A Valentine’s Supper

Valentine’s Day is so often shunned, but I do think there is something to it: it’s a day to celebrate love – though not necessarily of the romantic kind. On 14 February, I’ve cooked for friends, my sister, my parents and, some years, very happily just for myself.

SPAGHETTI + SQUASH POLPETTE  (pictured above)

Once rolled, the polpette freeze well, and can be slowly fried from frozen in a pan with some olive oil. Here, I bake them for ease and to make their load a little lighter.

CHOCOLATE POTS WITH SALTED DATE CARAMEL 

I have made enough for 4 small but luxurious pots here – any less is hard to manage in the blender. The remaining 2 pots will keep for a few days in the fridge. If you like, for an additional back note, you could add a pinch of chilli or cinnamon – though I prefer unadulterated chocolate.