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This Valentine's Day, why go through the hullabaloo of dinner at a packed, pricey steakhouse when you can make it (better) at home? We've planned a foolproof menu of all the classics (many with new twists) for a romantic meal that’s guaranteed to make anyone swoon.

Recipe: Grilled (or Broiled) Oysters with a Sriracha Lime Butter

It’s time to graduate from shrimp cocktail. These broiled oysters are topped with a tangy compound butter that plumps the oysters as they cook, preventing them from drying out under direct heat.

Recipe: Caesar Salad with Pancetta

This is everything a Caesar should be -- assertive, complex, and rich – with bonus points tacked on for the inspired use of pancetta (both on its own and for crisping the homemade sourdough croutons).

Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese

These mashed potatoes are creamy and ethereal, with a bit of tang from the goat cheese. Caramelized onions, folded into the potatoes and piled on top before serving, thread their mellow sweetness throughout.

Recipe: Spinaci alla Genovese

Unless creamed spinach is an absolute must at your table, leave the milk and cheese to the mashed potatoes. Wine-plumped golden raisins add an elegant touch to this fresh spinach sauté.

Recipe: Cowboy Rubbed Rib Eye with Chocolate Stout Pan Sauce

Ground coffee, smoked paprika, cumin, ancho chile, and brown sugar form an earthy rub that hints at wood smoke. And we bet you’ll look for any excuse to make the chocolate stout pan sauce for future meals.

Recipe: Chocolate Mousse with Cointreau and Chocolate Shards

This chocolate mousse couldn’t be simpler to make -- you use nothing but good-quality dark chocolate, a little milk, and some heavy cream. A splash of Cointreau and some chocolate shards elevate it to special occasion status.

Are you dining at home this Valentine’s Day? What’s on your menu? Share your comments below!