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With Valentine’s Day around the corner, everyone’s mind is on how they can celebrate in the middle of a national lockdown. Without the option of going to see a show or a nice meal, it looks like everyone is going to opt for a nice meal at home. But what would you make as a romantic dinner for two? I’m sure you have seen a lot of food influencers put in their two-pence, but here are my ideas.

Steak

I know you are all probably thinking I am trying to teach you to suck eggs, because, like, WHO doesn’t know how to cook a steak? The cooking also varies depending on how you like your steak. I’m not going to stat the obvious. I do personally eat a lot of steak though, because I am anaemic, so I wanted to share with you some tips I have on cooking steak.

• Use a steak hammer. An amazing and cheap bit of kit. Tenderise your steak before you cook it with one of these and it will become less chewy.
• Avoid high heat. This one is important. If you cook your steak really high you will burn the outside and the inside will be uncooked. If you are like me, and the thought of raw steak disgusts you, you might use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through.
• Let your steak rest. Yes, this is a weird one to me, but apparently it tastes better if you let it rest for ten minutes.

Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a French stew with chicken, onions, and mushrooms which sounds really simple, but once the flavours all mix together it tastes delightful. You use a whole chicken, so you will need to invest in a huge stew pot if you do not already have one. You basically cook everything low and slow so that all of the flavours come out. My favourite recipe for Coq au Vin is Delia Smith’s.

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a heart meal quite suitable for the cold February we are having this year. It’s basically a big bit off beef wrapped in pastry, and I don’t know about you but I can’t think of much else more tasty than that. Even though I think he is one of the most annoying people on the planet, my favourite Beef Wellington recipe is Jamie Oliver’s.

Baked Sea Bass

If you are looking for something a little bit more healthy, then baled sea bass might be the Valentine’s recipe for you. Fish is rich in omega 3 which is great for your mood, and who wouldn’t want to be happy on Valentine’s day. Whenever I cook fish I usually just bung it in some foil with some spices and onions, but if I am cooking for a “special occasion” then I like this sea bass with lemon and capers recipe.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Ok so it’s Valentine’s day. You’ve decided to go all out and cook something incredibly fancy. What could be a more perfect, fancy but comforting dish than lobster man and Cheese? Mac and Cheese is a firm favourite of many people, and this recipe from Olive magazine gives it that little something extra.