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Associated Press reporter, J.M. Hirsch, poses this interesting question in an article on theeagle.com.  If you need help deciding what kind of Valentine’s Day you would like to have, take a gander at Hirsch’s comparisons.  Maybe you’re a Martha.  If you’d like to spend your evening “elegant and involved,” cuddled up watching ”Out of Africa or the 1940 version of Pride and Prejudice,” then the stern, slightly scary lifestyle guru is your pick.  If you’d like to spend your evening “fast and fun” watching “Casablanca or When Harry Met Sally,” then Rachael Ray’s your girl.

Hirsch also gives you possible menu choices for each of they styles that he outlines.  If you picked Martha, you’d be in the kitchen for a very long time making a very extravagant meal.  Her menu includes, Parmesan Cheese Souffle, Pistachio Souffles with Soft Chocolate Centers, and Creme Anglaise. This menu takes approximatley 2 hours and 45 minutes to prepare.

If you pick Rachael, you get a very quick, slightly cheaper menu.  On this menu we have Cognac-Sauced Pepper Steaks, Caramelized Onion-Dressed Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts, and Chocolate Cups with Whipped Cream for dessert.  This menu only takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

If you’re stuck trying to decide which menu to choose, think of what you’re trying to accomplish here.  I have a feeling that if you’re not a professional cook, or if you’re signinificant other is merely excited to see you in the kitchen, it might be easier and less stressful to prepare Rachael’s menu.  If you are entertaining an entire dinner party, or are dealing with hard to impress people, you might give Martha’s menu a shot.  Both ladies, however, did agree that the best way to end a romantic home-cooked meal was to cuddle up on the couch with a romantic movie.  If I could be so bold to request a couple, I think I would go for Joe vs. the Volcano, or for more of a romantic touch, Love Actually.  Yes, I am aware that it’s not Christmastime, but that movie is good in all seasons.  If you’re guy hates chick flicks, go with Joe.

Check out J.M. Hirsch’s article for the full menus and recipes.