Quick and easy Valentine's Day menu

Bowl of mussels with cavolo nero and chorizo sauce

Seafood like mussels, clams and squid take little time to cook. This extra special spiced lobster bisque is topped with flash-cooked garlic scallops and prawns. Your dining companion needn't know the cookery shortcut – the bisque comes out of a can.

Main course: marinated steak

James Martin's super-speedy marinated bavette steak has heaps of flavour and stays moist from the marinade that's made from a heady mix of soy, ginger, garlic, balsamic vinegar and honey. If you can't find bavette steak, try flank instead. To char your meat to perfection, read our expert guide to cooking the best ever steak.

Dessert: Simple one-pot pudding

Step away from the cooker! Our quick and easy tiramisu takes only 15 minutes to prepare and absoluely zero time cooking. Just stick the kettle on to make the coffee, then combine liqueur, mascarpone, condensed milk, sponge fingers and cocoa to create the definitive Italian dessert.

Cocktail: Stirred not shaken

The mighty negroni cocktail requires minimum prep. Just pour your ingredients, stir and serve. A slice of orange will set it off a treat – try and find blood orange if it's still in season. But be warned, this gin, vermouth and Campari concoction certainly packs a boozy punch.