Romantic Date Dinner?!


Question: Romantic Date Dinner!?
Hey everyone and thanks in advance!. My anniversary is comming up in July and I want to do a romantic dinner at home!. I need some recipies that are easy and dont take much time!. We both love pasta and sweets! Thanks AgainWww@FoodAQ@Com


Answers:
Here are my fav!. recipes: (including a beverage, main dish, a side dish, and dessert)
**************************************!.!.!.
_Beverage:
*Strawberry Smoothie:
Makes 8 servings
Essential Equipment: Blender
Ingredients:
*4 cups strawberries
*2 cups milk
*4 containers strawberry yogurt

Directions:
1!. Reserve 4 strawberries for the garnish!. Cut out the hull!. 'or "cap", from the remaining strawberries w/ the point of a paring knife!.
2!. Place the strawberries, milk, and yogurt in a blender!. Cover and blend on high speed for 30 seconds or until it's smooth!.
3!. Pour mixtures into glasses!. Garnish each with a strawberry
(Add sugar until it's sweet enough for you)
**************************************!.!.!.
_Main:
*Fettuccine Alfredo:
The recipe I'm giving you makes 6 servings!. Cook: 15 Mins!.
Essential Equipment: Dutch oven (about 4-quart size); medium saucepan (about 2-quart size)
*8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
*1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine or butter
*1/2 cup whipping (heavy) cream
*3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*Dash of pepper
*Chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
_1!. Fill the dutch oven half full of water!. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt!. Cover & heat over high heat until the water is boiling rapidly!. Add the fettuccine!. Heat to boiling again!. Boil uncovered 11 to 13 min!., stirring frequently, until tender!. To test fettuccine for doneness, cut a strand of fettuccine on the side of the dutch oven!. While fettuccine is cooking, continue with the recipe to make the Alfredo sauce!.
_2!.Heat the Margarine & whipping cream in the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until margarine is melted!. Stir in the cheese, salt & pepper until the mixture is smooth!.
_3!.Drain the fettuccine in a strainer or colander, & place in a large serving bowl or back in the dutch oven!. Poor the sauce over the hot fettuccine, & stir until fettuccine is well coated!. Sprinkle with parsley!.
**************************************!.!.!.
_Side:
*Garlic Bread:
The recipe I am giving you makes about 18 slices!. Bake: 20 mins!.
Essential Equipement:
Heavy duty aluminum foil
*1 clove garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/3 cup of magarine or butter @ room temp!.
*1 loaf (1 pond) french bread
Directions:
_1!.Heat the oven to 400 degrees!.
_2!.Peel & finely chop the garlic!. Mix the garlic & margaine!.
_3!.Cut the bread crosswise into 1-inch slices!. Spread margarine mixture over 1 side of each bread slice!. Reeasemble the loaf, & wrap securley in heavy duty aluminum foil!.
_4!.Bake 15 to 20 mins!. or until hot!.
**************************************!.!.!.
_Dessert:
*Tiramisu:
This makes 9 servings!. Refrigerate for 4 hours!.
Essential Equipement:
Electric Mixer or hand beater; 8-inch square pan or 9-inch round pan!.
*1 cup whipping (heavy) cream
*1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
*1/2 cup powdered sugar
*2 tablespoons light rum extract or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
*1 package (3 ounces) lady fingers (12 ladyfingers)
*1/2 cup cold prepared espresso
*2 teaspoons baking cocoa
*Cherries with stems (if desired)
Directions:
_1!.pour whipping cream into a medium bowl, & place in fridge to chill!. the cream will whip better in a cold fridge!.
_2!.beat the cream cheese & powdered sugar in another medium bowl w/ the electric mixer on medium speed until smooth!. Beat the rum on low speed, & set aside!.
_3!.beat the whipping cream on highe speed until stiff peaks form!. Gently sppon the whipped cream onto the cream cheese mixer!. To fold together; use a rubber spatula to cut down vertically through the mixtures, then slide the spatula across the bottom of the bowl & up the side, turning the mixtures over!.Rotate the bowl 1/4 turn, & repeat this down-across-up motion!.Continue mixing in this way just until ingredients are blended!.
_4!.Split each ladyfinger horzontally in half!. Arrange halfof them, cut sides up, over the bottom of the ungreased pan!. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the cold espresso over the ladyfingers!. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over ladyfingers!.
_5!.Arrange the remaining ladyfingers,cuts sides up, over the cream cheese mixture!. Drizzle the remaining cup of cold espresso, & spread the remaining cream cheese mixture!.
_6!.Sprinkle the cocoa over the top of the dessert!. If you have a small strainer, place the cocoain the strainer & shake it over the dessert!. Otherwise!. Shake the cocoa from a spoon!. Cover & refrigerate for about 4 hours!. If you want to, you can garnish each serving with a cherry!.

