How to Create a Classic Valentine's Day Menu

Love is in the air! Well, even if you're not a fan of Barry White's toe-tapping, hip-grinding classic, you'd better start to think about fine dining options for the most romantic meal of the year!

However, no need to panic! It's all here, for your delight and delectation the perfect meal for two. All you need to do is to put on ice a bottle of bubbly and, whatever you do, don’t forget the candles! Yes, however 'Michelin' approved you think your cooking skills are – do not forget to set the scene, drop the lights and finally change the clothes that may well be splattered from all the good things you've managed to cook! So, as I'm sure you'll agree, this is the time for some fine dining and putting on the Ritz!

Sweet Heart Menu for Two

Our Fooddiez suggestion is a salmon starter, a classic beefsteak with chips, a chocolate and caramel dessert and all washed down with a cocktail of your choice. As always, to avoid stressing and any last minute hiccups (no…not from all the bubbly) it is a great idea to make sure you have a shopping list and know exactly what and where you're going to purchase ingredients for this very special meal.

Sensuous Salmon Starter

One excellent starter is smoked salmon and avocado. The joy of this is that the only thing you need to make sure of is that you've purchased avocados that are soft and not bruised. The smoked salmon is generally of a quality to not worry about when preparing this succulent starter.

Ingredients:

  • 100grams smoked salmon
  • 2 avocados
  • Fresh lemon

The only trick is to carefully halve the avocados and squeeze some lemon juice on as soon as you have cut them, which prevents them from oxidising and dis-colouring. Remove the large avocado seed but avoid damaging the soft flesh.

Now simply 'dress' the avocado with bite-sized pieces of salmon. Carefully season with salt and fresh black pepper. A final squeeze of lemon juice will never go amiss!

Hearty Steak and Chips!

What's not to like? A juicy medium rare steak and homemade chips. Our recommendation is to buy the best quality beef steak you can, as no matter how great you are as a chef, this dish relies on high-quality tender meat.

To go all the way with the meal then hand-cut your potatoes and deep fry until golden brown. This should only take about 15-20 minutes. Season well.

For the steak, it's an excellent idea to use a griddle pan, and then a rough guide is that for a steak that is 2cm thick, fry for 2 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak.

If you want some added luxury, why not add some garlic butter with a little parsley. Mmmmm. A side salad of your choice will make the perfect-looking plate.

 

Lovely Chocolate and Caramel Dessert

This is an excellent fusion of heavenly chocolate and decadent caramel with a salty twist!

Sweet Ingredients:

  • Half a teaspoon of salt
  • 4 tablespoons canned caramel
  • 90 grams each of dark and milk chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 100 ml double cream
  • 50 ml milk

Method for Love:

Firstly, mix the salt with the caramel and divide it into two attractive small glasses.

Melt the chocolates together in a glass bowl over simmering water.

Then stir in the double cream and all the milk. Now pour this onto the prepared salty caramel. Finally, chill the glasses in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Grate a little chocolate on top and sprinkle with a little sea salt for a lovely finish.

Shaken Not Stirred

If you really want to push the love boat well and truly out of the harbour, then choose a cocktail that will add just a little extra kick to the meal. Why not enjoy a classic Dry Martini cocktail if you're feeling a little bit in the 007 mood? What better way to end the perfect meal!