But when we combine this day with food, we create something special. Food is what humanity uses to speak love to one another. Nothing tells someone that you care more than their favourite home-cooked meal, made from scratch by someone they love. Food binds us to one another, and we reinforce that bond every time we share a meal with someone we love.

As the saying goes, the key to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so what better way to make your loved one happy than to cook them a meal with your own two hands.

Go slow

While speed is certainly a prerequisite, especially if you’re short on time, days like Valentine’s Day are opportunities for us to spend more time than usual preparing food. You’ll be giving the gift of food and the most precious thing you can share on earth: your time. And giving your time is sure to make your loved one feel valued because, in an age of uncertainty, it’ll remind them of the certainty of your bond.

Develop flavour

Try these delicious recipes which take a little time to develop flavour. It’ll be like dining at home without the hefty price tag.

Garlic scallops

Garlic Scallops recipe

Scotch fillet with blue cheese and mashed potatoes

Scotch Fillet Steak with Blue Cheese Sauce and Mashed Potatoes

Chinese -style pork chops

Chinese-Style Pork Chops recipe

Honey and lemon-glazed rack of lamb

Honey and Lemon Glazed Rack of Lamb

Lamb shanks Italian style

Lamb Shanks Italian-Style

Toblerone mousse

Toblerone Mousse Recipe

Hot chocolate fondant puddings

Hot Chocolate Fondant Puddings Recipe

Red velvet cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe

Chocolate and vanilla heart cookies

Chocolate and Vanilla Heart Cookies

More Valentine’s Day recipes

18 entrees to seduce your Valentine

18 romantic Valentine’s Day dinners

15 love-ly Valentine’s Day recipes