Starter recipe

I am in charge of making a starter on Valentine's Day -any suggestions?

Depends what you like... seafood could be good, Oysters or prawns for example.

Soup? There is a chilled beetroot soup that is bright pinky-red and would fit with the theme, or a good tomato soup.

Aha I like your thinking- colour theming is a good idea! Or I might go with heart shaped food... hmm. I do like seafood -I was thinking  scallops?

Scallops are really classy, especially if you can cook them right. Calamari is also good. Little rounds of sushi could also be nice, but you don't want anything TOO filling and it depends if you're confident with making it.

There are also things like bruschetta with pate, terrines, prawn cocktails and smoked salmon which are classic 'normal' starters

Dessert has to be chocolate dipped strawberries, or at least they have to be included! Yum. Just a pity strawberries aren't really seasonal at this time of year, they're just super sexy and nicely messy when dipped in chocolate. In fact, most small-chopped fruit with a variety of chocolate/cream dips is good. Red velvet cake is also pretty.

I'm in charge of our valentines food as I'm the 'main chef' for successful experiments. I just have to plan my menu!!

Just to add - The beetroot soup is often called 'borsct' if you want to look for it, probably not what you want to be trying for valentines day but it's a nice summer soup.

Red Velvet cake is amazing - I've never tried making it myself though. I had a cold berry soup dish once for a starter and it was really good - and would be the perfect colour if you are going for the colour theme.

I like all of these ideas. I myself am doing a salad of dolcelatte, chorizo and rocket, with pomegranates to add an element of lurve!

Yum red velvet cake! If you want a back-up M and S have a Valentines Day meal that looks gorgeous

Tesco often do similar for 1/2 the price!

I had the M&S one last week and it was amazing - love M&S food!