Showing posts with label date night. Show all posts
Showing posts with label date night. Show all posts
As many of us work during the day, the idea of whipping up a gourmet meal for Valentine's Day can be a little overwhelming.  But cooking a special dinner at home doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming.  

Below is my sure-to-impress, romantic and oh-so-easy Valentine's dinner for two.



Make Ahead: Dessert First
Chocolate covered strawberries are a decadent and super easy dessert that's sure to please.  The best part? They can be made a day in advance so you don't have to worry about them the night of.  (The hard part? Not eating them before dinner!)
  • Cover a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
  • Wash and dry strawberries. Set aside.
  • Coarsely chop semi-sweet chocolate and put in microwave safe bowl. 
  • With your microwave at 50% power, heat for one minute, stirring halfway through 
  • Stir chocolate again, adding 1 tbsp butter. 
  • With your microwave at 50% power, heat for one additional minute, stirring halfway through. (Every microwave is a bit different so keep your eye on the chocolate and stir more frequently if necessary, to prevent burning.)
  • Carefully remove chocolate from microwave and stir mixture til smooth.  
  • Holding a strawberry by the top, dip into chocolate until it is 3/4 covered.  Lift straight up and twist slightly, to allow any excess to fall back into the bowl.  Set on waxed paper to harden. (Sprinkle with coconut if desired)
  • Continue until all strawberries have been dipped.  
  • Allow to cool for  at least 30 minutes.
  • TIP: Storing in the refrigerator will cause the berries to sweat (which will turn them into a gooey, not-so-impressive mess).  Store in a parchment lined container at room temperature until ready to plate.
Dinner's On 
The total time to prepare this dinner is about an hour, including prep.  The recipes are simple, and allow the true flavors of each food item to shine. It's also a light menu, which means you won't be too stuffed or bloated afterward for *ahem* other activities. 
  Remember that cooking WITH someone can be as romantic as cooking FOR someone.  Or, invite them to have a glass of wine while you cook and impress them with your kitchen prowess.  

Step 1: Potatoes
Note: The potatoes will take the longest to bake, which is why they need to go in first.  Your salmon will need to share the oven for the final 10-12 minutes of the cook time.  
 
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees
  • Cover a half sheet pan in olive oil 
  • Wash and dry potatoes 
  • Chop in half (this allow the cut side to caramelize and get some color) and place on pan. Try to make them as evenly sized as possible. 
  • Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. Herbes De Provence, 2 tsp. kosher salt & 2 tsp pepper 
  • Place in preheated oven and set timer for 40 minutes. Turn potatoes halfway through.
Step 2: Salmon 
The salmon pouches are something unique and fun.  Because the pouch can go directly onto the plate, it keeps plating neat, and there is an element of fun in breaking into the pouch to eat (think -cracking crab legs open- but less messy and expensive).
  • Thinly slice lemons, and set aside several sprigs of dill.
  • Check filet for pin bones by running your finger along the cut side.  
  • Slice filet into portions 
  • Cut a section of 14" parchment for each portion of salmon. 
  • Place 1 fish portion on parchment so that the right edge of portion is in the middle of the parchment (salmon will look slightly off-center).
  • Drizzle salmon with olive oil. Place 2-3 lemon slices and 2-3 sprigs of dill on top of the fish.
  • 1. Fold parchment in half over salmon, by bringing the right side of the parchment to meet the left.  Press the fold together to create a crease, being careful to avoid the section where the salmon is.  2. Starting at the bottom right corner, fold and crease the parchment 90 degrees to the left, stopping at the bottom of the fish. 3. Again, start at the right corner and make another 90 degree fold (you will be folding on top of the first fold.  The idea is to create a semi-airtight pocket.) 4. Continue folding/rolling the parchment around the salmon until you reach the opposite side.  You will have only a small "tail" of parchment left over. 5./6. Fold tail directly under the salmon pouch.  
  • Place pouch on baking sheet and slice a tiny hole in the top for steam to escape.
  • Repeat process for all salmon portions. 
  • When potatoes only have about 10-12 minutes left, reduce heat to 400 degrees and place salmon tray in the oven as well.  
  • Check the salmon after 10 minutes.  The fish should be firm but bounce back with a little bit of pressure. If you're unsure, insert a meat thermometer into the slit in the pouch (being careful not to rip the parchment).  Salmon is done at 140-145 degrees. 
 Step 3: The Asparagus
A broiler is, essentially, an upside down grill.  It's a great way to cook up veggies quickly and get that great caramelized flavor from the flame. Asparagus is already a festive and out-of-the-ordinary vegetable (that looks great when plated), but by this simple preparation - the basic herbs, splash of olive oil and crisp texture from the fire - you allow its unique flavor to come through.
  • After washing asparagus, break off the thick ends and place on baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and toss til coated. 
  • Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
  • Once potatoes and salmon are finished, pull from oven, and allow to rest while cooking asparagus. 
  • Turn on broiler.
  • Broil asparagus 5-7 minutes, turning 1-2 times. 
Once the Asparagus is pulled you can plate the meal, pour the wine and light the candles (Pinot Grigio would be an excellent addition to this meal!).  Finish with some chocolate covered strawberries and champagne, and enjoy where the evening takes you.  

