7 romantic recipes for that special night in
Whether it’s a special something for your spouse or a delicious date night meal for that new beau, a romantic dinner for two is sure to make them swoon. And while some prefer to say it with flowers, we prefer doing it with food. Although it’s always nice to sit down at a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day, going that extra mile and preparing something yourself never goes unnoticed.
If you’re thinking of eating in on February 14th instead, then dim the lights, get some candles on the go and set the mood with something from these seven cupid-approved culinary delights that you can make at home.
Strawberry champagne
It wouldn’t be a Valentine’s meal without a spot of champagne, and this twist on a classic tipple from Jamie Oliver is sure to start the night off the right way. Rather than just popping a few strawberries into a regular glass of champers, this recipe calls for a deliciously minty puree to mix in with the bubbly.
Simple but effective, this one scores highly on the decadence scale, but it’s sure to go down a treat when you bring them to the table.
Tuna spring rolls
For an impressive start to your meal for two, then these great little spring rolls are sure to make an impression. Even though they look a bit fiddly, they’re easily made beforehand and can be chilled in the fridge, ready to go when you sit down. The sliced carrot and cucumber add lots of refreshing bite, with the pineapple preserve making for a tangy addition too. Good things definitely come in small packages, and these tasty Asian-inspired mouthfuls are no different!
Homemade tortellini
OK, so this is maximum effort, but for something that’s really going to impress your significant other, making your own pasta from scratch gets top marks across the board. And while pasta may be a bit risky: think dodgy Lady and the Tramp re-enactments or slurpy, messy affairs, this homemade tortellini ensures neither will take place.
If you’re committed to making it, you’ll need a pasta roller and steady hands to form the tortellini into its distinctive dumpling-style shape, but it’s well worth going to the trouble of. When it comes to fillings, the world’s your oyster but make sure to cook any meat beforehand if you’re thinking of including meat.
Truffle oil roast salmon
If pushing the boat out is your thing on Valentine’s Day, then there’s no need to trawl the supermarket aisles looking for something complicated. Coupling salmon with truffle oil is a breeze and makes for a meal as comforting as it is luxurious. Truffle oil is definitely the main attraction here, bringing a deep, earthy flavour to the plate that’s simple yet utterly delicious.
And since you’re roasting the salmon rather than frying it, that means more time with your Valentine and less time having to check you haven’t overdone it. Pair it with mushrooms, potatoes and greens for a hearty but colourful dish.
Bistro-style steak
Fancy bringing the restaurant to your own place? This bistro-style steak definitely hits the mark, turning your home into a quality eatery that’s sure to set hearts a-fluttering. And what’s more, it’s a true test of how well you know your partner; do they like things medium-rare or well done? Bonus points for not asking beforehand.
Though this one will need you to stay at the frying pan, the results are well worth it. Packed with flavour thanks to the fresh thyme and a delicious red wine sauce, pulling this one off is sure to bring some serious compliments the chef’s way.
Vanilla panna cotta
A delicious palate cleanser to finish things off with, this Italian dessert remains a classic for a reason. Another prep-ahead deal that lets you focus on the evening properly, you can make this a few hours in advance so things can properly set. If you’re having problems with the panna cotta not dropping out, then dips the ramekins in a bowl of warm water to loosen things up.
Light and sweet, with a tangy strawberry compote to drizzle on top, this is definitely going to put a bow on the evening.
Tiramisu with honeycomb crunch
For something a little more decadent – and a better option than going the store-bought route - then you can’t go wrong with this delicious tiramisu. Rich and creamy, with a powerful coffee kick and delightfully boozy taste, you may both be weak at the knees after this one. And yes, you really should serve it in a heart-shaped bowl like the picture in the recipe.
We reckon these date night meal ideas are the one! If you’ve got your heart set on more culinary creations, then you’ll find the full range of Breville products, whatever you’re in need of, on our homepage.