Valentine's day recipes

Still deciding between making dinner reservations or staying home this Valentine's day? Smeg have put together some impressive Valentine's day inspired recipes, perfect for a romantic meal at home, after all staying in is the new going out. These dishes are more impressive than any weekday meal but quick and simple to do - perfect for all skill ranges, plus they can all be created using a Smeg frying pan.

Known for their soft, buttery texture, scallops are the perfect Valentines starter. Paired with salty pancetta, floral rosemary and silky butter bean puree, this recipe is the perfect start to a Valentines evening.

1. Wrap each scallop in a slice of pancetta.
2. Heat the oil in a saucepan and gently fry garlic for 1minute. Add the beans and the stock to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes to heat and soften.
3. Using a stick blender, blitz until smooth. Season with salt, pepper and a dash of lemon juice.
4. Over a medium heat, add the butter and rosemary. Swirl around the pan to infuse.
5. Once beginning to foam, add the scallops. Fry for a couple of minutes on each side until the pancetta is crisp. Once cooked, spoon a dollop of bean puree onto warm plates and top with the scallops and rosemary sprigs.
6. Put the frying pan back onto the heat. Add the wine and bubble until reduced by half. Next, add the parsley and season with a salt. Drizzle over the scallops to serve.

Juicy, tender and bursting with flavour, Steak is the the perfect Valentines main course. Cook with generous helpings of Garlic butter and serve with chunky chips for a gastro experience at home.

1. Bring the steaks to room temperature 45 minutes before cooking.
2. Using kitchen roll, pat the steaks dry. Season well on both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Using a large, heavy-based frying pan, add the oil and turn on to a high heat.
4. Once the oil is screaming hot, reduce the heat to medium-high and add in the butter. Allow it to melt and foam, then gently lay the steaks flat into the pan. Dot the garlic and herbs in the pan too.
5. Allow to cook for 1 minute, then with a pair of tongs, turn the steaks. Repeat every 30 secs to 1 minute until they form a brown crust.
6. If a temperature probe is available, the middle of the steak should be 50^oC for rare, 60^oC for medium and 70^oC for well done.
7. Serve with chunky chips and a creamy peppercorn sauce.

Warm, gooey decadent, brownie is the the perfect Valentines dessert. Serve with ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat.

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate over a low/medium heat. Continuously stir for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Tip into a large bowl and allow to cool.
2. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Ensure the frying pan you are using is lightly greased and oven safe.
3. Stir the sugar into the chocolate mixture. Add in the eggs and vanilla, whisking thoroughly until smooth and combined.
4. Using a metal spoon, fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. When mixed in, stir through the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared frying pan and bake for half an hour. For a gooey centre, bake for 28 minutes.
6. Seve hot and enjoy with vanilla ice cream