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There’s a long, long tradition of mingling food with romance. No, I’m not talking about chocolate body paint, or whipped cream used in any manner that might make a sweet young thing blush – this is not that kind of a site, kids! – but a scrumptious meal is an undeniably sensual treat. So when you think about how you’ll spend this February 14 celebrating your fabulous fortune in love, good eating is sure to feature a prime role in your plans.

Still, unless you’ve made your reservations well in advance, there’s no sense in going out to eat on Valentine’s Day. Where’s the romance in standing around a too-small lounge area, listening to your tummy grumble while you and your sweetie crankily await a table along with a dozen other hungry couples? Better to spend a lovely, intimate evening at home – free from the stress of long lines, the din of big crowds … and some of the more nauseatingly commercialized aspects of the holiday.

Besides, the only thing better than sharing a romantic meal with your honey is preparing the meal ensemble as well. Okay, maybe not the only thing, but cooking as a couple can be a great bonding experience. This swoon-worthy set of recipes may be a bit more involved than your usual weekday dinner, but with your favorite cutie-pie helping you out in the kitchen – and our step-by-step instructions on how to divvy up the kitchen duties efficiently -- getting the food on the table is half the fun.

the menu appetizer  crostini with shiitake mushrooms and brie main dish pesto-stuffed scallops saffron rice salad gorgonzola and pear salad dessert flan I recommend eating the entrée before the salad, European-style, since the scallops will taste best when they’re still hot. It should take about an hour and a half to prepare this meal (with a short break in the middle to enjoy the appetizers).

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---------------------------> lounge . nourish . host . laze . home.