Just A Little Valentine Romance By Jorj Morgan "When something does not insist on being noticed, when we aren't grabbed by the collar or struck on the skull by a presence or an event, we take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." Cynthia Ozick, American writer Romance - those moments of pleasure and passion that writers write about and singers sing out. There is no understatement in the fact that it is difficult to fit romance into your jam-packed lifestyle; one that includes overwhelming professional responsibilities and never ending mommy tasks. And yet, what is more satisfying than a little romance? Knowing that you are wanted as a woman - and not just as the most accomplished executive or the most applauded super mom - is as important for your esteem as it is to your relationships. This Valentine's Day holds the perfect opportunity to incorporate a little romance into your life. It's not as difficult as you think! Romantic Indulgence To create great romance, I recommend that you begin with a little self-indulgence. Find some time for yourself. Break away from all of the demands that you heap upon yourself. Just an hour or two can change your mood. Take into account your wants and needs. Treat yourself to your own special extravagance. Lounge around in a long bath, buy frilly new underwear, stay in bed for an extra hour, enjoy an unhurried massage, or slowly devour expensive chocolates - you choose - it's your indulgence, the prelude to romance. Schedule the time you need to "get away" for a while and don't let anything interrupt. Your renewed self will thank you for the effort, and your family and friends will comment on your serenity. Romantic Menu Plan a romantic dinner for two that practically makes itself. This way, you can enjoy the evening with your significant other. Start by chilling an expensive bottle of champagne. It's amazing how a sip or two of great bubbly makes even the riskiest culinary experiment - just a little more appetizing. Start with a warm soup that can be made days ahead and reheated just before serving. A leafy salad is assembled on individual plates and chilled in the refrigerator to serve after the soup. An herb-flavored vinaigrette is prepared and needs only a quick whisking before it is poured onto the chilled greens. Warm rolls appear in a napkin-lined basket straight from the low temperature warming drawer. A one pot supper of braised lamb shanks simmers for hours filling the room with a come hither aroma. The exquisite finale - a decadent flourless chocolate torte that is made the day ahead - or better yet, purchased from the very best bakery. Romantic Mood Make use of candlelight and flowers - everywhere. Your most beautiful crystal bowl holds floating candles and rose petals. Blood red roses lay across each carefully arranged place setting. Pillar candles set on mirrored trays illuminate the sideboard. Tea lights dot the tabletop. Small vases of fresh cut flowers are placed on every table. The music is soft, sexy and harmonious as are the plump pillows that you throw on the floor. Romantic Plan Prepare a shopping list that is divided into the departments in your grocery store. For example list the milk, butter and eggs together and then list the produce like fresh herbs, lettuce and oranges. This makes dashing in and out a breeze. Make the soup the weekend before. Cover and refrigerate until ready to warm. Bake the flourless chocolate torte the day before. Cover, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before you are ready to serve. Braise the lamb shanks in the afternoon. Cover and simmer for several hours. Uncover about one half hour before serving and continue to simmer to thicken and intensify the sauce. Just before he arrives set the table with your best china. Arrange the flowers, light the candles and turn on the music. Romantic Reward By now, you have discovered a plan to bring a little romance back into your life. Modest self-indulgence is the foundation to a warm, caring and satisfying evening with your special guy. All of the sudden you realize that your day to day responsibilities sit comfortably on the back burner next to your lap top and palm pilot. You are invigorated and renewed and perhaps not willing to wait for next year's Valentines day to put your new plan into action - once again. Also see: • Braised Lamb Shanks with Gramalata Garnish Recipe • Valentine dessert ideas • Send a Valentine's Day Card online • No time to bake dessert? Visit WeTakeTheCake for gourmet cakes Jorj Morgan is the Lifestyle Director of BlueSuitMom.com and the author of At Home In The Kitchen, a cookbook due in spring 2001. Put a little romance into your Valentine's Day romantic dinner. Then, share your experience with Jorj and other BlueSuitMoms by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .