How to create the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner to get you and your partner in the mood for love

Published: 02 February 2011

You’ve been putting it off (maybe it wouldn't last?) You were really busy and it just slipped your mind. One of you lost a job so money is tight. Whatever the reason for the delay, you simply aren’t prepared for Valentine's Day. And unless you can come up with something quick, you may well end up spending the night in the doghouse.

How to create the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner to get you and your partner in the mood for love
You’ve been putting it off (maybe it wouldn't last?) You were really busy and it just slipped your mind. One of you lost a job so money is tight. Whatever the reason for the delay, you simply aren’t prepared for Valentine's Day. And unless you can come up with something quick, you may well end up spending the night in the doghouse.

But don’t panic. Simply follow FAB’s guide to hosting the perfect intimate Valentines meal in the comfort of your own home, avoiding the overpriced, overcrowded restaurants in the process. Your other half will think you are being romantic and you’ll save a ton of money!

1. Set the mood. Strategically place scented tea lights around the room – spicy scents such as cinnamon or vanilla will get both men and women in the mood, or you could opt for a more traditional romantic scent such as ylang ylang or jasmine. Then set the table. A small vase with a single red rose will add to the romantic ambiance.

2. Want to really make it a night to remember? Don’t forget to use aphrodisiac ingredients in your cooking – we’ve planned an entire menu below to help get you and your partner in the mood for love. Serve dinner with glasses of pink champagne, or either cava or prosecco if your budget doesn’t stretch that far.

Starter  - Asparagus and gruyere tart

Asparagus is a well-known aphrodisiac and this easy to make tart is guaranteed to get you in the mood.

Main – Cod with a prosciutto crust

The flavours in this dish complement each other wonderfully and it really can be made with any firm white fish such as monkfish. Furthermore both garlic and pine nuts are said to stimulate sexual desire. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread.

Dessert – Banoffee pie

This combination of banana, toffee and cream is always popular and is very simple to make. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production in both men and women.

Oh, and one other thing. Don’t forget a fantastic present for your partner!