Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day menu does not need to break the bank or have you spend half a day in the kitchen. The key is to choose the most romantic foods you can find to make this evening extra special. Here are some ideas.

Oysters

They say that oysters are an aphrodisiac which is why they are so often enjoyed as part of a romantic meal. They are usually served first and paired with a fine white wine. Of course, oysters are not for everyone so, you could always opt for a different first course if this is not your cup of tea.

Steak

There are few things more satisfying than a perfectly cooked steak. Make sure that you order a tender cut and cook it medium or even medium-rare for best flavour. You can pair the steak with a selection of vegetables and some sauce or gravy as part of your Valentine’s Day menu.

Fondue

If you would rather spend a couple of hours cooking and preparing bite-size treats, you can choose a fondue. The best meats for a fondue include beef and chicken. Top vegetables include potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower and carrots. If you like, you can precook your potatoes and carrots since they are harder and will otherwise take longer to cook. You can also serve some savoury rice and two or three sauces (cheese, mushroom and peppercorn sauce) to make the meal even better!

Whipped cream

Now it’s time for something sweet and there is no denying the fact that whipped cream will make an excellent addition to any Valentine’s Day menu. You don’t want to simply eat cream, of course. You should serve it along with something like fresh strawberries for a tangy yet sensationally sweet flavour.

Chocolate

Let’s not forget about chocolate! Your Valentine’s Day menu should include some sort of chocolate treat. They can come in the form of delicious brownies, chocolate cake or even chocolate truffles.

Sparkling wine

No meal is complete without selecting the right beverage. So, make sure that you serve some perfectly chilled champagne to complete your Valentine’s Day menu and bring all those flavours together.

Now that you know what you can include in your Valentine’s Day menu, it’s time to get started with your shopping list. The most important part of creating a memorable dinner is proper planning. So, make sure that you have all the ingredients you need before you begin cooking.