*Hope This Helps*Www@FoodAQ@Com

If you like pasta, then this is great - delicious and very easy to make:

Fettuccini Carbonara

5 teaspoons olive oil
4 shallots, diced
1 large onion, cut into thin strips
1 pound bacon, cut into strips
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package fettuccini pasta
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste


Heat olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat!. Saute shallots until softened!. Stir in onion and bacon, and cook until bacon is evenly browned!. Stir in garlic when bacon is about half done!. Remove from heat!.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil!. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente!. Drain pasta, then return it to the pot!.

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cream, and shredded Parmesan!. Pour the bacon mixture over the pasta, then stir in the cream mixture!. Season with salt and pepper!.
Serves 6!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

if you like pasta!.!.!.and you want a romantic presentation!.!.!.think a simple shrimp (or chicken if you don't do shellfish) scampi!.!.!.the sauce is really just shallots, garlic!.!.!.light saute in butter!.!.!.and evoo!.!.!.s &p!.!.!.red pepper flakes!.!.degalze with a good dry white wine!.!.!.reduce maybe by half!.!.!.say 1 cup to 1/2 cup!.!.!.add shrimp!.!.!.2-3 minutes!.!.!.add cooked pasta (a bit short of al dente)!.!.!.just at the end!.!.!.splash with lemon juice!.!.!.if you like a stronger lemon flavor!.!.!.zest the lemon during the saute!.!.!.serve immediately!.!.!.start to finish!.!.!.maybe 20 minutes!.!.!.serve with a nice prosecco !.!.!.desssert!.!.!.fresh fruit!.!.!.with whpped cream!.!.!.good luckWww@FoodAQ@Com

I was in the same situation as you! These videos are really good for this:

http://www!.videojug!.com/tag/planning-a-r!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

naked sushi is hot and romantic!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

mmm!.!. do something with fruit! yumWww@FoodAQ@Com

For pasta main dish here are my favorites: modyfy quantity otherwise they are for 3-4 people

Fettuccine Alfredo Prince

Ingredients

(4 servings)

12 oz Fettuccine
1/2 c Butter or margarine
1 c Cream, heavy or light
1 1/2 c Parmesan, grated
1/2 ts Salt
Pepper, white, dash
Romano cheese to taste


Instructions

We add a little romano to this for extra flavor- not in the original recipe- about 1 or 2 tablespoons!.
Cook fettuccine according to package directions!. While fettuccine cooks, heat butter or margarine and cream in a small sauce pan until butter melts!. Stir in parmesan cheese!., salt and pepper!. Keep warm over low heat!. Drain fettuccine, return to pan, pour sauce over noodles, toss gently until noodles are well coated
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THE VERY BEST Lasagna

Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage - I like a combination of sweet and hot
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 14!.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 dried lasagna noodles
1 egg, beaten
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese or 2 cups cream-style cottage cheese, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions
1!. For sauce, in a large saucepan cook sausage - remove sausage from pan and drain on paper towels; cut into chunks or slices!. Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until meat is brown!. Drain!. Combine sausage with ground beef mixture!.

2!. Stir undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds (if desired), and black pepper into meat mixture!. Bring to boiling; reduce heat!. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally!.

3!. Meanwhile, cook noodles for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender but still firm!. Drain noodles; rinse with cold water!. Drain well; set aside!.

4!. For filling, combine egg, ricotta, and the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese!. Set aside!.

5!. Spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce over the bottom of a 2-quart rectangular baking dish!. Layer half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the dish, trimming or overlapping as necessary to fit!. Spread with half of the filling!. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese!. Repeat layers!. If desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over top!.

6!. Place baking dish on a baking sheet!. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through!. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving!.

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APPETIZER
~try any of these~

Peppercorn-Cheese Melt: Remove top rind from Cambozola, Camembert, or Brie!. Place cheese in shallow baking dish and sprinkle with coarsely ground mixed peppercorns and chopped, toasted walnuts or pecans!. Bake in 450 degree F oven 8 to 10 minutes, until cheese is softened and begins to melt!. Serve with slices of coarse-grain bread, crusty bread slices, or an assortment of crackers!.

Easy Reubens: Top crispy rye crackers with thinly sliced fully cooked corned beef, rinsed and well-drained canned sauerkraut and Thousand Island salad dressing!.

Mexicali Chips: Cook ground beef seasoned with ground cumin until brown; drain off fat!. Stir in enough salsa to moisten, along with sliced ripe olives and snipped cilantro!. Top with sour cream or shredded cheese!. Serve with tortilla chips!.
==========
MAIN DISH
Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli
The crab cakes are really delicious!. I love to make extra and put them in the freezer!. They cook up in a flash and are nice enough to serve to company!. Costco carries great canned crab in the refrigerated section!.

