While I was out on Saturday night, babysitting for my brother who went with his wife to check out the New York branch of the famous Las Vegas Thai joint Lotus of Siam, Santa Maria was busy getting ready for Valentine's Day. She made heart-shaped lemon sugar cookies, with pink icing.

I have my own Valentine's Day plans (which, in typical Stay at Stove Dad fashion involve the my kitchen and not a restuarant's staff), but I'll keep them to myself in case Santa Maria is reading this. As a general service to romance everywhere, here are five recipes to make the day special.

• Sauteed sea scallops (cook them just like these Peconic Bay ones)
• Roman Shrimp
• Wasabi-Garlic Rib Eye Steak
• Meringues with Berries and Ice Cream
• Pear Upside-Down cake