Like every year, with the arrival of Valentine's Day, suggestions for planning a dinner as a couple begin to circulate, from outings to restaurants to menu ideas to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. However, with the excuse that this year February 14th falls on a Saturday, a unique moment to celebrate the occasion could be breakfast: it means enjoying the company of your partner in a special way from the morning, preparing some delicious recipes together that will make the day better from the moment you wake up. In this short guide, we offer suggestions for single-serving cakes and sweets that are easy to bring to the table, quick to prepare on the spot or that can be made the night before, to optimize time. There's no shortage of ideas for lovers of a savory breakfast, where eggs are often the undisputed protagonists, and drinks, from a creamy cappuccino to an elegant kir royal, if the hands of the clock move towards brunch. Not to mention that the table setting also contributes to the romantic mood.
How to Set the Table for a Valentine's Day Breakfast
To create an intimate and romantic atmosphere, the table setting is a crucial detail, reinforcing the idea that this is not just any other breakfast. For example, instead of plastic placemats, you could opt for the same solution, but in fabric, perhaps in colors that recall the occasion, in shades of red or pink. Two newly purchased mugs or cups can be a gift to be used immediately, perfect to place accompanied by a card or a note with a written dedication. Stands are very dramatic, both for cakes and single-serving sweets like muffins, presented inside a transparent dome: a refined and chic effect is guaranteed. If you like, decorate with a flower or a small bouquet (real, not fake) makes the whole thing even more charming, otherwise a plate of fresh seasonal fruit when it's included on the menu. There's also the option of breakfast in bed: trays with folding legs designed specifically to be placed on the sheets are easily found.
Sweet Recipes to Prepare Ahead for Valentine's Day Breakfast
To prevent even waking up to the most romantic day of the year from becoming a race against time, making breakfast desserts the day before is a winning move. Fortunately, many recipes can be prepared in advance. Some, well sealed, can be stored at room temperature, such as cakes and cookies: you can try a heart-shaped tart, or chocolate brownies. Very spectacular and ideal for the occasion is a pound cake with a hidden heart: once cut, a heart appears in the center of each slice. Even sweets like muffins and cupcakes can be made the night before: for the latter, the frosting – that is, the creamy topping – is recommended to be made at the last minute, as it risks hardening excessively in the refrigerator. For Valentine's Day, shortcrust tarts with strawberry jam are perfect. Would you like to show off pancakes and crêpes? The good news is that the raw batter for both will keep for at least 10-12 hours in the refrigerator: prepare it the evening before and store it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. If you don't want to give up croissants like the ones you find at the bakery, they will keep for 2-3 days under a glass bell jar or in special paper food bags: just reheat them briefly before serving.
Savory Recipes to Make Together on The Morning of Valentine's Day
Do you prefer a savory breakfast or do you want to pair a sweet dish with something else? Most of the time, these are dishes that need to be made on the spot, especially the great egg-based classics, as they spoil very quickly: for Valentine's morning, opt for omelettes, scrambled eggs, or a soft-boiled egg. These are simple recipes, but they require some attention, especially during cooking, to maintain the soft, not dry, texture that makes them so special. Toasts are particularly delicious, made on the spot like avocado toast, while an empty brioche (ready the day before) can become a treasure chest for fillings featuring spreadable cheese, ham, salmon, tomato, lettuce, hummus, or olive pâté, as in the case of savory croissants, all of which can be customized.
What to Prepare to Drink?
After suggesting a few delicious recipes, let's not forget about drinks. To treat yourself instead of your usual quick coffee, you can prepare a creamy cappuccino, dusted with chocolate powder or cinnamon to taste, or bring a hot chocolate to the table, in the dark or white version. A vitamin-rich orange juice adds a touch of freshness, while a fruit juice or smoothie is ideal for those who prefer healthy drinks, topped with soy or oat milk. Is your February 14th breakfast turning into a brunch? Then consider a cocktail, such as a Bloody Mary or a refined Kir Royal, to toast with some bubbles.
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