Flowers and teddy bears? No thanks. But turn up at my door with a crusty loaf of bread, kimchi, and lobster, and my heart is yours. Valentine’s Day is all about love, but I’m not talking about the romantic kind—I’m talking about my favourite ingredients! While some people are swooning over their soulmates, I’m in the kitchen with all the flavours that never let me down. Let’s be honest: a good ingredient never leaves you on read and always cheers you up when you need it most.
The Smooth Talker
Yes, I’m talking about chocolate. Always guaranteed to lift your mood, whether you’re celebrating love or rolling your eyes at it. Chocolate doesn’t ghost you, forget your birthday, or leave dishes in the sink. It’s there for you, effortlessly cool and endlessly versatile—just as stunning dressed up in a rich, silky truffle as it is lounging in a fudgy brownie. It can even surprise you, melting into a fiery chili for that extra touch of drama.
Dark Chocolate – The Brooding Intellectual
The tall, dark, and mysterious type. Dressed all in black, seemingly reserved, but full of depth once you crack the surface. Slightly bitter at first, but undeniably intriguing, with layers of complexity that keep you coming back for more. The kind of chocolate that pairs well with deep conversations, a good book, and maybe a glass of red wine.
Milk Chocolate – The Sweetheart
This one’s all charm—warm, comforting, and always there when you need it. Whether it’s a birthday, a bad day, or a post-crying-session pick-me-up, milk chocolate doesn’t judge. It just listens, soothes, and melts away your worries. No effort required, just pure, simple joy.
White Chocolate – The Playful Free Spirit
Hopelessly sweet, fun-loving, and unapologetically nostalgic. One bite, and you’re transported back to childhood, where everything was just a little more magical. It’s lighthearted, indulgent, and here to remind you that sometimes, life (and love) should be taken with a little less seriousness and a lot more joy.
My Hero
Miso is the ultimate hero ingredient. It may not be the loud, showy type. It doesn’t demand attention like chocolate or dazzle you with immediate sweetness. Instead, it’s steady, reliable, always there when you need it—the quiet presence that holds everything together, happy to let others shine while it subtly works its magic.
Miso is the quietly confident partner, the one that never makes a fuss but is absolutely essential. It’s the foundation of rich broths and savoury marinades, but don’t be fooled by its humble reputation. Miso has a sneaky, cheeky side—the unexpected twist in buttery caramel, the secret ingredient that adds its punchy umami to a bold mushroom risotto.
Underappreciated? Maybe. But once you truly get to know miso, you realize it was the one all along.
Not So Sloppy Seconds
What started as a rebound became something deeper. After a rough breakup with nuts (our relationship turned toxic—literally, I swelled up and broke out in hives), I had to accept that sometimes, an EpiPen gets in the way of love. But when one door closes, another opens.
Enter toasted sesame seeds: the quietly alluring type. Never the loudest in the room, often overshadowed by the bold confidence of peanuts, they win you over with warmth and depth. Their earthy richness isn’t flashy, but it makes everything just a little better. Whether sprinkled over ramen, blended into a dressing, or garnishing soft milk bread, they add a touch of magic without demanding attention.
Like a partner who understands the power of a gentle touch, toasted sesame seeds don’t rely on grand gestures. Instead, it’s the little moments—the subtle crunch, the nutty aroma—that make them unforgettable.
The Wild One
Some relationships are steady and comforting—this is not one of them. Kimchi is the fiery, unpredictable love affair that leaves a lasting impression. Bold, vibrant, and never one to fade into the background, it commands attention in every room (or dish).
Kimchi doesn’t do subtle. One moment, it’s bringing the heat, the next, it’s mellow and complex, surprising you with unexpected depth. It’s the kind of relationship that can be intense—sometimes, you need a little space. But no matter how long you go without it, you always come back. Because deep down, you love the thrill.
The Tropical Tease
Pineapple is the one who sweeps you off your feet—daring, bold, and unapologetically sweet, but never afraid to bring the heat. It might catch some funny glances or a disapproving word or two from parents, rocking that spiky top and studded jacket, but it’s the kind of fashion sense that never fades.
Whether paired with spicy Thai chilies in a sticky jam, tangled in a juicy salsa, or starring in a tropical fruit salad, pineapple adds an element of excitement to every dish.
The Whirlwind Romance
Not every relationship is meant to last forever, right? We all have our little flings along the way to finding true love. Lobster is one of those fleeting, yet unforgettable moments—like a passionate affair that sweeps you off your feet when you least expect it.
It’s the kind of indulgence that takes you on a wild ride—something a little extravagant, a little too much, but oh-so-worth it. You savor each bite, knowing that, like all good things, it’s temporary. But that’s the beauty of it. Lobster reminds us that life’s little luxuries are meant to be cherished.
Settling Down
Bread is the foundation of so many meals, just like the love that settles into your bones over time. It’s simple, humble, and reliable—never flashy, but always there when you need it.
It’s a steady presence, like a partner who understands the value of being there through thick and thin. And just like a sourdough, it only gets better with age—developing layers of flavor, deepening in complexity, and becoming even more satisfying over time.
The Perfect Combination
Just like in the real world, you can’t always find everything you want in one person. That’s why ingredients are better than people. Each ingredient brings its own unique personality to the table, but when they come together, they elevate each other, creating something even better. Read on to see how I'd bring all of these together
A Whirlwind Romance of Flavours
Starter: Kimchi & Toasted Sesame Seed Crostini
Main: Lobster & Miso Butter Risotto
Dessert: Miso & Pineapple Sticky Toffee Pudding
After Dinner Treat: Coffee and a Trio of Chocolate Truffles
If I had the capacity , I'd love to offer this as a menu for my customers for Valentines day but as I’m still in my little unit, I’ll be cooking this special dinner up for someone just as special instead and offering my usual pizza night on Friday night.
Whether you're spending Valentine’s with a loved one, friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s all about celebrating what makes you happy. Sometimes, the best way to show yourself some love is through something indulgent and delicious!
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