Perfect Valentine’s Day Feast

Wondering what to prepare for Valentine’s Day? Lydia Brownlow suggests a delicious and simple meal that will win hearts.

The following recipes are very simple to prepare, utterly delicious, and quick to cook, giving you lots of time to enjoy a glass or two of champagne with your loved one! All recipes feed four, leaving plenty for the next day.

RACK OF LAMB WITH CHESTNUT AND TOMATO RELISH

If chestnuts are not your thing, replace them with button mushrooms. The relish also goes brilliantly with grilled steaks or chicken breasts.

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes1/3 cup olive oil4 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped3 garlic cloves, crushed2 teaspoon sugar2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar9 ribs rack of lamb, French cut and trimmedSalt and ground black pepper1 cup bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces1 cup vacuum-packed whole cooked chestnuts

Halve the tomatoes and place in bowl with the oil, parsley, garlic, sugar and vinegar.

Place the rack of lamb in a large roasting pan, scatter with bacon, and season well. Cook at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, then set aside to rest. Stir the chestnuts into the lamb juices with the tomatoes and dressing, and warm over a gentle heat. Carve the lamb; serve with the warm dressing and the following Potatoes Dauphinoise and Crispy Crumbed Zucchini.

POTATOES DAUPHINOISE

These creamy, garlicky potatoes are real comfort food and the perfect match with the lamb.

2 pounds large potatoes1 cup each heavy cream and whole milk2 garlic cloves, crushedSalt and ground black pepper

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Bring the cream and milk to the boil in a large pot. Add the potatoes and season well. Cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Spoon into an ovenproof dish and cook at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

CRISPY CRUMBED ZUCCHINI

2 zucchini1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs1 teaspoon dried thymeSalt and ground black pepper2 tablespoons olive oil

Thickly slice the zucchini; place in a roasting pan. Combine the breadcrumbs with the thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Spoon over the zucchini slices and roast at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden.

Then for dessert, that's up to you—but as long as it is chocolate-based, you can't go wrong!

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