Sweet treat for your Valentine

Why dress up for a night out when you can slip on your apron to impress?

Ihave never received a Valentine’s Day card. Another fact is that I have never sent one either. At school the build-up to February 14 was huge; whispers and gossip were rife. Should it be a shop-bought card or homemade, dark or milk chocolates — there were so many decisions to be made. For me it was simple, I just didn’t.

This week I’ve been inundated with messages and emails regarding Valentine’s events and staycations. Maybe I’m just cynical, but like many of my single friends, we agree it’s just a reminder that we are single, which I’m totally cool with.

A discussion in the office last week was a consensus that many of my colleagues would perhaps go for dinner, maybe exchange gifts — most people’s plans were very low-key. This conversation reminded me of my college days.

I used to work for a burger chain (the one with the golden arches), where I came up with the idea of hosting a couple’s evening at the restaurant. My idea was met with a lot of cynicism.

So the next day I designed a poster advertising my event, and I displayed it in the store. I arrived the following day for my night shift to be informed that bookings had been made.

I dressed the tables in red tablecloths, red napkins, plates and cutlery. On the night, I turned down the lights and lit candles to set the mood. As my first guests arrived, I took their orders and showed them to their tables. As the kitchen was preparing the food, I neatly presented the food in plates rather than in foam boxes. Knives and forks were used.

To my surprise more and more people showed up. My candlelit event proved that you don’t have to be in a top restaurant to have a romantic meal. I think there is no better way to show love than to cook for someone. Again, it doesn’t have to be all fancy, sometimes simple is better. I love it when friends cook for me. Yes, they all say they are nervous because I cook so much, but no one’s here to judge.

The recipe alongside is the perfect sharing dessert, and it looks delicious. The combination of strawberries and cream was created by Thomas Wolsey, in the court of King Henry VIII.

Served dipped in dark chocolate or served with fresh cream everyone loves strawberries (actually except me).