Dinner for Two...
Cooking at home is way so much more romantic than going out. Leave the crowded, overpriced restaurants to the other couples! Instead, taking the time to cook something delicious for your sweetheart will make them feel truly special.
If you couldn't make it to Italy for a romantic getaway, we've got the next best thing. Take your love on a voyage of discovery through the Italian regions, each dish with its own romantic message.
Whether its Valentine's Day, an anniversary dinner, or just a cosy night in... dive into these romantic recipes, straight from our family cookbooks!
Antipasti: Starters
Simple, elegant nibbles to get the night started. Enjoy with a chilled glass of Prosecco and light the candles for a special aperitivo...
Coccoli Fiorentini
The name coccoli comes from the word coccole, which means "cuddles". That's a pretty good start to a romantic dinner, if you ask me!
These little balls of fried bread are the perfect finger food, traditionally served with creamy stracchino cheese and cured ham or salami. They are typically enjoyed by locals in Florence.
Capesante alla Veneziana
Scallops are a famous aphrodisiac, whose story harks back to the time of ancient Greece. Legend has it that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born from the foam of the sea and washed ashore on the shell of a scallop. This iconic image is what we see in Sandro Botticelli's painting, The Birth of Venus.
Serve these scallops in the Venitian style, with open shells. A romantic recipe from a romantic city!
Primi: First Course
We've chosen two special dishes to delight your senses, a blushing pink risotto from the northern Veneto region, and a hot, spicy pasta from Calabria in the south. Take your pick!
Risotto al Radicchio di Verona e Tastasal
Romeo and Juliet would be proud; try this beautifully creamy risotto from the romantic city of Verona. As you serve this delicate pink risotto to your loved one, let's hope their cheeks are turning the same colour...
Fileja alla ‘nduja
Some like it hot! Spice up the evening with this Calabrian pasta dish, made with fresh pasta and 'nduja sausage. It's quick and simple to make, but results in a delightful sauce with just the right amount of smoky heat from the 'nduja. This is typical in the Vibo Valentia province.
Secondi (Second Course)
Try these special recipes to make your loved one feel really special. We have two fish dishes that are common in Southern Italy for you to try...
The impepata di cozze, a very popular dish in the south, is a classic and simple dish that will add a touch of heat thanks to lashings of black pepper. It's spelt differently, from pepata, 'mpepata to impepata from place to place, but everyone agrees that it is delicous.
For vegetarian lovebirds, you could prepare Melanzane alla Parmigiana (aubergine/eggplant parmigiana). The preparation of this dish is a quite a long process, so they'll know you'll always go the extra mile for them!
Contorni: side dishes
Liven up the dinner table with a delicious side dish. In Italy, the 'contorno' (side) is served on a separate plate from the 'secondo' (main).
Caponata
Love may be bittersweet, but it's all about finding harmony... Just like Caponata!
This dish requires a delicate balance of vinegar and sugar, resulting in a silky, sumptuous sauce that will sweep your imagination away to the Sicilian shores.
There are over 35 varieties of Caponata across Sicily, we have chosen Cesarina Flavia's version from Catania.
Carciofi alla Giudea
This is a cornerstone of Roman cuisine that will take their breath away! Artichokes have a tough exterior that, with a little patience and the right treatment, will reveal a tender and sweet heart... Does that remind you of anyone?
Dolci: desserts
Time for something sweet to round off the evening! The last stops on our romantic Italian tour are the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Piemonte.
Torta Tenerina
This decadent, buttery chocolate cake is from the walled town of Ferrara, in the Emilia-Romagna region. The name torta tenerina (or tacolenta, in local dialect) iterally means "tender little cake". It has a macaroon-like crust, lightly dusted with icing sugar, that gives way to a melt-in-the-mouth centre, best made with very dark chocolate!
Baci di Dama
Meltingly smooth, bite-sized biscuits - perfect for enjoying with an after dinner coffee.
Baci di dama means lady’s kisses, originating from the cookie’s resemblance to two lips intent on giving a kiss. We hope your special guest will take the hint!
More from The Secret Sauce...
Romantic Experiences all over Italy...
If you're planning a romantic getaway in Italy, we've got you covered! Surprise your other half with one of our fabulous experiences. We'll make it extra special.