As I type this piece, the strains of Bob Marley’s iconic love song Turn Your Lights Down Low plays in the background to get me in the mood to write this Valentine’s edition on his birthday. One of my other favourite lines which appeals to me as a foodie comes from Stir It Up where Bob chants:

Oh, will you quench me when I’m thirsty?

Come and cool me down when I’m hot?

Your recipe, darling, is so tasty,

And you sure can stir your pot

Most of my regular readers know by now how I feel about Valentine’s Day: I’m conflicted. I can’t be a hypocrite about these things. While I think it’s beautiful that a special day has been set aside on our calendars to celebrate love, its strong commercial message can put people in a stressful situation. I’ve seen it so many times when people are seriously hurt if they do not receive some token on this day. My advice to them is that if someone genuinely loves you, they don’t have to specifically tell you on Valentine’s Day; fret not, it should be spontaneous and in the moment, not because it’s February 14th.

However, I do not wish to break the hearts of those of you who are passionate and fully involved when this day rolls around, so once again I will help you with a menu if you are not taking your lover out, but having a stay-at-home meal. My JuicyChef motto is, “Food is love and should be shared”. You need to prepare your meal from the heart. It does not matter if your skills are basic or highly technical; create something which will please your partner.

Here are a few general questions to ask when planning your day, whether you dine in or out. What’s your other half’s favourite food and music? What décor will you create to set the mood, will it be at home or another location such as by the sea or on a mountaintop? If you are going to a restaurant, will you seek the management’s assistance to conjure up a special surprise? What is your budget? Will you include purported aphrodisiacs in your menu – oysters, lobster, figs, cow cod soup, a homemade roots tonic for strength and vitality, steamed fish with okras? I always laugh when men say they have to eat certain foods to put “oil in their backs”. Jamaican men are something else, lyrically gifted and lots of fun to hang out with.

The most important thing is to create a stress-free meal. How can you be romantic if you feel frazzled, hot and bothered, but not in a pleasurable way? Keep it simple, plan days ahead, get your ingredients early and do the prep in advance. Cook together and make it a fun experience by sharing tasks which are your strengths. Create a special cocktail, pop the champagne or a fun non-alcoholic concoction, whatever suits you best. Remember, don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to share your true feelings with someone. Life is short, so go on, take the plunge and tell someone dear to you that you love them today!

Sun-dried Tomato Dip

Serve this easy dip with plantain chips. Tomatoes are known as love apples, so what an apt way to begin your evening! Just mix equal parts sun-dried tomato pesto with cream cheese. Enjoy with a glass of wine to stimulate the appetite.

Roast Fish Steaks with Fresh Herb Sauce

Salmon is a heart-healthy fish, rich in omega 3’s. The natural taste of its pink flesh is so good that I try not to mask it too much with heavy ingredients. This green sauce is a perfect accompaniment. Shrimp or other varieties of fish for example like King fish, go very well with this sauce.

Salmon or King Fish Steaks

Ingredients:

1 small bunch of parsley

1 fat sprig of fresh thyme

2 sprigs dill

1 garlic clove

100ml/1/2 cup olive oil

1 lemon, juice and zest

Salt and pepper

Method:

Season fish steaks with salt and pepper then grill until done.

In a blender or food processor purée the remaining ingredients.

Pour sauce over fish and serve with a side of greens

JuicyChef’s Chocolate Chip and Mixed Nut Semifreddo

I adore semifreddos which in Italian means almost frozen. It’s creamy like ice cream, but softer in texture and can be made with all sorts of flavourings such as chocolate, nuts, berries, coffee or honey. This is something you can prepare at least four hours in advance or up to a day ahead. You do not need an ice cream maker for this, but will need a 9″ loaf pan and cling film. I have heart-shaped moulds which I am using for this special occasion.

Ingredients:

100g/1/2 cup pistachios, shelled, roughly chopped

100g/1/2 cup almonds, slivered

100g/1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

100g/ 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

1Tsp vanilla

400ml/ 13/4 cup whipping cream

3 Eggs, separated

Method:

Lightly brush some oil all over your loaf pan and then line with cling film.

Whisk cream until soft peaks form.

Beat egg yolks with half the sugar and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites and add the remaining sugar in stages until a meringue forms

Fold in the whipped cream mixture to the egg yolk mixture and combine well.

Add the chocolate chips, pistachios and almonds.

Gently fold in the meringue to this mixture, be careful not to lose volume.

Pour into prepared loaf pan, cover with extra cling and put in the freezer.

When ready to serve, slice and drizzle with honey or a fruit coulis and garnish with extra nuts or berries.

Makes 6-8 servings

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Bon Appétit and Happy Valentine’s Day when it comes!