The starter is an important scene-setter and appetite-whetter. For simple romantic and theatrical decadence, little can beat oyster shucking. That intense hit of the ocean, spiked with a dash of lemon juice or Tabasco, is a heavenly experience worth sharing (especially when you’ve got through the struggle of opening the little blighters!). Another labour of love is preparing artichokes. Gioconda Scott reveals how to cook globe artichokes, and it's easier than you might think. She serves hers splashed with dry sherry and Spanish Serrano ham. The leaves are also yummy – dip them in foaming hollandaise and eat with buttery fingers. Be inspired by our stunning selection of seductive starters...
Warm, succulent, slow cooked lamb mingles with sweet pomegranate in this fabulous recipe from Nigella Lawson
Got romance in mind? Martin Blunos's elegant starter for two is guaranteed to impress with its plump native oysters and delectable butter sauce
Tamasin Day Lewis's mouth-watering mushrooms are great served hot with veal or chicken, or cold as an appetising starter
Rachel Allen serves sweet tender scallops with a tasty salad of spinach leaves, pine nuts and lemon zest
A delectable starter from Giorgio Locatelli: crisp saffron-flavoured mackerel fillets in pancetta, with salad leaves and a saffron vinaigrette.
Arthur Potts Dawson combines winter greens with mushrooms and aubergines in a simple and delicious vegetable antipasti dish
A simple cheese soufflé with a golden crown and soft yielding centre from Eleanor Smallwood
Make a seductive start with Gioconda Scott's recipe for Spanish ham and freshly prepared artichokes, pan-fried with sherry
For a stylish, colourful starter try Ed Baines's recipe which layers vegetables, rocket and grilled goat's cheese to flavourful effect
Enjoy a tasty starter with Gioconda Scott's recipe for Spanish ham and freshly prepared artichokes, pan-fried with sherry
