Dining out on Valentine’s Day may be a fuss-free way to celebrate this special event,which is traditionally held on the 14th of February. But there is always something extra-special when you prepare a home cooked meal for a loved one.

The food is prepared with a bit more care and the compliments go directly to the home chef. In preparing a menu for Valentine’s Day, consider a four or five course meal. You can begin to whip up most of its components at least a day or so in advance (especially for more sophisticated dishes and gourmet food recipes). You can build it around French recipes or any country’s food that both you and your loved one prefer. Almost always, a Valentine’s Day dinner would include a sizzling steak, salad, bread with butter, dessert and fine wine.

Antipasto di Mare (a seafood salad) would be a good appetizer to serve if you both love seafood. Otherwise, a simple green salad and some buttered rolls would do as nicely.Begin to serve wine at this point, especially one that will compliment the main dish made with fish, chicken or beef. In this collection, we suggest Fresh Sea Bream Marinated with Pepper for something light or a nicely seared Balsamic Filet Mignon for the meat lover.

If you both love chicken, try the Chicken Braised with Wine, which is reminiscent of the popular French coq au vin. To cap the evening, settle down with a chocolate-themed best dessert recipes in the world. After all, chocolates overflow on this day, as gifts and yes, as an ingredient on cakes,mousse, tarts and truffles. In designing the dessert, weave in other traditional Valentine’s Day symbols like flowers and hearts. Such little touches set the stage for warm conversation and companionship. So spend Valentine’s Day at home and be your loved one’s personal chef.