• Howick and Pakuranga Times
 

ROMANTIC: Be sure your Valentine’s table is dressed to the nines.

Let’s face it guys, romance can be tough! We’re bound to get it wrong in one way or another from time to time but, ultimately, our foolish efforts should at least show that our hearts are in the right place. So, this Valentine’s Day swallow your pride and get thee to the kitchen!

To assist those who don’t know a pot from a pan here are a few tips and treats to help blokes make Valentine’s a little more special for the loves of their lives because romance, unlike revenge, is best served... hot!

Setting the scene:

Apparently music is the food of love so you can always forgo the culinary courtship and thrill her with some soulful serenades.

If, however, you are tone deaf and would only make the ‘auditions’ section of American Idol you’re probably best to flag the whole enterprise and book it, rather than cook it!

Candles! We men will probably never understand the female fascination with candles, but we do know they can ‘light her fire!’ So go for pretty and hope for the best; she won’t blow out your fire for trying!

Finally, for some reason many women have a tendency to go gooey over one Jamie Oliver. If you’re a little risqué, you can try your own version of The Naked Chef for her amusement. On the other hand it might be wise to wear a suitable apron to prevent unexpected cooking injuries.