Quick Tips for Cooking for Loved ones.
In this Month of love we often find ourselves looking for ways to do something special for those we love, and what’s more romantic than cooking dinner for that special someone in your life?
One of the most common pitfalls is to try to do something to elaborate, by all means pull out all the stops with the wine, flowers and candles, but when it comes to the food easier is better, so here are a couple quick tips to ensure a successful romantic evening:
1. Keep it Simple. Sure, a 4 course intricate meal may sound very romantic, but if you’re doing the cooking you won’t have any time to spend with your partner. Have something that can be ready beforehand and held like beef bourguignon, or that is quick and easy to finish, like a steak or piece of fish.
2. Do as much work ahead of time. In the kitchen we call this Mise en Place, get all the chopping, washing and as much of the precooking done before your evening begins, so that when your date arrives you can maximize the amount of time with them. Consider having small bites of appetizers ready (as well as a bottle of bubbly) when they arrive so that you can pre socialize while the real cooking finishes up.
3. Avoid overly stinky or smoky dishes. There’s almost no better way to kill the mood then by filling your home with smoke. Just say no to dishes that may get overly smoky and smelly from frying or that contain lots of garlic.
4. Do something hands on. My personal favorite, plan a meal that can be hands on and you can get your partner involved with, one of my favorites is making pasta from scratch, it may not be the easiest dish, but you and your partner can make it together, work with your hands and get a little messy, just save the clean-up for the following day and spend some quality time making a meal (and memories) together!
5. Have fun. Remember the most important rule in the kitchen, have fun and don’t take it too seriously! Whatever you do it’s the thought that counts and as long as you and your sweetheart are enjoying yourselves then nothing else matters!
Chris Smith | Executive Chef
