February 14 is the one day of the year when you have a reason to leave a love note stuck on the door or write a sweet poem in a card.

Valentine's Day, when florists sell more red long-stemmed roses than any other day, is the perfect excuse to embrace grand gestures that show your other half just how much you love them.

And what better way to say 'I love you' than with chocolate? Considered an aphrodisiac for centuries, it's the perfect ingredient for a sweet ending to any romantic meal – and it can even be heart-shaped. Go on, let the dessert speak for itself…

Chocolate heart fondant with a strawberry and mint salad

Perfect for sharing, a good chocolate fondant is hot and intense with a meltingly soft centre...

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Brandied chocolate truffles

Chocolate truffles with a surprise raspberry centre to melt even the most unromantic of hearts.

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Heart-shaped chilli chocolates

Share these sweet explosions, with not one but two aphrodisiacs, chilli and chocolate, tete-a-tete

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Chocolate fondue

Made in minutes, pour this wonderfully luxurious fondue into a pretty heart-shaped cup or keep hot in a mini fondue bowl with a burner.

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