Forget five-star bistros and fussing over a flaming stove. This Valentine's Day is all about keeping things simple yet romantic and, of course, saving a few pennies.

Seaside scoff

Some of us don't want big romantic statements and there's nothing simpler than living off the land. Grab a rod and head to the beach and fish for your dinner! The sunset will give you all the atmosphere you need. After gutting, bake the fish in the oven, wrapped in foil with a knob of butter, thyme, garlic and white wine vinegar and serve with a green salad. But it might be a good idea to have something on standby in case you don't get any bites!

Bedroom banquet

Choose frisky over slushy on Valentine's? You don't want to faff around in the kitchen, so have a doona dinner! Start with fizzing champagne and fresh oysters sprinkled with lemon and Tabasco. Next, simmer mussels in stock with ginger and chilli. Use cooked asparagus spears as dippers for runny boiled eggs. Then melt some chocolate and dip strawberries in. With all those aphrodisiacs, the meal won't last long!

Fiery feast

There's nothing more romantic than munching by an open fire. Light a bonfire in your garden. Wrap two large potatoes in foil and bury in the hot coals to cook slowly. About 90 minutes later, you can lie on the ground feasting on hot, buttered jacket potatoes. Slice a banana lengthways in its skin, poke pieces of chocolate inside, wrap in foil and soften on the fire or melt marshmallows pierced on a long stick.

Family fare

Once you've had kids, it's difficult to get a chance for romance. So get them involved! Prepare a simple meal that the children enjoy such as macaroni cheese. Get them to gobble down their grub and then play waiters for their parents! (If they're old enough, they could even do the washing up!) Afterwards, get them to decorate cup cakes in pink icing. Your night will be extra special — it will be a romantic affair, but also a family one. And when the kids are tucked up in bed, you and your man can enjoy a snuggle on the sofa in peace.

Stenchy sup

We say rebel against the Valentine rule of avoiding smelly foods! Roast a whole bulb of garlic with olive oil for an hour then scoop into a bowl. Bake brie in the oven for 20 minutes then spoon over a dollop of apricot jam and spread over the top until melted. Tear up fresh bread and dunk those hunks into your two stinky dips! You've gone this far, so why not finish up with Irish coffee — your favourite liqueur poured into your favourite coffee?

The top five anaphrodisiacs

Avoid these rumoured passion-killers on Valentine's Day:

• Lettuce
• Liquorice
• Lentils
• Cherries
• Watercress

  YOUR SAY: What are your favourite foods for fuelling passion? Tell us below!