Low lights, mood music, and recipes that that are easy to pull together – that’s the secret to a romantic meal. You don’t want to be hot and bothered when your date arrives, you’re meant to be relaxed and looking forward to the evening. So whether you're looking for the perfect Valentine's Day dinner recipe or you just want a quiet night in for two with your loved one, minus the restaurant hassle, these dishes will set off the mood to a tee.
For starters, try Gordon Ramsay's seared scallops with minted peas and beans or the classic French dish of moules mariniere (well it is the country of love).
Mains come courtesy of Gordon Ramsay's popular salmon en croute, spaghetti alle vongole or a hearty beef wellington.
Vegetarian? We recommend a caramelised shallot tart or a delicious fondue of fontina cheese with truffle,the communal dipping being a perfect way to feel closer to your companion.
And for dessert, top of our list is a warm chocolate pudding, cinnamon and pear doughnuts and adorable mini blueberry cheesecakes that can be made the night before.
Now, candles on, phones off, love - and the smell of cooking - is in the air.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
1
Mini blueberry cheesecakes
Perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal, these easy, no-cook cheesecakes can be made the night before and are delicious served with fresh blueberries.
Try mini blueberry cheesecakes recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
2
Salmon en croute
This superb salmon en croute from Gordon Ramsay is a fantastic show-off supper dish. Serve with hollandaise sauce, new potatoes and broccoli or minted peas.
Try this salmon en croute recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
3
Prosciutto-wrapped cheesy chicken with wild mushroom
This is a warm and comforting dinner that doesn't take long to prepare. It’s perfect for dinner parties and you can serve it with either steamed rice or a simply dressed salad. The crisp prosciutto-wrapped chicken oozing with cheese and rich and creamy mushroom sauce are what makes the dish though.
Try Donal Skehan’s prosciutto chicken recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Warm chocolate pudding
This warm soft-centred chocolate pudding is heavenly. The contrasting textures of the pudding and vanilla praline elevate the dish to an impressive dinner party dessert. Serve with creamy ice cream.
Try this warm chocolate pudding recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
5
Gordon Ramsay's stir-fried duck with noodles
Packed full of Oriental flavours, this impressive looking dish is quick and easy to make – perfect for a romantic meal for two.
Try Gordon Ramsay’s stir-fried duck with noodles recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
6
Spiced apple tarts
These little apple tarts are very popular in the bakery during winter. They are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and finished with edible flowers as decoration – if preferred make a larger version to cut up and share amongst family and friends.
Try Lily Vanilli’s spiced apple custard tarts recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Spaghetti alle vongole
The Italians are flavour masters and this classic pasta dish is truly delicious. Clams are very easy to cook and their juices mingle deliciously with the spaghetti. This is perfect for a quick dinner party fix.
Try Lisa Faulkner’s Italian clam spaghetti recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
8
Mini chocolate tarts
These little chocolate tarts from chef Gordon Ramsay are ideal for a post dinner or afternoon treat, combining smooth ganache and crunchy peanuts - if desired, skip a step by using shop bought pastry for an end result that looks just as impressive.
Try this indulgent mini chocolate tarts recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
9
Steak and chips with two sauces
An appetising take on the steak and chips classic, this delicious recipe is ideal even for the fussiest of eaters. With a choice of two equally flavoursome sauces, this dish is perfect for any evening meal.
Try this steak and chips with two sauces recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Caramelised shallot tart
This delicious caramelised shallot tart is ideal if you’ve got a vegetarian guest coming for dinner. A great alternative to a roast, serve with a peppery rocket salad.
Try this caramelised shallot tart recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
11
Salted caramel mud pie
If you like your sweet treats gooey and chocolatey, then this is the bake for you. A rich chocolate dessert oozing with a layer of salted caramel and a crunchy topping of peanut brittle. It’s perfect for entertaining dinner guests with and is a great alternative to a more spongy chocolate cake.
Try Donal Skehan’s salted caramel mud pie recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
12
Beef Wellington
A beef wellington might seem fiddly, but when you break down all of the steps, it’s pretty straightforward. This recipe from Lisa Faulkner is delicious served as a romantic centrepiece and is well worth the effort.
Try Lisa Faulkner’s beef wellington recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Chocolate and raspberry tart
Looking for an impressive dessert to finish off your romantic dinner? This easy chocolate and raspberry tart is sure to do the trick. Easy to make and deliciously moreish, this is the perfect chocoholics treat.
Try this chocolate and raspberry tart recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
14
Salmon lasagne with Ccaramelised fennel and rocket salad
If you want to impress your dinner guest, then this is the dish to whip up. A salmon lasagne creates a light and deliciously fishy dinner and the extra effort this dish takes to make is well worth it.
Try this salmon lasagne recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
15
Beef Bourguignon
This classic beef bourguignon recipe is a stew packed full of hearty flavours and aromas. A great romantic dish, it’s sure to become your dinner party staple too.
Try James Martin’s beef bourguignon recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Apple tarte tatin with creme anglaise
This classic French dessert is easy to make and absolutely delicious. It makes a great centre piece for a dinner party and is best served warm with the crème anglaise or vanilla ice cream if you’re short on time.
Try this apple tarte tatin with custard recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
17
Gordon Ramsay's seared scallops with minted peas and beans
Packed full of fresh flavours, the combination fresh scallops with minted peas and beans is deliciously refreshing. Perfect for a starter, it’s easy to make too.
Try Gordon Ramsay’s seared scallops with minted peas and beans recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
18
Jamie Oliver's golden chicken gratin
This mouth wateringly golden chicken from Red favourite Jamie Oliver is best served with braised greens and a creamy potato gratin. An impressive dish that is quick and easy to make.
Try Jamie Oliver’s golden chicken recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Profiteroles
Bite-sized puffs of pastry, smooth pastry cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce…Profiteroles are a great dessert to share.
Try this profiteroles recipe
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
20
Pink Chihuahua co*cktail
Fresh, zesty, and a romantic shade of pink, this easy co*cktail is the perfect way to start off a romantic dinner and is perfect served with some homemade canapés or a bowl of toasted nuts.
