Why go out on a date when you could make...

Valentine's Day is not a day for dining out. Think crammed restaurants, over-priced 'lover's menus', canoodling couples, garishly pink cocktails and waiters who wish they weren't working. 

Whether you have a hot date, galentine's or palentine's planned (or prefer to go it solo), these are the meals to make rather than go out on a date.

Roman Holiday Spaghetti Meatballs with Rich Tomato Sauce
Have yourself a Lady and the Tramp moment with that special someone, be it a lover, friend or yourself. Take the evening up a notch by playing the Disney classic in the background. We're sure you'll receive a 10/10, would date again. You're welcome.

Steak with Herb and Caper Butter
This one is for the meat-lover in your life. And yes, you're allowed to be that meat-lover. As long as you or your dining companion is not a herbivore, steak is a fail-safe option. Tip to winning them over: cooking their steak to perfection. So, make sure you find out if they prefer it on the rarer side or well done. Smear that perfectly-cooked steak with herb and caper butter, and we promise they'll hand over the key to their achy breaky heart.

Mezze Platter
It would be unfair to have an option for carnivores and none for our plant-based followers. For you, dear friends, we have this impressive-looking – though rather easy to make – mezze platter. And who doesn't love a platter? Think homemade dips, lavosh bread, crudités, salad and olives. Jazz it up with cheese, crackers and pickled onions just because you can. Why not go the extra mile? Get out that picnic blanket, some cushions and a candle (for ambience, of course) and have a picnic either outdoors or indoors. Now that's lush living.

Valentine's Doughnuts with Roasted Strawberries and Vanilla Custard Cream
If you've ever watched Great British Bake Off you'll be aware of how easily an attractive, skilled baker can make people swoon. Impress literally everyone with these aptly-named doughnuts. The best part is that they're not limited to one decadent filling – bite into the pillowy puffs to reveal both strawberries and custard cream. While these are great for sharing, they might be even better when not shared. Alongside your favourite film. With the volume how you like it. And no judging eyes as you reach for your fourth or possibly fifth... 

Loaded Four Cheese Pizzas with Chilli, Rocket and Lemon
According to Menulog's 2018 report, pizza is amongst the top three most ordered takeaways in New Zealand. Let's be honest, none of us are surprised. But why not surprise your better half with a homemade creation? Picture a crispy base topped with four cheeses, a dash of chilli, sprinkle of rocket and a squeeze of lemon juice. If your beloved doesn't whisper 'take another little pizza my heart now, baby," we'll eat our words. And by words we mean pizza.

Chicken Dumplings with Spicy Peanut Sauce
You win some, you dim sum... well, come Valentine's Day all you'll be doing is winning. Winning the love you so deserve after whipping up a batch of these dumplings. Crispy, moreish and paired with a spicy peanut sauce – that's the best gift you can give.

Oysters with Wasabi Mayo and Toasted Crumbs
Oysters – you either love 'em or hate 'em. If your date is a fan, they'll appreciate the taste, quality and price tag. Besides, they're an aphrodisiac and there's nothing wrong with an edible 'love drug'.

Chilli Chocolate and Caramel Tart
It wouldn't be the day of love without chocolate. Forget the over-priced, red boxes filled with sub-par confectionery – hail your inner Mary Berry and bake yourself this tart. The chocolate is laced with chilli, which is gauranteed to warm even the coldest of hearts. The fiery chocolate mixture is then poured over a layer of thick, would-make-your-dentist-weep caramel. Now some would say we saved the best recipe for last...