Valentine’s Day! Whether you love it or loathe it, this romantic holiday is a great excuse to cook for the people you love – mates, family, partner, flatmates. And what better inspiration than our very own Jamie and Jools.
We’ve delved into the archives and found some of Jamie’s date-night favourites to give you a bit of inspiration for the perfect, simple Valentine’s Day dinner. It doesn’t matter if you’re a kitchen novice or a serious home cook, show them you care with these foolproof recipes.
Not only is this salad a winning combination, it is effortless. There are a few little tweaks that help make a salad special, but the marriage of salty Parma ham, creamy buffalo mozzarella and sweet figs is always a success. It’s a good idea to have some spare bread on the table to mop up any delicious juices, too.
Once upon a time, when Jools and Jamie shared a tiny London flat and worked opposite shifts, Jamie used to custom-make ‘dinners in a bag’ and leave instructions for Jools on the outside of the parcel. This gorgeous spaghetti dish is a step up from that, made extra luxurious with help from a selection of fresh seafood. An impressive Valentine’s main course with minimal effort.
Some of you may remember this classic chocolate tart recipe from The Naked Chef. A true throwback, this recipe is simple but seriously tasty. Indulgent and definitely designed for sharing, this baked chocolate tart was a favourite of Jamie’s whenever he wanted to impress Jools before they were married. The perfect way to round off your meal.
Tips
Don’t have much time? We’re all busy, and when Valentine’s Day falls on a weeknight it can feel impossible to make time to cook something to impress. With a few tips and a bit of love, you’ll be able to whip up something in no time. It helps to be organised when it comes to shopping and cooking; choose dishes that are more about assembly than pan time, or dishes you can prep ahead to free up your time on the night
What’s it going to cost? No matter what your budget, a little effort goes a long way when it comes to your loved ones. Jamie’s Honeymoon spaghetti is a stunning centrepiece that looks amazing, but you can mix up the seafood according to what’s in season and best value for money. Chat to your fishmonger and get the best you can afford – the thought will count for more!
Still not sure what to make? Our number one Valentine’s Day tip is, do something you can share. Whether it’s a big salad on a platter, a steak to slice up, or cheese to dunk bread into, pick a dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table. Get sharing and dipping – it’s about as romantic as it gets.