Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and we have meal ideas that will guide you through a stress free romantic evening!

It’s the time to be with the one you love and for you to enjoy each other’s company and there’s no better way than with a home cooked meal by candlelight – especially with most restaurants deciding to bump up their prices for the weekend.

Even if you’re trying to impress someone for the first time, invite them round to show off your cooking skills and you’ll definitely get a second date if you follow our easy recipes.

Deciding on what to cook can turn into a major dilemma – if you’re not the greatest chef in the kitchen! But don’t worry though, we’ve put together three meal ideas for different tastes from our recipes selection – from loaded potato skins to fruit crumble!

Even mix up the menu’s to suit you and your valentine’s pallets.

For the meat eaters…

To start, Jacket Potato Skins – loaded skins bursting with salty bacon, strong cheddar cheese with a hint of garlic and chilli. Ideal to start off a tasty meal, dipped in cool sour cream.

The main event, Heavenly Lamb Shanks – does it get any better than that? One pot cooking at its best, which leaves you with more time to spend with your valentine whilst the lamb bubbles away!

The perfect ending, Pain au Chocolat Brandy Pudding – a fan of the Lumumba cocktail? Then this is the dessert for you; chocolate pastry heaven! Serve with cream, ice cream or custard for ultimate indulgence.

For the veggie lovers…

The first chapter, Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut, Chilli and Garlic to warm the evening up, rich in taste with an added kick!

Moving on to the easiest Spinach Pie, golden pastry glistening with melted butter filled with a helping of feta and spinach – the perfect veggie main course!

For the fruity ending, Frozen Fruit Crumble – loaded with porridge oats, cinnamon, nutmeg and frozen berries – extra tasty with cream or ice cream.

For the fish fans…

The start of the event, Salmon and Pollock Fish cakes filled with fish, egg and potatoes. Serve with a side salad and a sweet chilli dipping sauce for an extra zing.

For the main course, Pacific Cod with Lime, Chilli and Ginger, a bowl full of aromatic aromas –lime, ginger, chilli and sesame.

A finale of Summer Berry Filo Parcels, this is a really versatile recipe that could be done with a variety of fruits and added extras such as flavourings or melted chocolate! Yum!

Even if you’re single on Valentine’s Day these meals would be great to rustle up for yourself or for with friends. Enjoy!