Happy Cooking!


People, you might want to sit down, because I’m about to blow your mind.  “Romance” has nothing to do with money.  Instead, it has everything to do with taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. 


For example: why do people think of eating at a fancy restaurant as “Romantic”?  Because eating dinner is something that we do every day; but, by putting in a restaurant setting, it has moved out of the realm of “typical.”  Bringing home flowers, follows the same logic. It’s not the act of bringing home flowers – it’s the fact that it deviates from the norm. 


Now, that said, differentiation alone is not romantic.  It requires Specific, Love-Derived Intent. (Meaning, just because one day you magically remember where the hamper is, after weeks of leaving your underwear on the floor, does not a Casanova make you.) 


Following this theory, all that is needed for a special day – whether it’s an anniversary, a date night, Valentine’s Day, or just a much appreciated “Just Because” day – is an activity that deviates from the norm and includes some loving forethought. 


So now that I’ve cracked the code for you, you no longer have excuses – monetary or otherwise – for not showing some love. 


There’s an App for That
Thanks to those magical Inter-webs, we now have access to countless apps, websites and other expertise that was once much tougher (or more expensive) to acquire.
Planetarium in your living room (Free): Don’t have a planetarium in your area?  Try downloading a GPS based star app (Google Sky Map for androids; Sky View for iPhones, iPads and iPods).  Simply point your device toward the heavens to look at the stars above.  
Don’t forget the details: Print out a constellation guide ahead of time, and take turns reading the myths associated as you find each constellation.  Besides, laying down with the lights out can lead to other free activities…
Dance Lessons (Free):  Dance lessons abound on You Tube and the internet.  Instead of shelling out money for a turn around the floor, do some research and pick a few lessons to try (or pick a song to learn the choreography for). 
Don’t forget the details: Inject some silly romance into it by making a name for your dance studio (ie “Jason’s Twinkle Toes Studio”) and creating a sign.  And just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should wear sweats. Break out the best for your fancy footwork and make it feel like a real event.

Cooking Class (Free or Cheap):  Download some fun recipes or a cooking video and have the ingredients ready to go (it can be anything from cookies to a meal. Whatever you think would be fun to do together).  Something about working together makes you feel closer to the other person.  

 Don't forget the details: Have some wine to sip while you cook, music on in the background (pandora.com), and some candles going in the next room.  Atmosphere is EVERYTHING. 

 
Close to Home 
I believe that there are two commodities in this life: money and time.  Even if you don't have the money, invest a little time and you'll get the same "wow" results.

Home Grown Casino. With Board Games (Free): When was the last time you went toe to toe in Battleship?  Or enjoyed saying “Sorrrrrrry” as you sent someone’s knobbly headed game piece back to home base?  Get in touch with your inner kid, by breaking out the board games for a night of challenge. 
Don’t forget the details: Try making silly bets with your significant other about who will win each game (e.g. “The loser gives the first massage." Either way you both win).  In keeping with the casino theme, wear your most bond-worthy attire, and sip a mixed drink from martini glasses.

Dive bar (Cheap): Who needs $15 a piece cocktails?  Grab your honey and head to a dive-bar extraordinaire for some giggles.  Do a little research ahead of time and find one with a dartboard, pool table or ping pong table. Or play some mind games and find a bar with a trivia night.

Don't forget the details: Just because it's a dive bar doesn't mean you should treat your gal-pal (or guy-pal) as though they are just, well, pals.  FLIRT with them.  Wink at them from the bar while getting their drink.  Make eye contact often, and occasionally brush up against their arm, back or leg. Let them know that they have your attention.  "Accidental" contact is much sexier then the "I'm just gonna go ahead and grab your butt...hey, why are you suddenly mad at me...?" kind. 

