The ingredients of love

It might have pulled us kicking and screaming but we are finally in 2023, and with it comes the season of love; Valentine’s Day.

Are you prepared for Cupid’s arrow to come forth once more in the form of chocolates, flowers, and a full course meal?

Pull out the apron and clean the chopping board because we are bringing a tasty, yet tempting meal that will make any Valentine’s Day that touch more personal.

Fall in love at the first sight of bruschetta:

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped

• 8 medium tomatoes (about 500g), chopped and drained

• 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 6-8 leaves of fresh basil, chopped

• 30ml balsamic vinegar

• 60-80ml extra virgin olive oil

• 1 loaf crusty bread

Step 1:

Mix the onions, tomatoes, garlic and basil. Add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix again. Cover and chill for 30 mins.

Step 2: Slice loaf into medium/thick slice and lightly toast until light brown. Serve the chilled mixture onto the warm slices of bread. Enjoy.

Bask in the beauty of one another with a Bolognese:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 400g beef mince

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 100g carrot, grated

• 2 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes

• 400ml stock (beef)

• 400g dried spaghetti

Step 1:

Heat a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, once hot add the mince and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the mince until well browned then transfer to a bowl.

Step 2: Add another tablespoon of olive oil, once hot, add the onions and a pinch of salt and fry for 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 and then add carrots and mince mixture into the saucepan.

Step 3: Add the tomatoes and mix well. Pour in stock and bring to a simmer for 45 minutes. Cook the spaghetti following packet instructions, drain and add to sauce. Voila.

Melt in each other’s arms with gooey brownies:

• 1 cup butter, melted

• 2 cups white sugar

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 eggs

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180° and grease your baking pan (roughly 9x13-inch).

Step 2: Mix the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, eggs, flour, baking powder and salt. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake in preheated over for 20-30 mins or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with crumbs, not wet. Cool on wire rack. Devour.