A Romantic Meal For Valentines Day
Valentine’s Day is approaching – and you want to make your loved one feel special – perhaps by providing a special meal. There are of course plenty of restaurants and supermarkets very keen to help you do just that. But what could be more special than cooking a meal for the one you love? It requires more effort than going to a restaurant or picking up a ready meal dinner for two but it is a fraction of the cost. And it really isn’t that much work if you choose to cook easy, but tasty dishes
Eating at home, there is just the two of you, no rowdy people at the next table, no interruptions for the waiter just when you were getting romantic and no terrifying bill at the end of it. You don’t have to pick out the things on the menu that are cheapest. And there is no expensive service charge or taxi ride home!
Valentines Day is for relaxing with your partner – and enjoying some tasty food together. Despite what the celebrity chefs may say, simple, inexpensive food can be impressive. It just needs to be really tasty. That doesn’t have to mean lots of expensive ingredients. And if you set the table carefully, and light a candle you can have a romantic atmosphere that is better than any bistro. Save a wine bottle – or other glass bottle – for your candle holder.
On the day, you will want to concentrate on your partner, so the menu below can be cooked in advance and reheated on the day. You can relax, knowing the cooking is done. All you will need to do is get some fresh crusty bread, and cook a few vegetables on the day.
Soup makes an easy, inexpensive and delicious starter, especially for a cold or wet February day. Make it a day or two before and reheat it. I would suggest Apple and Parsnip Soup or Squash Soup. They are slightly different from more run of the mill soups, but easy to prepare.
Beef in Beer makes an excellent main course and can be made the day before too – it will taste even better reheated. The recipe is for 4 people so you will have some left over for the next day too.
Spaghetti Bolognese may have worked for Lady and the Tramp – but it’s probably not the best choice, if you are out to make an impression. However the sauce can be made in advance, and you can always serve it with a short pasta such as penne.
Vegetable And Bean Casserole would be great for vegetarians. Tasty, inexpensive and you can make it in advance.
For pudding I would suggest Lemon Mousse. It is low cost and really easy to make and would not be out of place in a restaurant. You can make it the day before and it’s great when well chilled. Dress it up with a heart shaped chocolate.
Serve it all with plenty of love and attention.
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