Play Tourist (Free or cheap): Okay, so maybe you can't afford a trip to wine country.  But I bet there are plenty of things in your own area that you've never taken the time to check out.  Make a call to a local tourist bureau and see what attractions they have nearby. Museums often have pay-what-you-can nights; many areas have "First Friday" (a night when galleries, museums, and restaurants open up their doors and serve refreshments for locals); there may even be some ridiculously cheesy "attractions" that you've never seen but will fun to check out.

Don't forget the details: Make sure to take photos of your "trip."  Can't afford to eat out?  Pack a picnic.  Bring a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, cheese, crackers and grapes.  Find a nearby scenic spot for a little nosh.  If you can swing it financially, plan to end the night at a local cafe for a cup of coffee, or a bakery or ice cream parlor for a sweet ending.

Scavenger Hunt (Free or cheap): Okay, this is for when you want to pull out all of the stops, as it definitely requires some pre-planning.  You can either do it around your house, or in the area.  If you want to keep it simple, hide sweet little notes everywhere in your home (you might want to number them so you know what has been found and what hasn't).  The notes can be anything from things you love about them ("I love the way your eyes crinkle when you smile") to clues about the next location ("You are the fairest of them all...").  If you choose to go outside of your home, you obviously will need to give clues about the next location (unless you really don't like your partner, in which case, you just need one clue. "Get out.").

Don't forget the details: If you're sending your partner out into the world to follow your clues, try including little surprises for them at each location.  For example, perhaps a clue leads them to a local floral shop where the owner has a rose waiting for them along with the next clue.  When the "hunt" is finished, have a meal prepared at home (pasta is cheap, and everyone thinks Italy is sexy).  Let them know that the treasure you hunted for you found in them.  (A little bit of cheese goes a long way).

"Gosh, I love how easy it is to plan for Valentine's Day."
- No One Ever

With all of the work, bills and general life stuff that require attention on a daily basis, it can be difficult to find the time to put toward planning a special Valentine's Day.  Whether you're celebrating love with your sweetheart, your best friends or your awesome mom, I've got you covered with ideas for breaking the flowers-and-dinner-out rut (not that there's anything wrong with that!).  


Part 2: Couples

**A note to the guys: Generally, (whether fair or not) the guy is expected to make the plans, so a quick word of advice: Girls (at least the ones worth dating) aren’t looking for money spent.  They’re looking for thought and time invested.  Even if the thought is - “Man, we’ve gone out to dinner often, but we’ve never had pizza at a roller skating rink,” - it counts.  That’s not to say that reservations at a restaurant or a dozen roses are a bad idea –but just make sure you find a way to let the girl know you put some effort in. 


 **A note to the girls: You want equal opportunity? Then you need to take equal responsibility.  Sure, we all secretly want some incredibly planned romantic gesture out of the movies, but let’s face it – movies are scripted and planned out by TEAMS of people.  Give your guy a break.  Try switching it up and making half of the nights plans.  Or give your guy some ideas about things you do (Or Don’t) want to do (“Honey, I’d really like to get out of the house for an evening”, etc.).  And at minimum: try to look at intent.  Even if it was a complete disaster, chances are he wasn’t looking to make it that way.



Get Physical.  
Most couples have a tendency to lose their Get-Up-And-Go-Do-Something after a while.  Bring back the laughter with some endorphin-releasing activities.  Plus, showing one another your inner-child is tremendously endearing.

To Try:
  • Bowling Nothing says Sexy like Lysol-scented rental shoes.  But French fries, friendly competition and some highly goofy victory dances are ingredients for an evening of laughter.  One person better than the other?  Even the playing field (or, lane, as it were) by making a “Bowl with the wrong hand” rule.  Or ask for a bumper lane, and play a game where you’re both required to hit the bumpers at least twice every time you roll the ball.
  • Ice Skating Remember when you were 10 and unashamed to do the hokey pokey in public?  Glory days, I tell you.  At least now you’ll have someone to slow skate with.  (And I’d put money on the fact that there’s still that one old guy who comes by himself and is just a little too proud of his backward skating skills). 
  • Skiing or Snow Tubing Granted, it’s not cheap.  But if you do have a little money to spend, it’s a great way to get your heart racing.  Post-hill you and your snow-bunny can laugh over the days adventures while sipping hot chocolate to warm up.  
  • Indoor Swimming Pool Cold weather, be damned! Find an indoor pool (preferably one that also has a hot tub) and show some skin!  Goofy dives off of the board, handstands in the shallow end, and “check out my underwater flip!” will have you giggling in no time.  Plus, nothing beats that exhausted and clean feeling you get afterward. 

