Ore Oduba’s NYE date night ideas
This year, the best place to ring in the New Year is in our very own homes. Now, that doesn’t mean your end-of-year festivities should be any less special. Just take it from British television presenter Ore Oduba who’s planning the ultimate surprise date night (let’s keep that a secret). Helping you set the scene for your own cheerful celebrations and a NYE-worthy meal, we asked Ore to share his best tips. Happy date night!
Hackney Gelato Bakewell, £4.49
This recipe came about by rippling cherries into a toasted almond gelato – and we’re so glad it did. Smooth and decadent, a scoop of this gelato is a wonderful accompaniment to a date night dessert, but can also be enjoyed on its own.
The king of herbs, basil is the most popular of the Mediterranean herbs with lush green leaves and pungent flavour. Pick tender leaves from the plant to adorn your caprese salad, or mix with olive oil for a fantastic pesto sauce, magnifico!
M&S Garlic and parsley ciabatta, £1.65
Four ciabatta bread sticks made using a slowly fermented dough and cooked in a stone-bed oven. Finished with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and fresh parsley, these mouth-watering bread sticks are equally delicious as a starter as a side to your main.
Murgella Burrata with Truffle, £2.99
Delicate on the outside and soft on the inside, this truffle-infused little piece of heaven will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate. Eat on its own or serve with sliced tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Did we say it’s heaven?
Fish Said Fred Sea Bass with Lemongrass & Chilli Butter, £5.99
Two defrosted sea bass fillets with lemongrass, chilli and coriander butter. Delicious served with new potatoes or a simple tomato salsa, and a fantastic main course for your NYE date night.
M&S Med Style Roasting Veg, £4
Mediteranean-inspired roasting veg, prepped for the oven and ready to go. Including peppers, courgette, red onion, cherry tomatoes and a lemon and herb dressing, this tray offers a selection of tasty veg that go perfectly with chicken or lamb. Yum.
Isle of Wight Cherry Tomatoes, £2.49
These juicy tomatoes have been grown in the fertile Arreton Valley, in the heart of the Isle of Wight, for over 30 years. Picked at the peak of ripeness, they’re packed with sweetness, working wonders chopped into a fresh salad.
Charles Lafitte Champagne Grande Cuvee Brut NV, £19.99
The palate of this champagne is robust, inviting and well-balanced with an aftertaste characterised by aromas of green apples and red fruit. It’s excellent as an aperitif for any occasion – particularly date nights.
Ocado Olive Oil, £3
A good quality olive oil can take any dish to new heights. This one comprises a blend of refined oils paired with oils obtained directly from olives. Add a splash to your Isle of Wight tomatoes along with some salt and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
Picard 2 Chocolate Lava Cakes, £3.99
The famous chocolate moelleux, revealing their melting chocolate centre once cooked and cut into. A simple yet sensational dessert, it can be served with crème anglaise or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Thrills guaranteed!
M&S Ultimate mash potato, £2.75
Mashed potato with silky cream, soft butter, sea salt and cracked black pepper. Need we say anything else? Actually, we do – make sure you get two.
top tips for winter nights.