Treat yourself and your loved one to a sumptuous Valentine\u2019s dinner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some tips on how to make an easy romantic dinner, with ingredients sure to get the love juices flowing, one of which you can actually whip up in less than an hour from start to finish.Oysters\/Mushroom toast<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oysters and mushroom ricotta toast is your Valentine\u2019s Day starter. Okay, we know oysters are such a clich\u00e9. These little shells have had their moment in the sun for far too long, but it\u2019s for good reason. Historically, they\u2019ve been linked to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Legend has it she rose out of the sea in an oyster shell, so those looking for love would honour her by eating oysters, calling them aphrodisiacs. More importantly, though, oysters require very little prep work. All you need is a trustworthy supplier and an oyster shucker and you\u2019re in business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If oysters are too slimy for your taste, another surprisingly romantic food is the humble mushroom. They\u2019re used at various stages of the chocolate- and wine-making process, they\u2019re known for their stunning longevity and truffles are even known to emit pheromone-like chemicals to attract mammals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gastronomically-speaking, mushrooms pack an umami punch and they\u2019re so easy to prepare that even the most culinarily challenged can make them at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what you need for a simple, yet impressive mushroom toast appetizer:.<\/span> 1 pack of brown button mushrooms, sliced.<\/span> Ricotta, or other spreadable cheese.<\/span> 1 Tbsp butter.<\/span> 1 Tbsp olive oil.<\/span> Balsamic vinegar.<\/span> 2 garlic cloves, minced.<\/span> 1 handful parsley, chopped.<\/span> Your favourite crusty bread, sliced.<\/span> Saut\u00e9 the mushrooms in a blend of butter and olive oil with salt, pepper, minced garlic and parsley until they\u2019re soft and browned..<\/span> Spread a soft cheese like ricotta on a couple slices of toast, top with the mushrooms and drizzle with balsamic vinegar..<\/span> Add some fresh herbs and you\u2019ve got a great start to your evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Main course: Spaghetti (cacio e pepe or tomato sauce)<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re strapped for time, one of the most romantic dishes in the world happens to also be one of the easiest to cook. There is some debate as to why spaghetti is considered a go-to romantic date night meal. There\u2019s always a risk that the sauce might stain your shirt or dress, or that you might slurp too loudly and kill the mood. This stringy pasta is still a favourite for lovers of all stripes, and it\u2019s not hard to see why. Its simplicity is its strength \u2013 with very few ingredients, spaghetti can take you back to your childhood, straight to a village in Italy or to your favourite Italian restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For cheese lovers, a cacio e pepe<\/i> is the way to go. The recipe is so simple that it comes together in 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For two people, you\u2019ll need:.<\/span> 150g dry spaghetti.<\/span> 3 Tbsp butter, cubed.<\/span> 1 tsp ground pepper (freshly ground is best).<\/span> 1 cup grated parmesan or pecorino cheese<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start cooking your spaghetti in well-salted water. Set a timer for the pasta to be al dente<\/i> (you can find this on the packaging but it\u2019s typically around 6 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, melt two thirds of the butter in a skillet on medium heat. Once melted, add the pepper and toast in the butter for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add a ladle full of pasta water to the skillet and let it simmer on low heat. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and add it to the sauce along with the rest of the butter. When the butter melts, turn the heat down to low and add the grated cheese. Stir until a creamy sauce comes together. Serve with extra grated cheese on top.Dessert: Chocolate mug cake <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chocolate has been associated with love and romance since long before Valentine\u2019s Day was a thing. Cocoa powder became popular in the Aztec Empire (ancient northern Mexico), where it was consumed as an unsweetened beverage and believed to have medicinal properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sweet treats are still the most popular gifts for the day of love, containing the natural mood boosters phenylethylamine and serotonin, which make people feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a simple, home-made chocolate dessert, wow your date with a chocolate mug cake. It comes together in seven minutes and can be made entirely in the microwave, so you won\u2019t see any carnage in the kitchen.For two people, you\u2019ll need:.<\/span> \u00bd cup almond flour. <\/span>4 Tbsp cocoa powder. <\/span>15 ml (1Tbsp) maple syrup. <\/span>2 tsp coconut oil. <\/span>2 tsp vanilla extract. <\/span>2 large eggs<\/p>\n\n\n\n All you have to do is add all the ingredients to a measuring cup, mix well and divide evenly into two large mugs. Then put them in the microwave one at a time for 1-2 minutes or until the cake is cooked through. Top with whipped cream and berries if you\u2019re feeling fancy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Treat yourself and your loved one to a sumptuous Valentine\u2019s 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