Learn Something:
Conversation can get stale when it lacks new subjects.  Mix it up with some activities that get your brain moving.
To Try:
  • Chocolate, Cheese or Wine Tasting Decadent and different, tastings give you a great reason to dress up a little and try new things.  A quick web search will help you locate local shops offering events. 
  • Dance Lesson News flash, guys: most of us girls aren’t swan-lake material either.  Nor are the other couples in the class.  But if you let your girl feel like a princess for an hour and I promise you, she’ll be reminded of why you’re her prince.  (Hate the idea of ballroom or tango? Try Swing dancing: it’s possibly the easiest to master and has real “WOW” power when you pull out some fab tricks at weddings).
  • Planetarium Star gazing doesn’t need to be relegated to the summer months.  Typically free (or very cheap) planetariums offer a relaxed, out-of-the-box experience that allow us to forget all of our silly cares for a brief moment.  Plan ahead, and print out some constellations at home.  Then spend time trying to locate them together. 

Ticket to Ride (and money to burn)
Romance is not about money, but it is about doing things that are unexpected (and, of course, money can be helpful in that case).  Try one of these Sweep-Her-Off-Her-Feet ideas and score some major points.
  •  Hot Air Balloon Ride What could be more romantic than floating quietly above the countryside with the person you love and a bottle of wine?  Just make sure to bundle up - the higher you go, the chillier it gets!
  • Carriage ride - It's traditional, sure, but how many of us have actually done it?  Cozy up in a blanket and take in the streets in style.  Stop afterward at a cafe for a date high on charm.
  • Plane or Helicopter Tour Most cities have helicopter or small plane tours.  Schedule an evening flight and enjoy the stars above and below.  (NOTE: make sure your significant other doesn't mind flying ahead of time. A romantic air excursion can be some people’s idea of a nightmare.
  • Train Ride Trains are undeniably romantic, and there are incredible options for train rides including brunch, dinner, murder mystery and tour options.  Or trade a hotel stay for an overnight ride in a sleeper car.
Variations on a Theme:
There’s nothing wrong with the Tried and True.  Just try to keep it fresh. 

Dinner at a Restaurant: 
  •  Pick somewhere you haven’t tried before (or get crazy and try a TYPE of food you haven’t tried before.  Shawarma, anyone?), and make reservations.  And make sure to dress up - it heightens the excitement for any activity.
  •  Choose a section of town with several eateries, and go restaurant hopping.  Choose a spot to go for drinks, then head to another restaurant for dinner (make sure you have a reservation for your meal), and try one more stop for dessert. 
Catching a Show: 
  • Up your usual movie going experience by finding an elite theater in your area.  Many, now, have reserved seating, some serve dinner and drinks, and some even have motion controlled seating (called D-Box) which is synchronized with the movie to add movement to your film. Try Googling unique movie houses in your area.  And if you do plan on doing dinner and a movie, try switching it up and doing the movie first. It gives you a new subject to chat about over the meal.
  • Trade the movies for the theater and look for musicals, plays or dinner theater in your area.  Colleges often have very good productions at a lower price.  And if, at the mention of “theater,” you think of cheesy, fluffy, cringe-inducing songs, let me assure you that those types are only a small portion of the spectrum.  Anything written in the last twenty years is more likely to be smart and sassy or a complete fantastic spectacle.  Just do a little web-checking before you go!
Get a Room: 
  • Spending the night somewhere different can be a very lovely gesture.  Find a hotel with a bar or restaurant downstairs and an indoor pool for a mini vacation with just the two of you.  
  • Trade a hotel for a bed and breakfast.  B&Bs are high on charm and most will rank high on the romance scale.  Look for extra features like in-room fireplaces or Jacuzzi tubs.  Spend the day before and after checking out the area

It’s the Little Things…

Want your night to be special? Even if you select a typical “date” activity, find a way to give it new life, or make it specific to your relationship.  


