Nothing brings people together like a beautiful home-cooked meal. So this Valentine’s Day, we’re inviting you to set the table, light the candles, and reconnect over the joy of good food. Think juicy British sirloin steak, elegant pan-fried sea bass and the creamiest truffle gnocchi you’ll ever eat (trust us). Staying in has never tasted so good.
Plus, we’ve included our perfect drink pairings from our friends at Mother Root. So whether you’re treating your favourite person (or toasting the single life), this is your opportunity to savour the moment.
Aperitifs with benefits
We’re utterly obsessed with Mother Root (so much so that it’s now available as an add-on to your Mindful Chef box). It’s a feel-good aperitif that’s perfect for date night (or hosting your nearest and dearest). Fiery ginger and organic apple cider vinegar bring depth and flavour, so it’s complex, vibrant and super-refreshing. Thanks to its acidity, apple cider vinegar magnifies flavour by brightening, balancing and enhancing the ingredients in the aperitif – with no need for alcohol.
Put love on the menu
Pan-seared Sirloin Steak with Spiced Root Veg, Blood Orange Salad & Roasted Garlic Sauce
Juicy sirloin steak, golden roasties and a bold blood orange salad to balance the flavours with pops of sweetness – what’s not to love? Finished with a drizzle of roasted garlic sauce, this is restaurant-quality food, made from the comfort of your own kitchen.
PAIR IT WITH… Clementine Coast
A juicy take on the picante
Makes 2
100ml Mother Root Ginger
100ml lime juice
A couple of sliced jalapenos
30ml jalapeño brine
Juice of 2 clementines
Tajin and chilli, to garnish
- Shake the Mother Root bottle 8 times.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the Mother Root, lime juice, jalapeños and brine with the clementine juice, then shake.
- Wipe around the edge of a glass with a lime wedge, then dip the glass in Tajin.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice, then garnish with the chilli, to serve.
Creamy Mushroom & Truffle Gnocchi with Pear Salad & Pumpkin Seeds
Pillowy gnocchi are tossed in a velvety leek and mushroom sauce that’s infused with umami truffle zest and cashew cream. Paired with a leafy rocket and pear salad and topped with pumpkin seeds, this is comfort food at its finest.
PAIR IT WITH… Mother Root & Soda
Refreshing, light and crisp
Mother Root & Soda
Makes 2
50ml Mother Root Ginger
300ml soda water (or sparkling water)
- Shake the Mother Root bottle 8 times.
- Pour the Mother Root and soda water into a tumbler filled with ice, then gently combine with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and rosemary sprig, to serve.
Pan-fried Sea Bass with Roasted Fennel, Blood Orange Salsa & Hazelnuts
Delicately pan-fried sea bass takes centre stage in this elegant dinner for two. Crisp skin and perfectly flaky flesh is complemented with a punchy blood orange salsa, featuring briny olives and plenty of fresh herbs. Light, vibrant and full of flavour, this is something special.
PAIR IT WITH… Cosmic Fire
Zesty, tart and elegant
Makes 2
50ml Mother Root Ginger
20ml lime juice
2 tbsp aquafaba (liquid from a tin of chickpeas)
200ml cranberry juice
- Shake the Mother Root bottle 8 times.
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake with a bit of oomph.
- Pour into your favourite cocktail glass.