NEW YORK — Are you a "Casablanca" couple or more inclined to an "Out of Africa" affair?

Your answer might suggest which path is the most direct line to your lover's heart — a fast and fun Valentine's Day meal as envisioned by culinary speed queen Rachael Ray or a more elegant (and involved) endeavor crafted by domestic authority Martha Stewart.

Both agreed that the perfect ending to the perfect meal is a snuggle on the couch accompanied by a good movie. "I find 'The Godfather' a romantic movie," said Ray, though she acknowledged it's probably best to make sure you really know your date before playing that one. " 'Casablanca,' now that's a gold standard. Or 'When Harry Met Sally.' "

Stewart's top choice was "Out of Africa," followed closely by the 1940 version of "Pride and Prejudice."

Stewart likes the idea of a duet, a meal the couple plans and prepares together. Of course, she said, laughing, "some men don't like to cook at all, so you just let them get drunk."

For a special touch, Stewart enjoys making a heart-shaped box, which she fills with chocolates, candies or pastries. (The directions for making such boxes appear in the current issue of Stewart's magazine.)

And don't forget to set the mood with an attractively set table, flowers and — of course — music, suggests Stewart.

Ray prefers a more come-as-you-are approach, saying a romantic evening with her husband generally involves a low-stress meal while lounging in ripped jeans and T-shirts.

"It's very romantic to keep it at home. Any guy or girl can make a reservation," she said. "It's also a lot easier to have a lot more truly intimate moments (at home), and funny moments."

Most importantly, don't stress.

"Even if you burn everything, even if it looks like charcoal briquettes or there's too much salt or if you brought a cassava melon home instead of a spaghetti squash, it doesn't matter because the effort was made," Ray said.