A sap-py way to say I love you this Valentine’s Day

In a world full of roses, hearts and other commercialised gifts for Valentine’s Day, make your loved one feel extra special this year. Forget predictable presents and surprise them with a fully immersive experience – a three-course meal, an accompanying drink and a treat to keep them sweet. The romantic twist? Every dish is enhanced with the rich sweetness of pure Canadian maple syrup, bringing warmth, depth, and a unique flavour that is sure to impress. 

Starter 

To kick off the Valentine’s Day dinner, we have Maple-Cured Salmon on Butter Toasts. The rich salmon is delicately cured with golden grade pure Canadian maple syrup, the fresh and aromatic taste of dill and sprinkled with salt to balance the flavour. This elegant starter is the perfect dish to begin a special meal and set the tone of the evening. 

Curing takes 6 hours in the fridge, so make sure you prepare in advance to get this recipe just right for your celebrations. Preparing it in advance not only allows the flavours to develop fully but also gives you more time to focus on the rest of your romantic dinner. 

Main 

For the main event, this beautiful Beef Carpaccio with a Maple-Black Garlic Paste and Rhubarb not only satisfies the taste buds, but its pink colour matches the Valentine’s theme perfectly.  

Using beef tenderloin (or sirloin) with a sprinkle of herbs and goat’s cheese, pure Canadian dark maple syrup is used for its robust flavour in the maple-black garlic paste and rhubarb. What better dish to whip up to impress your Valentine!  

Chef’s tip: For perfect, wafer-thin slices, place the beef in the freezer for about an hour before slicing. This small step makes a big difference, helping you achieve restaurant-quality presentation at home. Serve with a few fresh microgreens or edible flowers to elevate the dish even further. 

Dessert 

To finish the course, delight your Valentine with a simple but tasty recipe that is light enough for the heat of summer. Our Maple, Strawberry and Basil Carpaccio uses fresh strawberries, golden pure Canadian maple syrup, maple vinegar (trust us) and double cream, mascarpone, maple sugar and vanilla extract for the maple Chantilly. Another beautiful on-theme dish for the day. 

Cocktail 

For an after-dinner treat, you must make one of our Valentine’s Day cocktails. While we have an array of recipes from our I’d Tap That series last year, our standout for this course has to be the Maple Coconut and Jalapeño Margarita. It’s sweet but has enough kick to spice things up!  

This cocktail has a stunning mix of lime, coconut, Tajin, Jalapeño, tequila, Cointreau and pure Canadian amber maple syrup to sweeten up this spicy drink. 

Gift 

If you want to go the extra mile and leave a lasting impression, these elegant, bite-sized treats are perfect for gifting and lingering over after dinner. Because what says romance more than Parisian Maple Macarons? With only one hour to bake, this delicacy has a luscious maple cream filling that will surely be a hit. Gift them in a small decorative box or serve alongside the Maple Coconut and Jalapeño Margarita to create a truly memorable Valentine’s Day experience. 

With a maple-infused starter, main, dessert, cocktail, and gift, this Valentine’s Day menu is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for your loved one. The natural sweetness of pure Canadian maple syrup threads through every course, tying the dishes together while creating a warm, soothing, and celebratory atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable way to say, “I love you” this Valentine’s Day – one delicious maple bite at a time. 

For more maple-infused dishes this Valentine’s Day, visit our other recipes.