Home Cooked Romance This Valentine's Day

Enjoying a home cooked meal is one of lives simplest pleasures, especially if you have not been the one slaving over a hot stove!
But whether you are a culinary genius or just fancy giving it a go, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to rustle up a tasty treat for the one you love.
We have prepared a few top tips ahead of the most romantic day of the year so that you can make the most of your kitchen and create a Valentine’s Day to remember!
Absolute beginners
Not really sure where to start when it comes to cooking? Keeping it simple is definitely the key, and some of the simplest and quickest recipes we found (and the healthiest) were those by The Body Coach Joe Wicks. Check out his blog for some amazing ideas which look impressive too.
La Dolce Vita
Italian cuisine is perhaps one of the most popular styles of cooking that we enjoy in the UK, and when eating out this is the cuisine that most UK women would go for, plus it’s one of the most straightforward to replicate in our homes. These simple dishes incorporate Italian favourites such as Spaghetti Bolognaise with other tasty treats, ideal for mid-week when time is limited but you still want to make a fantastic impression
Dinner Party delights
For those who have a foody flair and are already pretty adept at creating delicious dishes, a full blow dinner party style meal may be your choice for Valentine’s Day. These recipes from Great British Chefs give plenty of choice according to taste and skill level, enabling you to make a huge impact!
The Food of Love
There are several foods which are associated with Valentines’ Day, some delicious, some not so! Suffice to say that if you incorporate chocolate, asparagus, oysters, chillies, watermelon, banana, rocket and pomegranate into one or all of your dishes, research (and anecdotal evidence) suggest that serotonin levels will increase!
Appearances really do count
Whether you want to dress a dining room table, or enjoy a kitchen supper at the island, presentation is the key to making a fantastic impression. Make sure the wine is chilled, the glasses sparkle, the cutlery matches, there are some fresh flowers on the table and the food is presented simply, but effectively, preferably on plain white crockery – this allows your meal to take centre stage.
So, whether you are planning a proposal or just preparing a quick meal for that special person once the children are in bed, a home cooked meal on Valentine’s Day may be worth more than any manufactured, themed gift.