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Posted at 10:35AM, 12 February 2010 by Andrea McGinniss - Editor, bbcgoodfood.com

Valentine's Day makes me cringe. And I don't think it's just because I'm single. Those red foil balloons, slightly wilted red roses, cheap chocolates and nudge nudge wink wink cards make me want to go into hiding. And don't talk to me about restaurants: rows upon rows of tables for two, one paltry tea light in the middle and couples canoodling just because they're meant to? I'd rather eat my own teeth.

If pigs flew and I did happen to be coupled up I'd like to think the Clooney-alike and I would treat this Valentine's Day like any other Sunday - get the newspapers in, have a long boozy lunch and an early night. It would be all the better if he cooked the aforementioned meal. And, according to new research from Morrisons, it seems I'm not the only one who would forego the public displays of atrociousness and rather stay home instead. Dining in is the dining out.

It seems I'm not the only one who would forego the public displays of atrociousness and rather stay home instead

According to the research 62 per cent of British couples will cook their romantic meal at home, the majority will be men, and they'll cook something classic. It's out with the scallops and salmon en croute and in with the soup and lasagne.

And why are we choosing to dine at home? 49 per cent say because it's more special to do so, rather than the 21 per cent who admit it's because it's cheaper. To set the mood it's in with the candles (52 per cent), and the pretty petals (40 per cent) and out with the kids (24 per cent cart them elsewhere).

And turn offs? I would cite bright lights and a Kenny G soundtrack as mine, but as a nation, the research indicates bad table manners, mother cooking the meal and being cooked something everyday, such as a stir fry, are big no-nos.

How about you? Will you be staying in, going out for a Valentine's meal or, like me, going for dumplings and dim sum to celebrate Chinese New Year instead? And what your fantasy Valentine's meal? We've got lots of ideas here.

Comments

rozmorgan

12 February 2010, 11:37AM
rozmorgan

My boyfriend and I have never gone out for Valentines day. The idea of sharing a supposedly romantic meal with 30 to 40 other couples with an expensive set menu had just never fitted for us. We cooking at home with dinner to be crab cakes to start, followed by duck with cherry source and all the trimmings, finished off with the little chocolate things featured in the picture above. He also has the coming week off so I am very much looking forward to our time together.

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DNA

12 February 2010, 1:11PM
DNA

Last year, me & my girlfriend did go out for a meal on Valentines day (there was no one else in there at the time we went though) & it was quite nice. This year, however we are going to stay in. I'm going to cook the main course whilst she is going to do the dessert, does help though that it does work out cheaper but I reckon it'll be nicer anyway (not sure what to cook though).

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miniminx

12 February 2010, 3:39PM
miniminx

basically just an excuse to eat good chocolate (for breakfast, in my case). all we'll be doing this year is having the big sunday lie-in and maybe cut our toast into heart shapes :) have to admit i'm looking forward to pancake day far more though!

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Aedara

12 February 2010, 9:20PM
Aedara

My boyfriend and I went out on valentines once and found poor quality food, little choice and exaggerated prices. Now we always stay at home. Although its often me that cooks the meal because I like to do something nice. After all valentines day isn't all about the female half of a partnership. The whole day is stupidly overhyped but I don't argue with a good excuse to have a nice cosy evening in together.

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Kelly=)

12 February 2010, 9:20PM
Kelly=)

I never do anything for valentines day! I don't want forced romantic gestures or tacky last minute pink cards or an oversized teddy saying "I love you"!!! We stay at home eat our usual sunday roast with the parents over, then get into our PJays cuddled on the sofa munching on the leftovers and drinking one too many glasses! (Not parents included in this!) Oh but pancake day....I can do that miniminx!!! He cooks and I eat, now that is a romantic night! I love pancakes with syrup, lemon and sugar, chocolate paste and ice cream or clotted cream or ALL OF IT! Asda, Morrisons and M&S have meals for two for Valetines day I think. For the male romantics who really want to make it special but cannot cook very well then what a fool proof way to succeed!! I think it is far more special to stay in! But for all of you who do DO Valentines day, have a lovely and romantic one! And make the most of it until next year hehe...

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Foxy

18 February 2010, 6:02PM
Foxy

My boyfriend and I don't go out on Valentine's Day, we would rather stay in - this year I cooked him homemade Shepherds pie and he was so pleased - far more than if we'd gone to a packed restaurant and had to fork out Â£30 a head for things we didnt want to eat. Home is where the heart is and on Valentines Day, the heart is at home!

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Georgelikescake

18 February 2010, 7:22PM
Georgelikescake

I would have loved to stay in and cook a meal with my boyfriend, but after finishing uni last year and not having found good jobs yet, we're both stuck living at home with our parents (and in my case two very annoying brothers). This dampened the romantic feeling for us so we booked a hotel down the road and had a rather nice meal there, too. However, hopefully next year we'll be able to stay in our own place, as he's a very good cook when he puts his mind to it!

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