We’ve put together a selection of mouth-watering starters to set the tone for a special evening ahead.  All of the appetizers have delicious flavour combinations and are simple to prepare in advance, leaving you more time to focus on preparing the other courses. 

They say every good meal starts with a toast, so why not kick off your evening in style with a cocktail? Mix up something fruity like a Passion Fruit Martini or a Kir Royale to cleanse your palate before eating. 

A light and flavoursome soup is the perfect start to your meal. You can garnish most soups with black pepper and pecorino shavings, and serve with crusty bread.

Or if you fancy trying your hand at homemade pasta, our Crab Ravioli recipe will really impress your date. Made using a Kenwood stand mixer, you can cut down on prep time by using the lasagne roller to create the pasta sheets. Serve this gorgeous, buttery ravioli with parmesan, lemon and black pepper. 

These vegetable spring rolls are so colourful to look at and are really fun to make using a spiralizer attachment. The fresh, crunchy vegetables paired with the chilli, soy and lime dip makes an ideal vegetarian or vegan starter. 

Create the restaurant feeling at home and give your dinner guest(s) the ‘wow factor’ with our selection of hearty main dishes.

Meat lovers will enjoy a succulent ribeye steak with a smoky aubergine purée, served with rocket and additional thick cut chips. Perfect paired with the crab ravioli to start and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, to cut through the juiciness of the steak.

Try our indulgent Tomato Lobster Spaghetti for a pasta dish with a twist. The pasta is made from scratch as well as the rich and sweet tomato sauce, using the Cooking Chef XL. This spaghetti dish works well with the Asparagus Soup to start and a glass of dry and crisp white wine or fizz. 

Plant based and meat eaters alike will love this fragrant Vegan Thai Curry for a vibrant and filling main dish. Packed full of flavour, this healthier option is a real hit with everyone. Serve with rice, garnish with Thai basil and coriander, and pair with a citrusy white wine or Thai beer. The spiralized vegetable spring rolls also make a great starter to go with this! 

There’s definitely no holding back when it comes to dessert. These delicious sweet treats will bring your Valentine’s menu to a memorable close. 

For a more luxurious dessert, try this Honeycomb and pistachio torte, served with chantilly cream or vanilla ice cream. You’ll really put your Cooking Chef XL through its paces making the honeycomb, pastry and filling with the mixer. 

For a lighter option, these delectably fruity Rose and Cherry Fools are easy to make and prepare in advance, and an ideal sweet (and slightly boozy) treat to have after a heavier meal. 

For plant based diners, try these Vegan Meringues, which can be topped with a selection of fresh fruits and coconut cream. Made from aquafaba (liquid from tinned chickpeas), even non vegans will enjoy these light and crunchy meringue nests.