I have never been a huge fan of Valentine's Day for the simple reason that there seems to be something so unromantic about waiting until a specific day of the year to show someone you love them. On the other hand, it is an excuse to spend extra time in the kitchen – which I am always in favour of - and to linger over decadent dishes you probably wouldn't normally make.

Chocolate, believed by the Mayans and Aztecs to possess mystical and aphrodisiac properties, has long been associated with luxury and pleasure. And fewer desserts could be more indulgent than this chocolate mousse, made almost entirely from bitter chocolate. Rich, velvety but deliciously light, it can be prepared in advance and served in attractive glasses. This makes it perfect for Valentine's Day when the food, however good, is really just the appetiser. Eet smakelijk!

A classic Dutch winter recipe. Cooking pears are stewed gently in wine and spices until they are tender and have turned a deep, gorgeous red.

Stewed pears are easy to prepare but do require around two hours stewing time. However, the result is worth the wait. Enjoy as a dessert with yoghurt, whipped cream or speculaas ice cream (see the post below), or use as an unusual accompaniment to rich (game) stews. Eet smakelijk!