A savoury meal for Valentine's Day

While you might associate Valentine's Day with all things sweet, a store-bought box of chocolates may not be the most thoughtful way to say "I love you" when your partner isn't a big fan of sugary things. So why not send him an invitation to meet you at home, turn the lights down low and surprise your mate with a savoury home-cooked meal?

Jeniece Isley, one of the authors of The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Power of Cuisine (Fireside, 2008) wholeheartedly believes that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. "The nurturing aspect associated with cooking for your mate shows that you care about his health and well-being," she says. But there's also a little something in it for you. "First and foremost, you get to spend an intimate dinner together."If the kitchen is not your comfort zone, Isley suggests approaching dinner as a team effort. "If you and your sweetie delve into the process together, not only will it help to ease some of the pressure, but it can also turn into a fun and flirty prelude to a fabulous evening."

Set the scene
To make it a special night, resist the urge to throw on your sweatpants and do a load of laundry while you make dinner. Instead, turn up the heat and put on that summer sundress he loves so much, despite the snow outside.

"This is the perfect time to pack up the TV tables and pull out the service for two," says Isley. She also suggests creating flattering lighting, just like in a cozy bistro. "Simple touches like tea-light candles around the house is a great way to set a mood without breaking the bank."

A great beginning
Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to slow down the pace of a busy lifestyle. Draw your evening out and make the most of your time together by starting with an appetizer. Isley recommends Oyster and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini. "It is absolutely delicious." And it could potentially set the scene for an enjoyable after-dinner event. "Oysters are known for their amorous effect," she says. "It's the appetizer that keeps on giving."

Check out Isley's suggestions for the main course...

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The main event
Choose the main dish carefully. Don't attempt something so complicated that you'll worry or fuss over it in the kitchen. Isley suggests the classic pasta dish Fettucine and Shrimp Alfredo. "It's really simple to make and it tastes divine." But if you're a more seasoned cook and enjoy a challenge, she's got another suggestion. "If your man is anything like my man, he loves his meat and potatoes. Try filet of beef with caramelized onions, red wine reduction and roasted fingerling potatoes." Either way, Isley recommends keeping it on the light side, so you're not both weighed down by too much food.

The finishing touch
Even if your partner doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, it's still nice to finish off the meal with a little dessert. Isley says her go-to dessert is Hazelnut Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries but offers a variation that takes the edge off. "If your date isn't a fan of sweets how about taking those same elements and making a delicious parfait layered in a champagne flute with strawberries, unsweetened whipped cream or yogurt, and crumbled hazelnut cookies. Drizzle with a little melted chocolate or strawberry coulis and you are good to go."