When it comes to Valentine's Day, rich, decadent desserts are an essential ingredient. Sure, flowers are nice and there are plenty of people who enjoy wine and champagne, but it's the sweet treats that really make the holiday.

And when it comes to desserts, cookies, cakes, pastries and tasty sweet indulgences, no one does it quite like Jean-Jacques Bakery in Carytown.

For more than 20 years, owner and executive baker Jozef Bindas has produced some of the finest baked goods in Richmond. So when Richmond.com was searching for a dessert recipe for Valentine's Day, we knew exactly where to look.

Jean-Jacques' Romantic Strawberries Romanov makes a perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Whether you're planning a romantic, in-home dinner for two, or you just want to surprise your Valentine with a sweet, after-dinner treat, Strawberries Romanov is the way to go.

Part of this recipe can be made in advance and the rest of the ingredients can be assembled quickly and easily. Seriously, I watched Bindas put it together in seconds and the result was a beautiful, delicious, upscale dessert that's sure to impress. It's served in a martini glass for added flair.

Of course, you could always skip the work entirely and just stop by Jean-Jacques Bakery and pick up one of its gourmet cakes or pastries. Either way, your sweetheart will certainly love indulging in the sweet taste of French baked goods this Valentine's Day.

Romantic Strawberries Romanov:
INGREDIENTS:
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 tablespoon of sugar
1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur (Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
2 sprigs mint leaves or chocolate shavings for garnish
2 martini glasses

DIRECTIONS:
The day before serving, take strawberries and slice thin. Add a teaspoon of sugar and ¼ cup of orange liqueur. Let marinate over night. The day of let ice cream sit for easy scooping while taking egg yolk and sugar and whisking heavily until mixture becomes smooth and thick. (This mixture is called Zabaione.)

Layer in martini glass as follows:
Ice cream
Strawberry Romanov mixture
Zabaione
Strawberry Romanov mixture
Zabaione
Light scoop of ice cream
Garnish with a whole strawberry and mint leaves or chocolate shavings. Must be served directly after preparation. Serves two.

w Quick Fix appears the last Thursday of every month on Richmond.com. LAST TIME OUT: Toasted Walnut & Cabrales dipped Grapes.

w Check out Richmond.com's Valentine's Day Guide for more on what you and your sweetie can do on Feb. 14.