National (and international) awareness days are like buses. For example, Pancake Day isn’t even over and we’re already looking ahead to Valentine’s Day which, for many, is that one time of the year when couples cannot avoid the urge to be romantic.

 

The BIG decision, then, is whether you’re eating out or eating in. If you’re eating out then this will be of little use to you. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking of staying at home for a night of wining and dining then read on.

 

Making that perfect meal for your partner, particularly on a night where your culinary skills are going to be in the spotlight, is crucial for two reasons: a) you want them to enjoy it and be suitably impressed, and b) it needs to be simple enough so that you’re not spending all night in the kitchen.

 

And this is why we’ve come up with the perfect last minute, easy to prepare and suitably impressive Valentine’s Day menu for two.

 

To start

 

Traditional Smoked Salmon with Tiger Prawns with a horseradish cream and lime finish

 

Even the title sounds impressive – and the dish itself doesn’t disappoint. And, with a preparation time of less than 20 minutes it really couldn’t be any easier.

 

Ingredients

100g John Ross Jr’s Traditional Smoked Salmon

8 – 12 king prawns (cooked)

1 tablespoon crème fraiche

½ tablespoon horseradish

1 lime (juice and zest, stores separately)

1 teaspoon maple syrup

Handful of salad

2 tablespoons of olive oil

 

Method

In a bowl mix the horseradish and crème fraiche. Add seasoning to taste. In a separate bowl mix the lime juice, zest, maple syrup and oil. Take the smoked salmon and lay it on two plates before placing half the prawns on top. Follow up with a dollop of horseradish cream, add the salad and drizzle over the dressing.

 

For main

 

Ribeye Steak with handcut chips

 

Steak, when cooked well, can win over the heart of almost anyone. It’s a no nonsense meal with a universal appeal, which is why we think you’ll like this.

 

Ingredients

 

2 generous ribeye steaks, season with sea salt and cracked black pepper

50g salted butter

1 lemon (juice and zest)

Olive oil

2 handfuls of salad (mixed)

425g Maris Piper potatoes, chopped into chunky chips

1-2 garlic cloves (crushed)

Small bunch of parsley (chopped)

 

Slightly soften the butter before mashing in the chopped parsley. Add a dash of lemon juice and season to taste. Take the chips and place on a baking tray before tossing with two tablespoons of olive oil and the crushed garlic. Cook for approximately 30 minutes until golden.

 

For the steak, add two tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan. When really hot, add the steaks and fry for three minutes on each side (or slightly more if you’ve gone for a very generous steak!). Once cooked, place each steak on a serving plate for one minute prior to serving, add a dollop of the parsley butter on each steak, plate the chips, add the salad and enjoy.

 

For dessert

 

Caribbean Creams

 

Thanks to Nigella for this delicious recipe and for providing a taste of the Caribbean when February in the UK is likely to be anything but tropical. Click here to view the recipe and remember to half the ingredients as Nigella’s recipe is based on four people.

 

And, if you’re looking for something even more straightforward, then our smoked salmon hearts are guaranteed to put a smile on your partner’s face. All you need is enough smoked salmon for two, cream cheese, bread, chives and a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Simply spread two slices of bread with cream cheese, lay the smoked salmon on top, cut out the heart shape with the cookie cutter and garnish with chives.

 

Let us know if this has been of use – or if you’ve even used the entire three-course meal suggestion – via our Facebook Page.