Lavish or Casual?

Valentine's Day is observed on February 14th each year. It is an official feast day of Saint Valentine, in the Anglican Communion. The day was first associated with romantic love and affection. If you are entertaining on Valentine's Day this year, just remember to match your surroundings.

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If you live in a bedsit, then lavish is impossible. If you don't want your guest to see you flustered, with a red face stirring furiously, best not to cook at all. If you have decided to cook, then just concentrate on the meal, getting as much done beforehand. There's no denying that fresh food tastes better, and no one is going to be impressed by anything that comes out of a tin, bottle or packet. However, those who scorn at processed food, outnumber those who can actually detect it's presence, by about ten to one. So you see, you can use whatever you like, so long as you get rid of the evidence. Just leave the sliced ham, bottled ketchup and mayonnaise under the bed in a suitcase.

Seriously though, simplify the meal using crusty bread, real butter, real coffee, real cream and really good cheese. If you are cooking for a man, then have lots of cheese. Don't cram in another course, spend money on getting things perfect rather that more ingredients. Don't apologise, don't flap and never ask "is it all right".