by Lorraine Gibson.

The food of love should be made with love, so browse these Dorset producers’ bespoke and delicious creations and bag a perfect treat for that special someone – even if that happens to be you!!

Made with love
The light, fluffy, chewy pastel-ness of Dorset Artisan Macarons can’t fail to impress.
Not only do these colourful discs of decadence taste luxurious, they look beautiful, too.
They’re made by hand using techniques that blend traditional and modern and come prettily packaged and beribboned.
Order off the shelf in flavours like White Chocolate & Raspberry; Rose; Vanilla and Almond Frangipane & Blueberry, or go bespoke with seasonal flavours and even your own request.
They are all created from scratch and can be made to any specification of size, quantity, flavour or colour.
Classic collection boxes from £12 for six. dorsetartisanmacarons.co.uk.

Fishing for compliments?
Get your beloved to come out of their shell with the funky Love Lobster.
It may look a bit fishy, but it’s made exclusively for Chococo using the best 47% Colombia single-origin milk chocolate (dark is also available) giving it a gorgeously rich taste.
The crustaceous heart-stealer comes wrapped in hot-pink foil inside a retro box, it weighs in at 125g and costs £12.50.
Call 01929 421777. chococo.co.uk/valentines-day-gifts.

SWEET TREATS: the Chococo Love Lobster

Their heart will soar
As her name suggests, Lizzie The Baking Bird just loves to bake.
Whether it’s afternoon tea with a slice of squidgy brownie and opulent cheesecake or a romantic picnic of hand-crafted savouries and pies you’re after, she’s your girl.
“I cook just about anything and everything from my kitchen with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce,” she says.
She also does hand-made seasonal breads, bakes, biscuits, puddings and anything else her imagination leads her to.
One thing’s guaranteed, they’re all Dorset delights through and through.
Call 01305 816378 or visit lizziebakingbird.co.uk.

SWEET TREATS: Pecan Cheesecake

SWEET TREATS: Lizzie The Baking Bird’s delights

Double delight
The Dorset Box for Two does what it says on the tin, making it all you need for a simple, cosy dinner at home.
The steak is from native breed, grass-fed cattle reared on small, family farms in Dorset and Wiltshire with lush pastures.
As well as the 800g sharing sirloin steak, the box contains 200g smoked salmon, a sublime Bernaise butter and a cute Godminster Heart cheese. £49.95. thedorsetmeatcompany.co.uk or 01747 811077.

Sparkle and wine
Time to celebrate? Dorset’s Gold Award-winning D’Urberville Vineyard English sparkling wine is deliciously sumptuous with a pale straw colour and a fine bead of bubbles.
The nose is alive with aromas of fresh strawberries, red apple and lemon tart, the palate reminiscent of pear tart-tatin with a subtle lime acidity for a long, elegant finish.
Chin-chin.
durbervillevineyard.co.uk/products/english-sparkling-wine or 07966 413179.