Article: Melanie Daly from Food24
Image: FairLady

So instead of telling you what to eat to get your heart beating faster, we are going to give you a couple of fabulous foodie ideas to make your date – be it a sultry, candlelit dinner or a cosy under-the-duvet snuggle – memorable.

The delectable duvet-snuggle
The first rule of duvet-snuggling is that no one likes crumbs in bed ... or on the couch for that matter. It really doesn't matter how divine your chocolate mousse cake may be or how heavenly your apple pie is, crumbs are a big no-no.

So, cut out the crumbs, dim the lights and curl up under a huge fluffy duvet with that special someone and a steaming cup of hot chocolate (don't spill!) and listen to the rain pounding away outside. If you are lucky enough to have a fire place, use it. And if you get hungry a little later, make sure you have an ample supply of foreign chocolates stocked up nearby that you can feed to each other (just make sure that you don't eat too many, you hardly want to be feeling sick before the real indulgence.)

The indulgent indoor picnic Yes, we've all seen it done in the daytime soaps and somehow they always make it look so effortless. But since most of us are neither Ridge Forrester, nor Bo Brady, a little work is required. Firstly, remember the blanket. It may seem a little silly, but without it, you are just eating on the floor. Then do not opt for the usual picnic fare. It is winter so cold meats and salad are probably not the way to go. Rather treat each other with some freshly made creamy soup (our fabulous butternut soup is a good choice) and some crispy fresh rolls.

Instead of wine or champagne, try your hand at making some Glühwein (remember to drink it while it is still hot).

Finish off with a sweet treat, try some apple strudel and a special spiked coffee. And, please, do not put the blanket away immediately after eating. It can be put to good use in other ways too.

Watch this space next week and we will bring you part two of our winter sexy foodie feature. Now, where did Johnny Depp go ...?