It’s ‘Flippin’ Valentine’s Soon! – This year we have Shrove Tuesday followed immediately by Valentine’s Day. So, highly conveniently, I’m recommending that you invest in one of these lovely, limited editions, heart-shaped crêpe pans from Bonne Maman. Present your beloved with a pretty stack and top with your favourite Bonne Maman conserves or spreads (chocolate orange is my favourite). For tips and lovely recipes visit bonnemaman.co.uk. The heart-shaped 25cm non-stick Bonne Maman crêpe pans are available now, for a four-week period while stocks last, from Home Departments in Sainsbury’s plus Argos stores nationwide at rrp £19.
Paperchase is launching its first-ever Valentine’s Day collection at Tesco and it’s a fun range, with plenty of heart motifs to go around, emanating from the classic, quirky Paperchase aesthetic. The range is very reasonably priced and includes candles (for that romantic table setting), gift bags, Martini glasses, and of course, notebooks. I was very taken with the Paperchase Date Idea Matchsticks at just £3. Featuring pink and red doves, and it’s filled with matchsticks containing date ideas – and is also ideal for lighting your candles or fire!
I’m rather partial to liquorice, and particularly love the range by Danish confectionery brand Lakrids By Bülow. It has a Love collection with the popular Strawberries & Cream flavour making a return for 2024 and a new fruity companion, Peaches. This limited-edition Love collection is the perfect gift to share the love. The LOVE collection is available at John Lewis, Selfridges, Fenwick, lakridsbybulow.co.uk and at the new LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW UK stores in Canary Wharf and Monmouth Street. RRP Small (125g) £11.00, Regular (295g) £15.00
Better still is the Love Selection Box, a selection of everything your heart could desire. This heart-shaped box combines popular classics with limited edition flavours. The box includes Strawberries & Cream, Fruity Caramel, Milkshake, Dark & Sea Salt, Coffee Kieni, Salt & Caramel and Classic- Salty Caramel. RRP (450g) £40.00
If you’re a cocktail fan, then have some fun with this delicious, canned cocktail: Cheeky Wee Kiss, from multi award-winning Scottish canned cocktail company Angels Dare. It’s the cocktail you just must share after you’ve asked that simple question: ‘Would you like a Cheeky Wee Kiss?’ Open the can, and there’s your ready-to-drink answer — a mix of dry gin, sweet yet fiery rhubarb and ginger, a dash of strawberry, and the gentle embrace of cranberry juice. And if you like your cocktails on the drier side, I’m pleased to report that it’s not too sweet either. £6.50 per 250ml can online from angelsdarecocktails.co.uk
As well as being cheeky, you could, of course, also be corny: with this Valentines Night In Gift Box. £20 from Joe & Sephs here. Curl up on the sofa to watch a film, and enjoy two limited-edition Valentine’s popcorn flavours, decadent White Chocolate & Raspberry Popcorn Bites, and a Valentine’s Card. This Kit contains everything you need to create a cosy night with your Valentine.
Now, much as I love champagne, a good one is often out of the budgetary realms for most of us. I’d recommend choosing a good sparkling alternative. As well as producing champagne, the French also produce some other superb sparklings, such as this Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé. It has hints of strawberry, biscuity notes, fine bubbles and a rounded finish. At a fraction of the price of a bottle of Champagne, what’s not to love? £12 a bottle from Ocado, so you have time to place your order for pre-Valentine’s delivery.
And if you’re planning to stay at home to celebrate with your loved one, the supermarkets will be doing a great range of meal deals:
Waitrose, M&S, Tesco, and Asda to name a few, in different price ranges. This year Waitrose is offering a great deal that includes a starter, main, side and dessert plus a bottle of fine wine or a ready-to-pour cocktail from MOTH: or Tails for £20, allowing customers to make savings up to £19.40 – that’s almost half price.
I usually buy a couple from different supermarkets and spread the products over a week or so as they are such good value!
Fancy a spot of lobster? Yes please!
M&S has just announced its most luxurious Valentine’s Day Dine In menu yet – and it’s certainly not to be missed! Apparently, last year, over one million people enjoyed an M&S Valentine’s Day Dine In.
For the first time, lobster will be on the menu, with other options including fillet steak beef wellington, lamb shanks with asparagus and indulgent white chocolate and raspberry mousse heart for dessert. Not just that, but this year also sees the first fully Gluten Free Menu, a new vegan menu and the option to pick up a four pack of Passionstar martini cocktail tinnies. It’s a bit more expensive, at £25 (still great value at £12.50 per person!)
Available in stores from 9th – 14th February.
The Seasoned Gastronome