Valentines Dinner Menu Ideas from Provence

We understand that making a special dinner for someone can be stressful, but February 14th might add extra anxiety to meal prep. So, we have dug into our archives to select Valentines Dinner Menu Ideas for the occasion. In addition, read about foods that may have aphrodisiac effects, and enjoy a romantic evening.

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Set a Romantic Table

There is nothing like elegant table settings to set the mood. Provencal fabrics – les Indiennes – are available in various colours and patterns. In addition, there are table runners, placemats, tablecloths, and napkins to create your art de la table from playful to sophisticated. Buy a set or mix and match.

Stunning Candles: Created in 2012, Rose et Marius is, above all, a love story between Magali Fleurquin-Bonnard and Provence. By summoning her childhood memories in the Provencal country house of her grandmother Rose, the young designer takes us on a unique olfactory journey. These scents of the South, reminiscent of walks at a time when the hill exhales the vapours of the earth, imprinted on Magali’s memory. Explore the exquisite Rose et Marius candle collection, chosen by the French President for outstanding quality. Use 15-SVAL at checkout before February 14th to get a 15% discount on online purchases.

Valentines Dinner Menu

The recipes below make for a delicious, romantic evening but are just as well-suited for a gathering with good friends. Create your Valentines dinner menu from the suggestions below.

Start with a cocktail:

Cinnamon Royale with La Folie Rosé Cocktail

This is an easy cocktail, but oh so festive for any special occasion. Make the sugar syrup in advance so you can create this sweet aperitif for Valentines, a wedding toast, Christmas or any good reason.

Check out this recipe

or

Pure Rosé Cocktail Recipe with rose ice cubes

The most time-consuming part of this drink recipe is making the ice cubes in advance. Find some beautiful miniature roses and freeze them in ice cube trays with water. The cocktail is delicious (of course), but the frozen rose ice cubes make the presentation.

Check out this recipe

or

Pink Elephant Martini Cocktail

This cocktail is festive, fun and easy to mix. Enjoy!

Check out this recipe

Colourful starter:

Beetroot Carpaccio with Smoked Salmon and Pomegranate

An easy, colourful first course (or lunch dish) that is full of antioxidants.

Check out this recipe

or

Scallops with Lemon and Caper Butter

These delightful scallops are a perfect appetizer to serve at your next dinner party. The bright citrus complements the creamy butter and vinegary capers for a delicious starter you can share with friends, family, or enjoy on your own!

Check out this recipe

The main event:

Chicken with Truffles and Mushrooms

Truffles are a unique, rich component that can elevate any dish. This recipe is a surefire way to impress with a meal that tastes like it's straight out of a 5-star kitchen.

Check out this recipe

or

Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade

This dish is a great centrepiece to enjoy with some field greens, risotto, and a bottle of top-quality French red wine.

Check out this recipe

Dessert for the occasion:

Valentine's heart-shaped cookies

We’ve got a super easy and oh-so-pretty cookie recipe: heart-shaped citrus cookies with blood orange icing. In season and naturally pink! It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with your partner or your gals.

Check out this recipe

or

Coeur à la crème au chocolat

This dessert is straightforward to make, but you must allow enough time (overnight) for the liquid to drain from the cheese mixture.

Check out this recipe

Sexy Foods

There are lots of considerations for food on Valentine’s Day – nothing too spicy, smelly or heavy, but something luscious and out of the ordinary so your beloved feels special. Here is a list of foods and spices that may have aphrodisiac effects:

• Almond – a symbol of fertility through the ages
• Aniseed – used as an aphrodisiac since Greek and Roman times
• Arugula – first documented as an aphrodisiac in the first century AD
• Asparagus – primarily due to its phallic shape
• Avocado – the Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl”, or testicle tree
• Bananas – because of their shape (please see asparagus)
• Basil (sweet) – promotes a sense of well being
• Chocolate – referred to as “nourishment of the gods” by the Aztecs
• Coffee – a stimulant
• Coriander –  noted as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer in the book of Arabian nights.
• Fennel – ancient Egyptians used the spice as a libido enhancer
• Figs – thought to portray the female sex organs
• Garlic – the heat in garlic is supposed to stir sexual desires
• Ginger – raw or cooked it is supposed to stimulate the circulatory system
• Honey – used as a medicine for sterility and impotence since ancient Egypt
• Nutmeg – in Chinese medicine, it is highly valued and may have hallucinogenic effects
• Oysters – documented in the Roman era for possible mood-enhancing qualities
• Truffles – the musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch
• Vanilla – a fragrance believed to increase lust
• Wine – relaxes and sensual stimulate

Happy Valentines Day!

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).