Whether you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day or not, you’ll know that there are a few pitfalls to celebrating this day of love and affection. There aren’t many things less romantic than spending the evening in a packed restaurant ordering from a special (aka expensive) set menu before being kicked out after a couple of hours to make way for the next sitting.
Don’t get us wrong, we love eating out. It’s one of our favourite things to do. And if you do find the perfect restaurant to spend a laid-back evening in for Valentine’s Day, go for it. But you don’t have to.
Avoid the crowds and eat what you want, when you want by cooking your own romantic meal for two at home. As an added bonus, spending time in the kitchen together cooking up a storm makes for a great date night in, and it’s a lovely excuse to treat yourself to something really special.
From oysters (the most famous of all the aphrodisiacs) to a smoky chocolate crumble that’s perfect for sharing, these recipes will spice up your romantic Valentine’s night in.
The Quick Fix
Valentine’s Day falls on an inconvenient Tuesday this year, but that doesn’t mean festivities have to shift to the weekend. These recipes can be whipped up 20 minutes or less, leaving you with more time to snuggle on the couch.
Oysters Rockefeller
You can’t talk about Valentine’s Day without mentioning oysters. (We’re fairly certain that it’s the law.) Raw oysters may not be your thing, but they’re also delicious cooked. Oysters Rockefeller is a classic dish that was created in New Orleans in 1899. Andrew Rudd’s version is as indulgent as you’d expect, but it’s super simple and quick to make.
Find this simple Valentine's Day oyster recipe here.
Rib Eye Steak with Creamy Avocado
Forget sharing your last Rolo; sharing your only ripe avocado is the real way to prove your love for someone. Avocado on toast may be the most fashionable of all the foods right now, but creamy avocado served with tender, chargrilled beef is a thing of beauty. Paul Flynn’s recipe suggests cooking the rib eye on the barbecue, but it’s February and shivering outside is not romantic. Stay inside, pop open a bottle of wine and use a pan!
Find this rib eye steak recipe here.
Weekend Celebrations
Moving the Valentine's Day celebrations to the weekend gives you more time to try out that one recipe you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Honey Roasted Duck Breasts with Spiced Puy Lentils and Caramelised Apples
You may not be spending Valentine’s Day in a restaurant, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have restaurant-quality food at home. Gently spiced puy lentils cut through the richness of moist duck breasts, and caramelised apples add a touch of sweetness. Follow Andrew Rudd’s plating instructions to create a stunning dish that can’t fail to impress your Valentine’s Day date.
Find this stunning Valentine's Day main course recipe here.
Perfect Irish Cream Pavlova
This delicate pavlova is piled high with softly whipped Baileys-spiked cream. It’s light, creamy and truly delicious, making it the perfect sweet treat for your sweetheart. This Valentine’s Day dessert calls for a long cooking and cooling time, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying Valentine’s Day together. Win-win.
Find this perfect pavlova recipe here.
Chocolate
Chocolate is as synonymous with Valentine’s Day as oysters. Supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants are advertising everything from boxes of chocolates to romantic chocolate fondues to share. Chocolate is the ultimate indulgent treat, so it’s no surprise that it’s so popular at this time of year. These decadent chocolate recipes will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Chocolate Mascarpone Smoked Oat Crumble
Hot, bubbly chocolate and mascarpone topped with a crunchy, smoky crumble topping. It’s Valentine’s Day in a dessert form. In fact, one bowl of this creamy, melting dessert and two spoons makes for the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert to share.
Find this Valentine's Day dessert recipe here.
Nutty Chocolate Truffles
These gorgeous little truffles would make a lovely homemade gift for that special someone in your life. You’ll know they’re The One if they share! Package them in a cute gift box and look forward to earning major brownie (or truffle!) points.
Find this Valentine's Day gift idea here.
And Finally...
Relax. Pour yourself a drink. (How about a raspberry lime bellini?) The company is more important than the event. Valentine's Day come around every year, but there's nothing to stop you cooking a romantic meal on any other random Tuesday. Enjoy!