Valentine’s Day is one of those days that sounds lovely in theory but it can be a bit much. Overpriced set menus, awkward tables too close together and food that looks nice but leaves you stopping for snacks on the way home. It isn't ideal so that's why I prefer to stay home, eat well and wear comfy clothes! Cooking at home feels more relaxed, more personal and you actually get to enjoy the evening instead of watching the clock and wondering how much the bill is going to be.
This meal is simple and feels like a treat without draining your bank account. It’s perfect for two, easy to scale up or down and you won’t be chained to the kitchen all night. Garlic mushrooms to start a proper hearty main of sausages and a dessert that looks impressive but is secretly easy!
Starter:
Garlic mushrooms with crusty bread which costs around £4 to £5.
Main:
Sticky Balsamic Sausage Traybake with Roast Potatoes which costs around £6.
Dessert:
Warm Chocolate Brownies with Ice Cream which costs around £4 to £5
That keeps the whole meal comfortably under £20, especially if you already have basics like oil, seasoning or honey in the cupboard.
Starter: Garlic Mushrooms with Crusty Bread!
This is one of those starters that instantly makes dinner feel special. You know the smell, the kind that has people wandering into the kitchen asking what’s that? What I love about this starter is that it is low fuss but still feels like a treat. You don’t need a dozen fancy ingredients or some Michelin-star technique, just mushrooms, garlic, butter and a bit of seasoning. The crispy, crusty bread is there for the dunking and soaking up all that buttery garlicky goodness.
You need:
300g chestnut mushrooms, sliced.
2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
A knob of butter.
Salt and black pepper.
Optional: dried parsley or thyme.
1 Crusty baguette or similar
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt and start to sizzle. Add the mushrooms and leave them alone for 3 to 4 minutes so they start to brown. Toss in the garlic and stir well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until mushrooms are glossy and soft. Season with salt, pepper and a sprinkle of herbs if you like. Slice and lightly toast the bread. Serve warm with the mushrooms on top or on the side for dunking.
Main: Sticky Balsamic Sausage Traybake with Roast Potatoes!
Sausages are underrated for Valentine’s Day. They’re easy to cook, flavourful and when roasted with a sticky balsamic and honey glaze they suddenly feel fancy without any stress. The roast potatoes are essential, golden and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They soak up a bit of the sausage glaze, making every bite delicious. The whole traybake approach is a win too. You throw everything in, let the oven do the work and by the time it’s done, your kitchen smells incredible and your plate is ready to go.
You need:
6 good quality pork sausages.
4 to 5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped.
2 tbsp olive oil.
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
1 tbsp honey.
Salt and black pepper.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes until the edges are just tender. Drain, shake in the colander to rough up the edges (this helps them crisp up). Toss the potatoes in a roasting tin with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes to start roasting. Meanwhile, place the sausages in another roasting tray (or alongside the potatoes if your tray is big enough) and roast for 20 minutes. Mix the balsamic vinegar and honey together and pour over the sausages. Turn them so they’re coated, then roast for another 15 to 20 minutes until sticky and golden. Make sure the potatoes get a little turn halfway through so they roast evenly. Serve everything straight from the tray! Cosy, sticky and perfect!
Warm Chocolate Brownies with Ice Cream!
Brownies are one of those sweet treats that feel like a hug. Using ready made brownies keeps things simple but warming them in the oven gives them that gooey centre that makes them feel like a little luxury. Serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds the ultimate finishing touch. You can even add a few berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if you’re feeling extra fancy. Dessert is meant to feel special, and these brownies definitely are without any stress or mess.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be flashy to be lovely. A homemade meal, a relaxed atmosphere and food that actually fills you up beats a fancy restaurant every time.
What do you have planned for Valentine's Day?
