40 Cloves and a Chicken: The Anti-Valentine's Day Dinner

by Maria Russo

From greeting cards and red roses to candy hearts and chocolate boxes, much is made of Valentine's Day every year. But if, for whatever reason, you're not embracing the day devoted to love this Saturday, there's still a way to celebrate: Swoon over a bold — and, ahem, pungent — meal without fear of recoil from your partner.

Set up an appetizer to remember by crafting an elegant cheese plate with a deliciously funky blue cheese at the center, then dig into Alton Brown's 40 Cloves and a Chicken (pictured above) for dinner. This 5-star supper is made with only four ingredients, but together they pack a flavorful punch. While dozens of garlic cloves may surely seem over the top, don't shy away from adding all of them; they turn soft and surprisingly sweet as they roast, and together with the thyme, the garlic complements the chicken.

Looking for something to serve on the side? Try Rachael Ray's Bitter Caesar Salad, then round out the meal with dessert for one. Food Network Magazine's Instant Chocolate Cake comes together in a single-serving mug in only 10 quick minutes.

This article originally appeared on Food Network: 40 Cloves and a Chicken: The Anti-Valentine's Day Dinner.

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