7 sexy breakfasts

Sex it up
If it's decadence you want, roll up your sleeves and prepare a sumptuous feast fit for a sex god.

'The Sexy Crumpet': Start with a cup of foamy chocolate mocha cappuccino (the new instant versions are perfectly acceptable if you don't have an espresso bar installed in your kitchen). While he's enjoying his cuppa, start on building a masterpiece breakfast: a take on the classic Eggs Benedict. First make the Hollandaise. If you're a purist you can make it the traditional way; otherwise a packet is fine and will save time and stress, just follow the instructions. Let it sit while you fry 4 bacon rashers. Toast or grill four crumpets and boil the water for poached eggs. An egg poacher is a really handy pan to have, otherwise swirl them in boiling water (you could also just fry them but they won't stack as nicely). Place the crumpets on two warmed plates and layer each one with a bacon rasher first and then an egg. Spoon over the hollandaise sauce so it drips erotically down the sides and sprinkle the top with chopped chives.

Spice it up

Generate even more heat between you with a Mexican-style breakfast.

'Hot n Spicy': Preheat the grill. Heat a large frying pan (no oil), quickly dry-fry two tortilla wraps and place on a baking sheet. Beat together 4 eggs with a little milk or water and season with salt and pepper. Scramble them in a little butter in the frying pan and divide between the two wraps, spreading almost to the edge. Spoon over some Mexican salsa dip (hot or mild as you prefer), then sprinkle with some grated Cheddar cheese. Pop under the grill for a minute or two until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately on warmed plates.

Nibble together
Dispense with pots and frying pans and put together a no-cook breakfast platter for the two of you to share.

Shared Seduction: Scotch pancakes are the grown-up version of blinis and can be bought in the bread section of supermarkets. A quick dip in the toaster or a blast in the microwave is all they need. Ring them around a large serving plate and put together some quick dips in bowls in the middle. Softened cream cheese with smoked salmon and chives is available ready-made, or you can make your own by sprinkling the chives or flaked salmon over the cheese or stirring it in. For real extravagance buy a jar of caviar or lumpfish roe and dab it on top. Pour a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup into a small bowlful of creme fraiche and dip with a rolled up pancake. Fruity yoghurts, spooned out of the plastic tubs and into ramekins make perfectly respectable dips as well. Cut fruit - strawberries, bananas, berries, or whatever else you like - is also great for dipping and feeding to each other - if it drips or spills, so much the better for licking off!

For the ultimate shared sexy breakfast experience warm through some plain mini croissants (the oven is best if you can wait a few minutes, otherwise soften in the microwave) and dip into a bowl of chocolate sauce. Melt your own while the croissants are warming or just buy a jar of the type that goes with ice cream. An irresistible combination.

Kick him out
If you didn't bag that special Valentine and found yourself with an also-ran candidate, you don't want to tempt him to stick around for a romantic breakfast. Feed him quickly then get dressed to let him know (politely) that it's time to leave.

'The Quickie': A toasted bagel and cream cheese looks like you at least made an effort (but no frying pans or plates to wash up). Tell him you gave the last of the milk to the cat and you only drink herbal infusions so he won't feel like hanging around for a cup of tea. With nothing to wash it down with, he may even pass on the bagel.