Breakfast-in-bed ideas

What Valentine wouldn’t love the luxury of being served breakfast in bed? Presentation is important, but keep in mind that less is more when it comes to dining in the boudoir. Start by acquiring a serving tray designed for bed, hit the florist for a special flower to display in an elegant vase, swing by the grocery store, and then bring out your best dishes and flatware. Our suggestions are simple to achieve but will make an extraordinary impression on your loved one, especially when you whip up one of these romantic breakfasts for your valentine.

A classic Valentine’s Day treat! If you’re not sure about cooking but like the concept of heart-shape food, then purchase a large cookie cutter shaped like a heart, and use it to fashion Valentine heart toast slices. But for those willing to brave the burner, here’s what to do:

Serving size: 6-8 pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 2-3 tablespoons oil

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, and then add the milk and eggs. Mix well.
2. Pre-heat a skillet on medium heat, and add a touch of oil.
3. When the pan is heated, scoop the batter into it, making a heart-shaped outline and then filling in the middle. (Note: You can purchase heart-shaped moulds or frying pans, but you can also achieve the heart shape by placing some of your batter in a zip-lock bag, snipping off one corner and then pouring the batter through the hole.)
4. Cook the pancake on one side until the top begins to bubble, then flip it over and cook the other side. For a perfect presentation, sprinkle with icing sugar, and serve with a small dish of strawberry preserves or maple syrup.

If you’re looking to make a more elegant statement, go with crepes rather than pancakes.

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced strawberries, hulled
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange-flavoured liqueur or orange juice

Directions:

1. In a bowl, stir together the strawberries, sugar and liqueur. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.
2. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1-1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender, and pulse until smooth. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour. (If it has thickened, add a little more milk — the batter should be very thin.)
2. Pre-heat a 9- or 10-inch pan at a medium setting.
3. Spray the pan with vegetable oil, add about 1/4 cup of batter, and swirl the pan around so that the batter covers the entire surface.
4. After 45 seconds, flip the crepe, and let it cook for another 15 to 30 seconds.
5. Spoon 1/4 cup of strawberry mixture into the centre of each crepe, and then fold the sides over into thirds (or roll the crepes if desired).
6. Drizzle more strawberry mixture overtop, and garnish with whipped cream.

Fruit is the perfect choice if your love is a light eater. Creamy strawberry or vanilla yogourt and rich chocolate for dipping is what makes it decadent — be sure to dip the fruit yourself and feed it to your lover.

• Sliced bananas
• Sliced apples
• Sliced strawberries
• Sliced melons

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream
• 1 8-ounce dark or semi-sweet chocolate bar or an 8-ounce bag chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (optional)

Directions:

1. In a microwave-safe container, pour the cream, and then add the chocolate. Heat until the cream is hot, approximately 2 minutes, stopping to stir after 1 minute.
2. Whisk until the chocolate melts, and then whisk in the liqueur. Be sure to serve the chocolate and yogourt in beautiful small bowls for dipping, and display the selection of fruit in a pleasing plate.

A simple yet impressive creation!

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Pat of butter
• Green peppers, pre-sautéed diced ham and onion, grated cheese or any toppings of your choice (all optional)

Directions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the salt, pepper and milk, and then beat with a fork.
2. In a small frying pan, melt the butter on medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. After 1 or 2 minutes, the edges should be set. Continue to cook for another minute.
4. Add any additional ingredients (if desired), then loosen the edges of the egg with a spatula, and fold the omelette in half.
5. Slide the omelette from the pan onto a plate. Add additional grated cheese on top to finish. Consider spooning some salsa over the top of the omelette if your love has a zesty side.
6. Serve with fresh, hot coffee with cream and sugar or a small glass of juice.

Although this option is the simplest, it is arguably the best choice for indulging and spoiling your lover.

Instructions:

1. Hit the bakery for fresh croissants, warm them in the oven, and then get out the Champagne flutes.
2. Pour chilled Champagne into half a glass, and then add passion fruit juice to fill the rest.
3. Add a splash of cranberry for colour.
4. Garnish with raspberries on a cocktail stick set across the top of the glass or with an orange wheel on the rim.
5. Serve your croissants with butter and a small dish of strawberry jam, and don’t forget your exquisite flowers — or your own mimosa!

More on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day desserts
5 Unique Valentine’s Day date ideas
Make your own Valentine’s Day candy