Recipes for romance: 6 date-night dinner ideas
Even if the leaves don’t turn bright orange, Floridians do know when it’s fall. The snowbirds begin their migration. People start planting their gardens. And there’s lots of football on TV.
As the weather shifts from steamy to dreamy, it’s prime time for gatherings of two or more. Cook a romantic, candlelight dinner at home with your special someone. Even better, invite your friends over for a dinner party, a “friendsgiving,” or a landmark birthday bash.
Need a little culinary inspiration? Here are a few menu ideas for gatherings of all sizes.
1. Parmesan Risotto with Roasted Shrimp
This shrimp and risotto recipe lends itself to cooking together. You’ll have to stir the rice for about 20 minutes—pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the process. As you prepare this dish, designate one person as the head chef and another as the assistant. This keeps you from bumping into each other … or butting heads!
Miele gives you options for your cooking style and preference. A gas cooktop with large burners helps get the job done. A rangetop gives you expert control as you turn down the heat. Induction cooking gives you safer surfaces, total temperature control, and simple cleanup.
Unless you’re feeding a vegetarian, you can’t go wrong with a thick, juicy steak. With this skillet method, you can cook a bone-in steak as good or better than any restaurant’s. Use your outdoor grill or your indoor Miele M Pro Grill rangetop with a grill or griddle option for max versatility. Serve with steak fries and a cold beer. (Stouts and porters work well with beef.)
3. Pasta for two
Pasta isn’t hard to make if you have the right tools. It’s also a fun activity to share with friends. Organize a pasta party—you and your buddies can share funny pasta stories or compare the best Italian dishes you’ve ever had.
You’ll need flour, eggs, and a pasta machine to make basic pasta. A kitchen island will give you the extra prep space you need. A first-rate refrigerator, like a Miele side-by-side refrigerator and freezer will provide space to store leftovers. When you’ve mastered the art of perfect dough sheets, cut them into squares for this warm butternut squash ravioli.
4. Baked Flounder Florentine
When planning a dinner party, why not make a day of it? Pick up some fresh flounder at the fish market, and grab ingredients for a mixed-greens salad at the farmers market. Choose a bottle of wine from the bottle shop. When you get home put the bottle in your Miele SommelierSet for it to be at the perfect temperature and ready to serve when your guests arrive. Planning and preparing a meal brings people together. Let your friends pitch in.
This elegant stuffed-flounder dish uses a seasoned spinach mix and a simple white sauce. Serve with fresh vegetables and a side of wild rice or roasted red potatoes. Miele offers a 30″ warming drawer that ensures your fish won’t dry out, even as it waits for your side dish to cook.
5. No-Bake Berry Cheesecake
A hearty dinner must conclude with a decadent dessert, and cheesecake is one favorite splurge. This easy no-bake recipe uses a traditional graham-cracker crust, cheesecake center, and berry gelee served in individual jars or glasses. Today’s rangetops give you precise cooking control (look for dual-ring burners) so your berry topping comes out just right.
6. Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are an elegant way to finish a meal. They’re also easy to make, so you can serve a large batch for your next at-home holiday gathering. Coat truffles in toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder. Serve with a dessert wine, and watch your loved one melt faster than, well, chocolate.
Need some help designing a more efficient, dinner-party-friendly kitchen? Contact Monark Premium Appliance Co. to make an appointment with one of its friendly appliance experts.
Monark Premium Appliance Co., a leader in kitchen design renovation, offers a wide product range that lets you customize your kitchen to suit your needs. You’ll walk away with a kitchen that not only adds value to your home, but value to your life.
Stop by one of Monark’s showrooms in Pompano Beach and West Palm Beach today. Be sure to share your expereince with #MonarkStories.