Valentine’s Day is here. Have you gotten something for a loved one? Is it the same old thing you always get your loved one?  Why not try something new, and maybe get a little spice and romance out of it?

I saw a news report recently stating that the average amount spent for Valentine’s Day is around $80.  If you are on a strict budget you may not have that much to spend, but still want to do something special.  Here is a great idea for Valentine’s Day on a budget, or anytime for that matter. I went to my local Smart & Final store, and with a budget of $25 I started shopping.

Cooking a meal with someone, then sharing that meal can be so romantic. Stirring the pot, licking the spoon, feeding each other the lovingly created meal by candle light while gazing deep into each other eyes.  Ah, romance.

But not everyone is comfortable in the kitchen, or may have very limited culinary skills.  Those with skills sometimes get overambitious and get in way over their heads in the kitchen.  Keeping it simple is the way to go. And one of the simplest, but most loved meals is pasta.

While cruising the aisles of the store, I saw a promotion that was perfect for this meal. Buy a bottle of wine, and get a free bag of pasta. Into my cart went a bottle of merlot and a bag of penne. To save time I then grabbed a bottle of tomato- basil marinara, so there would be more time for the romance part. No need to simmer the marinara for hours, just open the jar. I headed over to the cheese section and got a  very nice three cheese blend, to garnish the pasta.

Now for dessert. Since it is Valentine’s Day, I had to buy the traditional heart shaped box of chocolates!  Come on, it really is not Valentines Day without one!

And those beautiful red roses pictured on the box made me feel like I got flowers too!

And the grand total for all my purchases? $18.31.  I LOVE THAT! That is a Valentine’s Day gift that will not break anyone’s budget.

Remember, cooking together shouldn’t just be for a holiday or special occasion.  It can be done anytime.  And if you have children, get them involved and make it a family affair!

*I received a gift card from Smart & Final to buy these items, because I am a member of Collective Bias.  In full disclosure I am being compensated for this post, but my opinions are my own and cannot be bought.