Date Night! What to Cook?
By Lynn M. Miller
Imagine that a much-anticipated "date night" is just around the corner for you and your partner. You look forward to putting the kids to bed and creating that dream dinner for your spouse or partner. But what should it be? What will make it so special that it will put stars in his or her eyes? Here are some expert tips on how to plan the meal that aims to please.
1. Tailor it to YOU and YOURS. Each circumstance is different and personal. Your likes and dislikes are not the same as the next person. Making your moment special could mean:
- Making a favorite meal that you don't make very often.
- Cooking something together if your partner also enjoys the process. (You can still make him/her feel special by having the ingredients all set out and any chopping done ahead of time. This will make the meal go together quickly and is much more fun. Everyone loves having a Sous Chef!
- Making something you don't particularly like to cook, but you know your partner will appreciate it if you make it.
- Choosing a favorite ingredient and including it in each course (e.g. coconut would be one of my choices. My husband and I both love it.)
2. Keep it simple. Remember that the purpose of a date night meal is romance, not hours in the kitchen. Simple, healthy foods that are presented in a pretty way are always welcome. What matters is the flavor, not how complicated it is. Use your spices and taste everything before you serve it to be sure that it's just right.
3. Explore "make ahead" options. Plan your meal and shop ahead. Many things can be purchased a day or more ahead. As well, many things can be chopped and organized well ahead. Don't leave too much to the last minute. You want to have energy to engage with your partner. Make sure you protect your energy source so you're not nodding off in your soup!
4. Don't try anything too exotic. This might not be the time to try something new. Comfort food is just fine. Go with the known bet and don't risk disappointment.
5. Make it pleasing to the eye. Pay attention to presentation! Nothing makes a person feel more special than knowing someone else has really fussed over something for them. Take that extra minute or two to carefully present what you have made. A few ways to make your presentation look special are:
-Make portion sizes equal. It looks more professional.
-Use a scoop to mound dishes like risotto or potato salad.
-Cut meats with a sharp knife so you have clean, straight edges.
-Use edible flowers as accents. (You can buy small amounts of them in many grocery stores and markets.)
-Garnish! Snips of fresh herbs make colorful, attractive garnishes. Choose an herb that coordinates with the spices/herbs in the dish. Other great garnishes are tiny bits of chopped, colorful bell pepper, egg yolk pushed through a sieve, tiny strips of carrot and tips of asparagus spears. Don't throw out small amounts of leftover vegetables. You can always use them in this way! They add color, interest and a little extra nutrition.
-Plan your meal with an eye toward nutrition but also to color and how it will go together on the plate.
6. Serve more than one course. It's easy to fall into a rut as a parent. Whether you work outside the home or not, life is busy, hectic and tiring. It's tempting to grab something on the run or throw together a one dish meal. Your partner will be impressed if you come up with more than one course and it isn't that hard. The first course could be a "store-bought" soup (with a garnish of course!). The second could be something special you made yourself and dessert could be ice cream with a special sauce or berries or something also purchased from the store.
This is the time to think about any leftovers in your refrigerator. Is there anything that could be re-worked to become a course on its own? For example, if you have leftover risotto, you can form it into balls, press a small cube of cheese in the middle, dip it in egg then flour and deep fry it for a delicious appetizer or starchy side dish. A little bit of leftover soup can be served in a tiny terrine as an appetizer. Leftover cheese and turkey can become a mini grilled Panini sandwich appetizer. Use your imagination. The list is endless!
Follow the rules above; add a smile and your special person will feel like he/she is in a restaurant created just for them!
Chef Lynn M. Miller, Author, Teacher and Host of the Flavor Secrets Television Show
http://www.flavorsecrets.com
At this site, you will find information about cooking classes in the Detroit area that cater to fun loving cooks. There are also great tools, like conversion tables and cooking temperature guides! Use the site to ask Chef Lynn cooking questions.
You will also find information about Chef Lynn's cookbook: Flavor Secrets: Back to the Basics. The book contains loads of professional tips that show home cooks how to build flavor like professionals. Recipes are easy, tasty and beautiful. Color photographs show you the finished product.
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