[impaler]

hello. i am 17 years old and i wanted to cook a special dinner for my girlfriend. It's our 1 month anniversary in one week, and i can't figure out anything to make her, becaue she is very picky. Her favorite foods are pizza, tacos, and steaks. She hates vegetables too. So as you can see, trying to find a semi gourmet recipe is quite challenging. I appreciate any help. Thank you.

 

[anneke]

Welcome to Chef Talk!

My advice to you is to stick with what you know. Trying new recipes or techniques when trying to impress the girl(boy)friend is never a good idea. What are you good at? Do you cook much? If not, make a dish that you've seen prepared at home a lot. You'll score lots of bonus points for making a family recipe. Good luck!

 

[impaler]

thanx for the advice... im an ok cook, but yur rite trying a new recipe might not be such a great idea, like if it gets messed up or something... well, I guess i could just use my family as guinea pigs before she comes over lol

 

[mezzaluna]

Spring for a really good steak from a reputable butcher shop. Talk to the person behind the counter. They can also give you some pointers.

I agree with the KISS idea: Keep It Simple Sweetheart! Sprinkle a few grains of kosher salt (or if you're really feeling like splurging, fleur du sel) on top of the perfectly cooked (and rested) steak.

If she'll eat potatoes, try taking a nice baking potato and slicing it across the length into thin slices ALMOST through to the bottom. Gently and carefully fan it out a bit to slightly separate the slices of potato, then sprinkle in just salt and pepper or some herbs or, if you know she'll eat it, parmesan cheese. Drizzle with melted butter, wrap loosely in foil, and bake about an hour at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or so. Unwrap and let it brown a bit for about 10 minutes. Looks really classy, but it's just a dressed-up baked spud.

If she won't eat veggies, will she eat a salad? If not, don't push it.

The best thing you can serve her for dessert is a heaping dish of respect! Good luck with your menu and your evening! Let us know how she likes your meal.

 

[mike]

Chocolate usually works for pudding. Try a chocolate mousse theyre easy to make and you can do them in advance so as you can spend time with her instead of in the kitchen.

Try quickly frying tacos until you can change their shape & flatten them to a perfect circle.Keep aside.Make a meat or chicken filling,fry some peppers onions & chillis ,make or buy refried beans.

Assemble in a tower stack with a taco on the bottom,fillings 1,2,3 sandwiched between more tacos. bake in a hot oven to warm through. add salsa & melted cheese on top & back in the oven to melt.Plate with guacomole & sour cream dollops on top.

This looks great & has always impressed the girls ive cooked it for & again you can assemble it oven ready in advance.