Checklist for creating a romantic meal this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for many couples to spend some quality time together and reaffirm their love for each other. It is arguably the biggest celebration of love and occasion dedicated to couples in the calendar year. A staple of Valentine’s Day is a delicious, romantic meal, and if you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. In this article we’ll be going through some tasty checklist items for putting together the perfect romantic meal for your loved one.
Starter
There are many amazing options to create the best Valentine’s meal starter. Cheese is a popular ingredient that appears on many checklists and it’s no surprise as to why. Below are just a few examples of mouth-watering cheese starters that will set you up nicely for the courses to follow.
- Tomato and mozzarella salad – if you want to keep things light for your starter, this cheesy salad is quick and easy to prepare without compromising on flavour.
- Baked camembert – the perfect sharer, this gooey, cheesy goodness is a great way to set the tone for the meal and create a romantic atmosphere.
- Fig, burrata and prosciutto tartine – full of flavour and a nice light bite to kick off your romantic meal, this starter looks just as delicious as it tastes. Also, if you’re not the most confident cook, this dish is deceptively easy to prepare and will certainly impress.
Main course
The star of the show after setting the scene with the starter is of course the main. Again, the sky’s the limit with what you can create for a romantic meal, whether you want to opt for a classic or get creative with something original. We’ve got some checklist items to offer inspiration ahead of the special day.
Steak
Steak is one of the most traditional Valentine’s Day meals you can get. It’s a timeless choices that oozes deliciousness no matter what type of steak you go for. If you truly want to go the extra mile, you might want to consider a steak hamper that you and your partner could cook together.
Cooking as a couple is a bonding experience that can strengthen your connection. Equally if you want to make it a special surprise for your partner the hamper will give you everything you need to make the perfect romantic dish. The most common side to a good hearty steak is potatoes, you could serve it with mashed potatoes, homecooked chips, French fries, or so much more. A well-balanced steak sauce is also a must for a meaty meal.
Seafood
If you’re saving room for dessert and want to go with a lighter main course, a fish dish is another popular option. Sea bass or salmon are good examples of fish that are full of flavour and offer a romantic meal that is a bit less indulgent. A good recipe example is confit salmon with tahini, pistachio, and herb crust, it’s fresh, tasty, and looks amazing when served for a romantic meal.
Other meats
Not everyone enjoys a steak for a Valentine’s Day meal and there are plenty of alternative meats that create beautiful dishes for a romantic dinner. Another type of meat that has gained popularity for a couple’s meal is lamb. Below are some examples of beautiful lamb dishes that will hopefully offer some inspiration for your own lamb main course.
- One-pan roast rack of lamb and green olive potatoes
- Lamb guard of honour with lemon and mint crust
- Lamb Rogan josh
- Slow-braised lamb shanks with dried limes and barberries
Dessert
After a romantic meal the best way to finish it off is with a good pud, nothing says love like enjoying a sweet treat together. See some popular Valentine’s desserts below to find the perfect one for you and your partner to enjoy.
- Chocolate dipped strawberries
- Red velvet cookies
- Boozy chocolate fondue
- Homemade jam tarts
- Salted caramel chocolate torte
- Chocolate fondant
- Champagne and raspberry possets
Cocktails
Whether you want to feature the alcohol or simply enjoy the flavours of a good mocktail, these fruity and flavourful beverages are options to consider to round off your romantic lunch or dinner:
- Espresso martini
- Cherry Bakewell cocktail
- Cosmopolitan
- Passion fruit martini
- Pink negroni
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide has helped you create your Valentine’s Day checklist ready for the perfect romantic meal to share with your partner. As a specialist family-run online butchers, The Village Butcher offers fresh, high-quality meats at affordable prices to help you access key ingredients for your Valentine’s dinner. Order online and get fast and reliable delivery direct to your door without the last-minute shopping stress.