Serves 2


1 lb Lump crab, picked over and squeeze dry of excess water
1/2 C Breadcrumbs
1/2 C Mayonnaise
2 ea Green onions, sliced
6 Tb Butter
4 Tb Olive oil
1/2 C Mayonnaise
1 Tb Lemon juice
2 Tsp Grainy mustard

Combine crab meat and other ingredients and gently combine!. Separate into 8 patties pressing them firmly to hold together!. May be frozen at this point or sautéed in butter and olive oil until lightly browned on both sides and heated through!.

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Healthy Carrot Cider Chicken Legs
This healthy chicken dish takes a little longer to bake, but is super moist and your family will love it!.

Serves 2


2 ea Chicken legs - drumstick and thigh cut apart
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Olive oil
1/2 Tsp Ginger - minced
1 Tsp Garlic - minced
1/4 C Carrot juice
1/4 C Apple cider
1/4 C Beer - dark
1/2 Tsp Coriander

Preheat the oven to 375 and an oven proof skillet over medium high heat!. Lightly salt the chicken and dredge in flour!. Brown the chicken in the skillet on both side for about 4 minutes!. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer!. Place the pan in the oven and bake 45 to 55 minutes, turning chicken halfway through cooking time until chicken is fall apart tender!.

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Thai Chicken In Peanut Sauce
Perfect served with steamed rice!.

Serves 2

2 ea Chicken breasts - boneless skinless
1 C Thai peanut sauce, divided


Marinate breasts overnight in 1/4 C of peanut sauce!. On indoor or outdoor grill, grill chicken for 7 - 8 minutes on both sides or until done!. Meanwhile heat the other 1/4 C of sauce over medium until heated through!. Serve over chicken!.
============
DESSERT
~any of these~

SWIRLED? Cheesecake Nibbles

With a hint of semi-sweet and white chocolate flavor these SWIRLED? cheesecake nibbles are so creamy and decadent it's hard to eat just one!.

Ingredients:

36 vanilla wafers
1 2/3 cups (10-oz!. pkg!.) NESTLé? TOLL HOUSE? SWIRLED? Real Semi-Sweet & White Chocolate Morsels, divided
2 pkgs!. (8 oz!. each) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F!. Place 36 2-inch foil bake cups on baking sheet(s) with sides!. Place one vanilla wafer, flat-side down, on bottom of each cup!. Place 5 to 6 morsels on top of each wafer!.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar and flour in large mixer bowl until creamy!. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well!. Spoon heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into each bake cup!.

BAKE for 15 to 17 minutes or until just set and not browned!. Remove from oven to wire rack!. While still warm, top cheesecakes with remaining morsels!. Morsels will soften but will retain shape!. Cool completely!. Cover and refrigerate!.
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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Just beat, melt, stir, and refrigerate!.!.!.these bars are that simple!.

Ingredients:

2 cups peanut butter, divided
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (12-oz!. pkg!.) NESTLé? TOLL HOUSE? Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels, divided


Directions:
GREASE 13 x 9-inch baking pan!.

BEAT 1 1/4 cups peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy!. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar!. With hands or wooden spoon, work in remaining powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup morsels!. Press evenly into prepared baking pan!. Smooth top with spatula!.

MELT remaining peanut butter and remaining morsels in medium, heavy-duty saucepan over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly, until smooth!. Spread over graham cracker crust in pan!. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is firm; cut into bars!. Store in refrigerator!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

At the grocery store there are all types of boxes of pasta dinners!. You will find them on shelves!. Cook the pasta, add the packet of spices found inside the box!. Very easy and very delicious!.

You can also pick up a roasted chicken from the deli!. The deli has side dishes too!.

Video On How To Cook A Rib Eye Steak (turn on your sound), click this link:
http://www!.videojug!.com/film/how-to-make!.!.!.

Eagle Brand Goodies - quick and easy

1!. Fudge - Video:
http://eaglebrand!.com/videos!.asp!?v=fudge!.!.!.

2!. Magic Cookie Bar - Video:
http://eaglebrand!.com/videos!.asp!?v=mcb#v!.!.!.

3!. Cherry Cheese Pie (no baking) - Video:
http://eaglebrand!.com/videos!.asp!?v=pie#v!.!.!.

4!. Ice Cream - Video:
http://eaglebrand!.com/videos!.asp!?v=ice#v!.!.!.

5!. Kraft's Chocolate Passion Bowl (video):
http://www!.kraftfoods!.com/kf/cookingscho!.!.!.

6!. From:
http://www!.cooks!.com/rec/doc/0,1813,1521!.!.!.
8 MINUTE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

7!. Philidelphia Cream Cheese has ready to eat cheesecake Tubs:
http://www!.kraftfoods!.com/philly/readyTo!.!.!.

8!. Video - New York Style Cream Topped Cheesecake:
http://www!.kraftfoods!.com/kf/search/Sear!.!.!.

9!. From:
http://www!.cooks!.com/rec/view/0,1937,150!.!.!.
FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER PIE-no bake

10!. From (with picture):
Seven Layer Magic Bars
http://www!.christmas-cookies!.com/recipes!.!.!.Www@FoodAQ@Com





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