Ah, Valentine’s Day. The beloved (yet often hated) “Hallmark” holiday full of various love declarations, including cards, flowers, chocolates, and my favorite – romantic dinners. I’m partial to fancy, candlelit dinners at home, since there’s a lot to be said for someone willing to put the thought and effort into an entire meal just for you, rather than simply shelling out cash for oysters and a bottle of wine. Not that I don’t enjoy seafood and vino on the waterfront—I do, but you gotta step up the game a little on Valentine’s Day (i.e. get your bum in the kitchen).

Stumped on what to make? Well lucky you, cheese is one of the most romantic and versatile foods out there. Simply adding a cheese course to any meal makes it feel luxurious (romantic!!). But why stop there? Get creative, and try cheese in each and every course of your homemade meal! Your honey will thank you for it.

For an appetizer, try something small, but still packed with flavor, such as these Buttermilk Blue Stuffed Dates. If you aren’t partial to blue cheese, try Ham, Manchego and Fig Twists.

Squeezing a sorbet course in between the appetizer and entrée adds the extra bit of flair you need for V-Day, and it cleanses the palate to boot. But sorbet is dairy-free, you say? Not always! This Cream Cheese Sorbet is tangy, light, and sweet.

I’m going to have to play it classic for the main course. I don’t care if you think it’s dated, dunking hunks of bread into a pot of melted, cheesy goodness kept warm by candlelight is THE BEST DATE EVER as far as I’m concerned. Yes, I’m talking about fondue. It’s cute! It’s delicious! It’s romantic! …Still think it’s ‘70s? Ah, well. You can’t please everyone. Try Raclette instead.

For many, Valentine’s Day is all about the sweets and chocolates. So you better deliver when it comes to dessert. Stepping outside of the box can be exciting and fun, especially when there’s cheese involved! Bake some Gjetost into an apple pie, make ice cream with ricotta, or try chevre in an apricot tart. And of course, you can never go wrong with cheesecake.