  • Even if you’ve been together a long time and there isn't a question of who will be your valentine, call your honey a few days ahead of time to formally ask them on a date. 
  • Create a playlist of songs that remind you of your date and play it in the car on the way to your dinner.
  • If you know what time you'll be in the car and listening to the radio, secretly call a local station and ask for a dedication to be made to your partner.  Cheesy? You bet.  But a little bit of cheese can be a very good thing.  
  • FLIRT.  It is an art that can get lost or forgotten after too much time.  Wink at your partner from across the room. Touch the small of your girlfriend's back now and then.  Make innuendo's toward your feelings for them, but keep it understated.  Subtlety is the key to being a good flirt!
  • Disconnect to Reconnect.  When's the last time you had dinner together without checking your phone? Trust me, it matters.  Turn your phones off (unless, of course, you have kids and need to be on call), and leave social media and work for tomorrow.
Stay Tuned for "Can't Buy Me Love" - with tips and ideas for celebration ideas on a shoestring budget.

Other Valentine's Day Reading 
Redefining Valentine's Day
Color Me Mine


"Gosh, I love how easy it is to plan for Valentine's Day."
- No One Ever

With all of the work, bills and general life stuff that require attention on a daily basis, it can be difficult to find the time to put toward planning a special Valentine's Day.  Whether you're celebrating love with your sweetheart, your best friends or your awesome mom, I've got you covered with ideas for breaking the flowers-and-dinner-out rut (not that there's anything wrong with that!).  


Part 1: Friends & Family
 Whether you're celebrating with family or friends, a group or just two of you, check out this list of special things to do, all in the name of love. 


For Two
  • Hotels They’re not just for lovers!  Split a room.  Enjoy the pool and hot tub.  Eat in bed (hey, you’re not cleaning it up)!  Grab a drink in the bar. Grab two (you’re not driving!).   
  • High Tea One of my absolute favorite ways to spend an afternoon is sipping tea and eating finger sandwiches with one of my best friends.  Look for tea houses in your area (and check social discount sites like Living Social or Groupon for discounted rates!)
  • Get Cookin’ How often do we mark off scrumptious looking recipes and then push them to the side because they're too involved?  Set some time aside, put some soothing music on, grab two glasses of wine and whip up some gourmet grub to share. 
  • Check out Open Houses Check your local listings for open houses, grab a friend and go “house hunting.”  (Just make sure not to give any sellers false hope.) 
  •  Play Tourist  Chances are, when  you have some free time, you check out areas that aren't close to home.  Take some time to explore what's local: farmers markets, local attractions, historical societies or
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt Just because there are only two of you, doesn’t mean you can’t play games of your own!  Make a list of 25 items that you would find in stores (the sillier the better: a hideous hat, a giant purple purse, a tacky toilet paper holder…).  Trade lists, then head to a mall. Split up for thirty minutes – taking pictures of as many of the items on each other’s list as possible.  30 minutes later, meet back up in the food court for a coffee and a giggle as you scroll through whatever photos you managed to get. 
  For a Group 
  • Potluck with friends  Have each of your friends or family pick a main dish, side dish, app or dessert to bring.  Jazz it up by having each person try a new recipe, or create a theme and invite everyone to be as creative as possible. 
  • Fondue nights Fondue is one of the most decadent, delicious, and fun activities for a group.  Make a broth fondue for veggies and meats; a cheese fondue for breads and fruits; and a chocolate fondue for fruit, marshmallows, cookies and cake.  
  • Make War, Not Love:  Find a local spot that features laser tag, and let the inner 12-year-old go wild.  No money or local  place for laser tag?  Then invest in some inexpensive Nerf guns or silly string.  If forced indoors, make sure you hide the breakables first!
  • Mafia or Murder in the Dark: Remember when most of the games we played didn’t require consoles, monitors or controllers?  Heck, many of them didn’t even require game-boards.  Relive the fun with some pseudo-spooky games that are sure to stir up some giggles.  
Stay Tuned for Be Mine: Valentine's Ideas for Friends, Family and Lovers PART 2 which focuses on Romantic Valentine's Days ideas for couples.

Other Valentine's Day Reading 
Redefining Valentine's Day
Color Me Mine
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Hey guys! My name's Emily-Grace and I'm so glad you've found my blog! E.G. is all about decor, entertaining, laughter and finding joy in the everyday. The meaning of the name is threefold: 1. "Entertaining" in the sense of providing for guests. ("Hey, come on over for dinner and I'll break out the good mason jars and moonshine...") 2. "Entertaining" is also meant to indicate my love of laughter ("That Emily-Grace. She's hilarious. And she should quite possibly be medicated.") 3. And finally, "Entertaining GRACE" is about the idea of granting each other a certain amount of kindness, mercy, and tenderness. This world can be a tough old bird and the truth is, we're all in it together. When we take the time to celebrate the bright moments we magnify that light to the people around us and, hopefully, add some hope and joy to their lives (as well as our own!).

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