We don't need great philosphers to tell us what makes the daily grind worth the trouble. Without a doubt, it is those unique, unforgettable moments that make life special. When eyes sparkle, the lights are dimmed and routine is thrown out the window; when anticipation builds and magical smells drift through the home, our existence approaches a state of complete earthly happiness for a couple of hours.

Now comes the bad news: the moments that fit the description given above are often far too rare nowadays. But here’s the good thing: you can initiate them at any time yourself – for example when you want to show your loved one just how much he or she means to you, without having to come up with an exclusive, extravagant menu.

A meal served with love is the greatest gift you can give your partner, and yourself: you take time for one another, care for each other, and indulge one another. The two of you take precedence for a few hours – and all the everyday worries fly so far away that most cannot even find their way back again.

If we’ve whet your appetite for a special tête-à-tête, we’d be delighted if you gave some of our suggestions a try.

Cream of avocado and coriander soup with crayfish wontons, salmon tartare with chervil, buckwheat tartlets with lamb kebabs and raspberry clafoutis all taste as wonderful as they look, and you can rest assured that the preparation of each dish is relatively straightforward.

Ingredients have been calculated to serve two, though should you wish to entertain more than your special someone, they can be easily scaled up.

Bon appétit to the two of you!

Text: Hans Kantereit