Cooking for the one you love

“It’s all too commercial!”

Ask a decent number of students about their opinions on Valentines Day, and it’s likely you’ll receive this response at least once. And they’d be right.

Valentines Day has without a doubt become too commercial. But there are ways to avoid the sickeningly sweet onslaught of pink-and-red teddy bears, glitter-smothered cards and bedraggled roses, and food has got to be one of them.

I’m a firm believer in demonstrating affection through culinary means. Food brings people together, it renders us all equal, and is a easy yet successful way to show someone we care. And this is never more important than on February 14th, the arguably most romantic day of the year. After all, you know that you’re really close to someone when you can cook their favourite meal without asking what they fancy.

So this Valentines Day, why not avoid the cheap, tacky array of products on display in Clintons and opt instead for something more meaningful? Whether it’s a sophisticated three course meal, something less fussy to take with you into the bedroom or a cosy shared breakfast for the following morning, a little effort is bound to go a long way.

Chocolate Fondue

This is a ridiculously easy recipe that’s perfect for two as it works better in small numbers. It helps if you have a proper fondue set for this, but it works fine without.

• 200g milk chocolate. Preferably good quality, it will really make the difference.
• 142 ml double cream. Again, how much you use depends on how creamy you like your fondue.
• 1tbsp golden syrup

Suggested Dipping Items

• Marshmallows
• Strawberries
• Pineapple
• Turkish Delight
• Shortbread Biscuits
• Grapes
• Fudge Cubes

1. Put the ingredients for the fondue in a bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water. Allow to melt slowly and gently, stirring occasionally.
2. Transfer the chocolate mixture to the fondue dish, if you have one. If not, use the same bowl, but allow to cool for a little while before serving.
3. Skewer fruit and sweets on a fork and dip into the fondue. Attempt to eat seductively while trying not to drop chocolate everywhere.

Eggy Bread Hearts

Unashamedly twee but undeniably tasty. The best combination.

• 2/3 eggs
• 4/5 slices of white bread
• Oil or butter for frying
• Heart-shaped biscuit cutter

1. Break the eggs into a mug and whisk with a fork until well mixed.
2. Using the biscuit cutter, cut out heart shapes from the slices of bread and place in a shallow bowl (a pasta bowl is ideal). Pour the egg mixture over the top and ensure that the bread is well-coated. Leave to absorb for a few minutes.
3. While the bread is soaking, heat up the oil or butter in frying pan. Take a couple of the eggy hearts at a time and fry for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Serve with beans and crispy bacon.

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