Celebrate Valentine's Day With These 7 Online Cooking Classes and DIY Meal Kits

Having Valentine's dinner or a romantic getaway might be tougher this year, but there are still ways to have great experiences while social distancing. Whether you're celebrating with a loved one, having a low-key Galentine's Day, or just want to liven things up and celebrate, check out these virtual experiences and DIY meal kits for the perfect night in.

1. Pizza-Making Kit & Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Kit + Live Cooking Class; $199

Emily Hyland of Emmy Squared pizzeria and Bobbie Lloyd of New York City's famed Magnolia Bakery joined forces to create this unique Detroit-style pizza (basically thick, rectangular slices) and banana pudding kit. Along with the kit, which includes everything for a full meal from cocktails to dessert, you get to take part in a cooking demonstration with Hyland, Lloyd, and their respective teams on Saturday, February 13 at 6 p.m. EST.

Find it: GoldBelly

2. Tapas Party With Chef Ana; $299

If you miss your weekly tapas night, you'll learn how to make these bite-sized bits of heaven at home in a private cooking class with chef Ana Lopez Marin from her kitchen in Seville, Spain. During this two-and-a-half-hour class, you'll get step-by-step instructions on how to make garlic prawns, chorizo, fried potatoes, and more. All you need to bring is your own sangria.

Find it: The Chef & The Dish

3. Fresh Pasta and Ragu Cooking Class; $329

A trip to Italy, or even a reservation at an Italian restaurant, might not be in your Valentine's Day plans this year, but you can experience those trademark flavors at home with this pasta-making class with chef Paola Martinenghi and her team. They'll guide you virtually through a three-hour class where you'll learn to make fresh Tagliatelle, along with Ragu and Pomodoro. The hardest part will be going back to the boxed stuff afterward.

Find it: The Chef & The Dish

4. Thai Cooking Class; $299

Love Thai cooking? While this course will teach you how to make standards like Pad Thai, you'll also learn to make Massaman Curry, a special dish often reserved for weddings and big occasions. Chef Joy Piadamrong will guide you for two and a half hours to create and experience the flavors of Thailand.

Find it: The Chef & The Dish

5. Wine Appreciation; $15/month

Though not strictly a cooking class, you can deepen your knowledge of wine, and enhance dishes with the proper pairings, thanks to this course led by acclaimed wine critic James Suckling. In his class, Suckling takes you through Tuscan vineyards and guides you to “explore the stories, history, and people behind every bottle.” The class runs two hours and 22 minutes with 11 different lessons overall.

Find it: MasterClass

6. Mixology Class With Lynnette Marrero & Ryan Chetiyawardana; $15/month

James Beard honoree Lynnette Marrero and Ryan Chetiyawardana, owner of the world-renowned Dandelyan bar, teach you the essentials of mixology in this 17-course MasterClass program. Learn all the essentials from making classic cocktails to how they each pair with a specific food. You'll also get tips on the must-have liquors and mixers for your own bar at home. The next time you see friends (safely!), you can impress them with your new skills.

Find it: MasterClass

7. Valentine's Day Doughnut Decorating Kit; $59

For anyone with a sweet tooth and an artistic soul, this doughnut decorating kit from Stan's Donuts in Chicago should be the center of your Venn diagram. The kit comes with two dozen of Stan's mini plain cake doughnuts, three glazes, and sprinkles. It's up to you how you want them to look.

Find it: GoldBelly

Sign Up Today: Get exclusive deals, product news, reviews, and more with the Mental Floss Smart Shopping newsletter!