Six ways to enjoy V-Day through food

Nothing like a romantic dinner to keep the fires burning - whether you're stirring up passion at home or dining out in your Valentine's Day best

If there is one thing that restaurateurs bet their money on, it is the link between food and love. So much so, that Valentine's Day is one of the busiest nights in a restaurant - if not the busiest. Combining love and food makes perfect business sense because they are basic human needs  - it's simply an offer we cannot refuse.
As much as I strongly believe that couples should not leave it to one day in the entire year to celebrate love, I still feel that celebrating love is never a bad idea. Here are some great ways to combine food and love this Valentine's. This is a guide for every budget - whether you are cosily coupled up or freely single and disengaged. Love is for everybody, not only lovers. and Valentine's is certainly not only for the wealthy.

"Fancy Schmancy"
If you are the dress-up type, or like to play dress-up from time to time, reserving a table in a posh restaurant could be ideal. Dressing up is a great idea not just for new couples, but also those couples who've been together for a long time; you see each other at your best!

Romance at home
If you don't feel like going out to a crowded restaurant on Valentine's, you can get a personal chef from ChefXChange in the likes of Chefs Maurizio Pelli (authentic Italian fare), Andy Campbell (popular British chef), and Paul Frangie (model turned chef) - all of whom can cook for you at home. This is particularly cool if you have an open kitchen where you can watch the chef preparing dinner. If you don't have an open kitchen, simply light some candles, play some soft, romantic music and woo each other with canapés and beverages while you wait for the courses to be presented.
A cheaper option would be to have dinner catered and delivered already cooked. Try Marta's Kitchen, Dish, Lafayette Gourmet, Yes Chef or Elements Catering.

Stir up the heat
If you know your way around the kitchen, consider wearing something nice and cooking dinner together. You can play romantic music - and dance in between cooking stages. Be sure to cook simple and light dishes. Starters can be a salad; try a main dish you can pop into the oven; and make dessert in advance, like the day before (check out my Orange Ginger Crème Brulee recipe on the right!).

Sunset picnic
Whether you pack your own dinner or get it catered, consider taking the day off from work and heading up to the mountains in Jebel Jais or Jebel Hafeet; or go to the desert for a sunset picnic around a cosy campfire. Bring marshmallows and long skewers to roast them with, as well as crackers to sandwich them together and make Smores. What could be sweeter than a low-key, casual picnic for two?

Dinner and a movie
You can do this indoors or outdoors. Either go out for dinner and then see a romantic movie together, or get dinner catered/ordered in and then watch a timeless romantic movie that you will both enjoy.

Singles' party
If you are single, there is no reason to stay home alone while all your coupled friends get all the attention. Gather all your fun singles and throw yourselves a fine party. You can do it at home with takeaway or have it catered. Have lots of games on hand and go around telling jokes. Who knows? Some sparks may even start flying! 
Also, a super cool recipe to whip up this V-Day
Orange Ginger Crème Brulee
Ingredients
. 6 egg yolks
. ¼ cup caster sugar
. 1 tbsp orange zest (about 3 oranges)
. ½ tsp ginger extract (optional)
. 1 tsp vanilla extract
. 1 ½ cups heavy cream

For caramel top:
. ½ tsp sugar per ramekin

Method
In a mixer, add egg yolks and sugar, and beat with whisk attachment until thick and light yellow in colour.
Add the orange zest, ginger extract, vanilla and cream, and stir until well mixed.
Pour the liquid in a large measuring cup (or any container with a pouring spout) through a sieve, catching all the foamy bits and zest.
Pour gently into four ramekins in even proportions.
Place ramekins, filled halfway up, in a bain marie (water bath) and place in oven at 180°C for 50-55 minutes until sides are cooked through. The centre will be slightly soft, even when done.
Cool completely on a wire rack; then, refrigerate for at least two hours.
Before serving, add ½ a teaspoon of sugar and dust it all over the ramekin so that the top is evenly coated. Caramelise with a small butane torch or under the broiler (at least five inches below) for about two minutes.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

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