flavour and topping to any taco. Check out this guacamole recipe for a how-to on whipping up a fast and delicious batch of this super healthy, chunky dip.

Now! For the ceviche! Think of how cool you’ll sound when you speak of this dish! While your steak is marinating, that’s when you’ll want to start preparing the ceviche sauce. Leave it in a covered bowl or Tupperware while you tidy your apartment and run out to get some wine (or Tequila. Tequila make the clothes come off.) You could try out this easy Margaritas on the rocks recipe.

Image: Kate’s Test Kitchen

Tuna prep:

• 1 jalepeno
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 lime
• 1/2 cup of fish sauce
• 1 4.5-5oz piece of fresh Ahi Tuna (again, ask the butcher or fish monger for help with this).

Directions:

1. Blend together the jalapeño with seeds, sugar, garlic and fish sauce in your blender or using a hand blender. Got a Magic Bullet for your morning smoothie? That’ll do!2. Add the juice and zest of one lime. For this you will need a zester, available at your grocery store or any specialty kitchen store. Stop zesting the area when you see the whites of the lime, turn and continue on another area.

2. Thinly (and I really mean as thinly as you can) slice your tuna. Wipe your knife on a tea towel after each slice for a cleaner cut.

3. Pour the sauce over the tuna immediately before serving. This pairs nicely with thin, salted tortilla chips that have been warmed.

Image: Kate’s Test Kitchen

All of this work can basically be done before your date shows up. You get about two minutes to impress her over the heat of your stove and the rest is all done with your hands. Cue up the “Buena Vista Social Club” on your iPhone and prepare to amaze.

Congratulations in advance on your Valentine’s Day home run!