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Valentine’s Day is approaching fast which means along with coming up with thoughtful presents for that special someone, it is also time to plan a flavourfully balanced, wonderfully intimate dinner to celebrate your beautiful bond. Across multiple courses that unfold organically between conversation, a few laughs and shy smiles, explore flavour, layered and bright textural complexities and recipes that spark interesting discussions.
Plan a course-by-course meal for this special day that is more about revelling in a romantic and intimate experience than about intricate cooking or complicated technique. Some simple options can turn the romantic dinner you host at home into an utterly memorable dining experience.
The Aperitif
Before heading to the dinner table, start with a bright aperitif which slowly builds up the Valentine’s Day theme. A light, refreshing cocktail such as a pink gin spritz adorned with ruby hued raspberries or a mocktail like a sparkling lemonade infused with a touch of pomegranate juice can bring that sweet, fruity yet lightly acidic and fizzy quality into the start of the dinner.
Such drinks will blend seamless into the vibe of the evening, as dim lights and soft, instrumental music plays in the background. Serve the carefully curated aperitifs in elegant glassware with garnishes like rosemary sprigs, edible flowers or dried rose petals for a visually striking touch.
Elegant Appetisers
Once the dinner is under way, spending too much time in the kitchen will break the flow of conversation so serve appetisers that can be assembled quickly, without much fuss. Either bring the small bites out with the aperitif itself or serve them soon after to awaken the palate for dinner. Keep the portions small and light.
Some aperitif options can include
– a crispy, chewy bruschetta with tomatoes and basil
– stuffed mushrooms with cheese and herbs
– garlic butter prawns
– smoked salmon with cream cheese placed on crackers
Choose appetisers that can be prepared quickly so you can devote more time to curate the entrée and mains.
Soup Or Salad Entrée
As you settle down on a dining table laid with aesthetic cutlery and adorned with a beautiful centrepiece featuring red roses, follow the appetisers up with a small portion of a light soup or salad course. This serving will refresh the palate and bring balance to the meal.
Think roasted tomato and basil soup or sweet corn and spinach soup or salads such as rocket leaves tossed with pears, walnuts and feta or an acidic, citrusy delight made by mixing fresh oranges and a bit of roast chicken with an avocado and a honey dressing.
The Main Course
This is where your culinary mastery will peak in earnest. Go for a main course that is flavourful and bright, yet hardly so loud that it will take away from the romantic and intimate feel of the evening. A comforting plate of herb-grilled chicken and mashed potatoes or rogan josh with phulkas or chicken stroganoff with buttered rice can be among some options that are delicious and filling but can be prepared in advance. Choose dishes which are easy to serve, which keep the conversation flowing and that build into the comforting and close setting of the evening.
A Sweet Finish
The dessert course, the last meal of the Valentine’s Day dinner, is all about indulgence, intimacy and luxury. Come up with options like chocolate fondue with fresh fruits and marshmallows, choco lava cake with vanilla ice cream or kesar phirni garnished with rose petals. When the main course is cleared, the dessert can bring in a signature rich charm which will close the romantic meal with its utterly decadent touch. Pair sweet treats with sips like an Irish coffee, cham
