The Gourmet Traveller team is surrounded by food all day, and come Valentine’s Day, we’ll be surrounded by mushy, squishy love, too. These are our favourite recipes for that special meal on February 14 – they’re recipes we’ll be enjoying with friends, whipping up for our loved ones… or hopefully, someone we love will cook them up for us (hint, hint).
Cardamom nut cake
“Add rosewater to pretty much anything and I’m in love, and this icing is no exception. This cake is beautifully rich and a great alternative to the masses of chocolate Valentine’s Day is usually associated with. Garnish with candied roses for added romance.” – Laura Jacobs, designer
Cacio e pepe
“Cacio e pepe was the ‘it’ dish of last year (it was everywhere, from Bar Liberty to Smith & Daughters and it’s even inspired a topping at Mary’s Pizzeria) and I suspect part of its appeal is the simplicity, high comfort-food pay-off and the fact it doesn’t require much prep, cooking time or dish-washing afterwards. Lack of cooking-related chores surely is romantic, right?” – Lee Tran Lam, contributor
Smoked trout kedgeree
“How amazing is it when someone cooks you breakfast at home? This is one of my favourite GT recipes, and I’ve made it so many times over the years. Although I very much doubt my husband will have time to cook this for me on Valentine’s Day morning, a girl can dream!” – Pru Engel, deputy editor
Spaghettini with pipis
“Keep it quick and keep it simple is my motto. Pipis add that extra little bit of luxury and make a fine dancing partner for a desert-dry, mineral-driven white wine.” – Matthew Hirsch, intern
Garlic prawns with chilli and Thai basil
Garlic prawns with chilli and Thai basil
“Garlic? On Valentine’s Day? Say it isn’t so, but any lover of garlic is a lover of mine. This recipe by Amy Hamilton of restaurant Liberté has me head over heels.” – Yvonne C Lam, digital editor
Cherry lattice pie with almond-milk ice
Cherry lattice pie with almond-milk ice
“I hit the jackpot recently in a South Coast op shop – I found a huge pink linen table cloth with eight matching napkins for $3. This Valentine’s Day, I’m kitting our dining room out with all-things pink linen and having some girlfriends over to feast on this tangy cherry pie. It’s the perfect recipe to catch the last of the cherry season.” – Harriet Davidson, editorial coordinator
