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10 new ideas for Valentine’s Day

We all want to push the boat out on 14 February and our Valentine's Day ideas and recipes are the perfect way to make an impression. Whether it's starting the day with a romantic breakfast, serving up a delicious dinner or showering your loved one with indulgent treats, Valentine's Day is sorted.

  1. Bubbly breakfast

    If you're treating yourselves to a lie-in or romantic day off, then what better way to start than with a glass of bubbles? Buck's fizz makes a great breakfast cocktail - fresh, tart orange juice balances out the sweet fizz of Champagne or Cava for a real treat.

    Bubbly breakfast
  2. Make a toast

    If you're making breakfast an occasion, then serve up a suitably impressive dish to match. Toast may seem like a simple option, but you can take it up a level with a deliciously sweet French toast recipe. Ready in under 10 minutes, you can even whip this up before the early morning rush.

  3. Pretty in pink

    The food of love is most definitely pink, so indulge in some colourful dishes to brighten up the day. A fruity berry smoothie bowl could be just to thing to start on a lighter note. For a sweet treat, these easy decorated pink doughnuts are sure to please, or round off a romantic dinner with a creamy raspberry and coconut vegan mousse.

    Pretty in pink
  4. Love lunch

    Even if Valentine's Day means a normal day of work, school runs or activity, you can still make your other half feel special by putting a little effort into lunch. Send them off to work with a delicious packed lunch you've prepared or serve up a colourful, seasonal meal at home such as this gorgeous beetroot and fig salad.

    Love lunch
  5. A great start

    A memorable three-course dinner is guaranteed to impress. Kick things off in style with a starter that wows - these sweet potato rounds can be made in advance and you can add different toppings to suit your own tastes. For a more informal meal, this easy prawn and red pepper recipe ticks the boxes; juicy prawns, crusty bread, a creamy saffron mayo and all ready in just 15 minutes.

    A great start
  6. Keep it simple

    Spend less time in the kitchen and more time cosying up with your loved one by choosing a hassle-free main course that is quick and easy to prepare. The Italians know a thing or two about romance, so take a leaf out of their books with this crayfish and wild mushroom linguine recipe - an easy yet indulgent pasta that is ready in just 15 minutes.

    Keep it simple
  7. End on a high

    A sumptuous pudding can make a lasting impression, finishing off any meal on a high. This rich and creamy grapefruit posset is unexpectantly zingy and refreshing, perfect for ending a three-course feast. For a simpler option that still has wow factor, try adding a scoop of your favourite sorbet to a cocktail glass and topping up with something fizzy to create a pretty sherbet float.

    End on a high
  8. Chocolate-lover

    It may be a bit cliché but sometimes only chocolate will do. For pudding a simple chocolate mousse is an easy option, while a dark chocolate tart would be an absolute showstopper. Instead of a box of chocolates, try making your own. These vegan chocolate and orange truffles are easy to make and suitable for a dairy-free diet. For something a little different, no one will be able to resist these cute white chocolate cake pop roses.

    Chocolate-lover
  9. Have a heart

    On Valentine’s Day there's not much that isn’t improved by making it in the shape of a heart. Dig out your heart-shaped cookie cutters (or make a card template) and have a go at these bite-sized strawberry heart truffles or jam-heart biscuits, or master a show-stealing decorating technique with this mirror-glazed cake

    Have a heart
  10. Steak with a twist

    No time to bake or prep ahead? Go back to basics and just focus on one simple dish to make the day a bit special. Steak is a classic, quick to cook and a real treat, but you can ring the changes with a flavour-packed sauce, salsa or butter to serve it with. Have a look at these three easy steak sauce ideas to get you started. 

    Steak with a twist