What to cook the first time she comes over
Make sure your evening is one to savour
Words: Henry St Leger
First impressions count. Though any successful rendez-vous relies on an extensive knowledge of etiquette, there’s no denying that food is a crucial part of the evening.
It takes courage to forgo the usual dinner reservation and make yourself head chef for the night – and nothing will jeopardise your blossoming romance quite like the sound of a processed meal being blasted in the microwave. If you’re bold enough to cook for your belle, make sure you do it right.
Failure to prepare in advance is likely to frustrate your companion and leave them sitting around while you frantically upturn drawers for matching cutlery. Light those candles, play some music, and have the napkins and glasses set before your guest arrives.
Be sure to offer a light snack while you undertake the cooking – it will spark their hunger and give them something to do while you chop and prepare. We recommend a fresh sourdough ciabatta bread with rosemary and olive oil to get those taste buds going.
Unsurprisingly, the main course is what will make or break your dinner plans. If it looks like your eat-at-home invitation was a way to cut down your food bill, the relationship is unlikely to last for seconds. Go for a substantial dish of chicken fillets, roasted in oil, garlic butter, honey, and some crucial lemon wedges placed on the meat. There’ll be plenty of competing flavours, so ground the dish with new potatoes and crispy asparagus.
It’s worth checking your companion’s eating habits before you lay out a luscious meat-based meal. For the vegetarians and ethicists out there, why not try a thick butternut squash soup? Blend a whole squash with a dollop of butter and finely cut onion, and top it off with tarragon and dash of black pepper. If you quarter and fry some brussel sprouts in lemon juice and chopped garlic, before mixing it into the pot, we guarantee you’ll take this humble dish to the next level.
A well-chosen dessert is the perfect chance to cleanse your palate before moving onto other activities for the night. A raspberry-peach sorbet will be simple enough to make, but with a sophisticated taste – and can be prepared in advance for an easy trip to the freezer on the night.
You’ll need one large peach, and 5 cups of raspberries. Remove any stalks and wash as necessary, before blending it all together into a smooth purée. The fruit will be sweet enough, but those looking for a richer experience can mix in one cup of agave nectar. Garnish with a basil leaf and a small raspberry for that expert touch.
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