TOM KERRIDGE: JUST FOR TWO

Every day can be Valentine’s Day with BBC chef Tom Kerridge’s favourite recipes to share

- Tom Kerridge

Cooking for two on Valentine’s Day gives you a chance to make a bit more of an effort, and seek out some special ingredients without breaking the bank. There’s a rhythm and calmness I love about cooking for two – you can spend more time on each job and show it more care and attention; it’s also the best time to recreate something you’ve eaten before, or try an idea you’ve had, because there’s less pressure and cost involved. Here are my favourite recipes for the occasion (though they’re just as delicious any time of year) – they’re mostly standalone main courses, but I’ve also given you a make-ahead dessert recipe. Enjoy! Tom x

The big brunch mushroom Yorkshire pudding

There’s definitely a brunch vibe about this Yorkshire pud, but it would also make a handsome vegetarian main course. Use whatever mushrooms you can get – wild (when in season) are lovely, but so are large sliced flat-cap mushrooms. When I’m really out to impress, I make a version of this using poached duck eggs, and serve everything with hollandaise sauce.

SERVES 2 PREP 15 mins COOK 30 mins EASY V

25g butter

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

250g mushrooms, sliced (use whatever kind you can get)

1 tbsp non-alcoholic dry sherry or white wine (optional) small handful of parsley, chopped, plus extra to serve

For the Yorkshire pudding

2 eggs

100g plain flour

150ml milk

¼ tsp powdered porcini (optional)