Valentine’s is a day where people around the world celebrate love, with many people using this day to show romantic gestures to their partner, and single people using it as a day to display platonic love in their friendships. Whatever you are doing this Valentine’s Day, I have created a three course meal with a drink that I think is perfect for a romantic date. Both people can cook and enjoy this food, which can be altered to suit the needs of meat-eaters and vegetarians/vegans. I do not associate any particular food and drink with Valentine’s Day; I think a meal with your partner any day of the year is romantic no matter what food you eat, but these are just foods that I have romantic associations with personally. I hope these recipes get your mouth watering to create a delicious meal for you and your partner or friend to enjoy.

Drink: 

Strawberry Bellini

This is a fruity and delicious alcoholic drink to have on Valentine’s Day. I always associate prosecco as a romantic drink and the red colouring of the strawberry adds the traditional colour of love. If you want an alcohol-free alternative, you could add lemonade instead of prosecco, or even just drink this as a strawberry puree. 

Serves 2 

Ingredients:

• 225g Strawberries
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 170ml Prosecco

Method:

1. Blend the strawberries until they have a smooth texture. Strain and then sieve them to get the seeds out. 

2. Add the sugar, half at a time, and taste until it is at the sweetness level you want. 

3. Divide the strawberry puree between the two glasses; fill them until half full. 

4. Finally, top the glasses with prosecco. Stir the mix gently before serving!

Starter:

Platter of Spring Rolls, Gyoza, Chicken Pieces and Dipping Sauces

This is the perfect starter to fill you up whilst your main meal is being cooked. It also sets off a wave of flavours to begin this romantic meal.  

I personally buy pre-made Spring Rolls and Gyoza, but if you are looking to make these completely homemade, then you can check out BBC Good Food for recipe inspiration. I would recommend finding the biggest plate you have to serve these on. Place the Spring Rolls in a circle around the outer layer of the plate, the Gyoza in the middle circle layer and then the Chicken Pieces in the middle of the plate. Serve with bowls of Sweet Chilli Sauce, Soy Sauce and BBQ Sauce for added flavour to get your taste buds tingling. 

Main Dish:

Heart-shaped Margherita tart (with chips and salad)

This is one of my favourite things to make, as my partner made this for me for our first Valentine’s meal. This is a meal that can be made together, particularly when adding the toppings since it offers an extra dose of romance. It is easy to make, can be made with meat or veggies, and it is beautifully delicious. 

Serves up to 4 people but works well for 2 people as you’ll be wanting a big amount!

Ingredients:

• 375g Sheet of Ready-Rolled Pastry
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 3 tbsp Red Pesto
• 300g Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 125g Mozzarella Cheese
• Topping ideas: Peppers, Sweetcorn, Olives, Mushrooms, Chicken, Pepperoni. 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees (gas mark 5).

2. Unroll the pastry sheet on a lined or lightly greased baking sheet.

3. Lightly score a 1.5cm border around the edge of the pastry.

4. Spread the red pesto evenly over the pastry. 

5. Scatter the mozzarella over the pesto and then add the chopped tomatoes and your other choice of topping. 

6. Drizzle the olive oil on top.

7. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

8. Cut into either a heart shape, or squares and serve with oven or homemade chips and a side salad of your choosing.

Pudding:

Melt-your-heart Triple Chocolate Brownie and Ice Cream

You can never go wrong with brownies, and this recipe ensures a pudding that will leave you and your loved one full of sweetness and satisfied after this tasteful three-course meal. I use Jane’s Patisserie recipes for baking, so this is one of hers with my own twist. 

Serves 8 (so you have left overs for the next few days)

Ingredients:

100g Dark Chocolate 

100g Unsalted Butter

2 Medium Eggs

138g Caster Sugar

50g Plain Flour

25g Cocoa Powder

50g White Chocolate Chips

50g Milk Chocolate Chips 

50g Dark Chocolate Chips 

8 Strawberries, halved

Chocolate Sauce

Heart-Shaped Cake Decorations 

Vanilla Ice Cream

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2.Melt together the unsalted butter with the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water. Alternatively, in the microwave, put it in for one to two minutes until fully melted.

3. Leave to cool until room temperature before continuing.

4. Whisk together the eggs and caster sugar.

5. Once whisked, pour the cooled chocolate mix over the egg and sugar mixture, then fold it together.

6. Sift the cocoa powder and plain flour on top of the chocolate mix and fold together again.

7. Add in the chocolate chips and pour into the baking tray to bake for 25-30 minutes. 

8. Once baked, leave to cool until room temperature.

9. Cut the brownies into squares and serve on plates. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the brownies and add the halved strawberries on top. Finish by scattering the heart-shaped cake decorations on top and serve with a dollop of ice cream to the side of the plate. 

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