Cookbook for Lovers 2014 | Page 14

Chapter 1 Ready for a Romantic Dinner The main ingredients for a romantic dinner are you and your love. This book will make the cooking part easy. By having your ingredients ready, the night will flow with ease. It’s all laid out for you, so relax, and let’s begin the night. First thing you want to do is pick the menu and go shopping. There’s a grocery list with each menu, so determine what you already have, and go to the store for the rest. You’re probably already starting to get a little excited. Slow down—the night hasn’t even started. Now that you have chosen the menu and have the ingredients, let’s set the table, or wherever you plan to dine. The location you choose will set the mood for the night, so be creative, but remember to make it comfortable. Sometimes where you start the night is where you end it. A romantic dinner and a movie can start on the couch—and who knows? It may finish there. Wherever you plan to be romantic, you’ll need a tablecloth, candles (not scented—those are for the bedroom), and some flowers. Lighting is key to romance since we all look beautiful and sensual in candlelight. Make sure the lighting is soft, but not too dark; you will want to look into each other’s eyes. 12 Now, on to the music. You’ll need at least three CDs containing love songs. My favorites are Italian romance. You may not understand the words, but they’re extremely romantic. Once you make romance an everyday thing, you will want a collection of romance CDs. Now that the table is set, put in a CD, pour a glass of wine, and start cooking. Take the meal one course at a time. Don’t rush; this is where the night really begins. Always let your love taste what you’re making, and always feed it to him or her…with your fingers. Remember, you’re only at the appetizer; you still have the main course to cook, so slow down with the tasting. Enjoy each course, and take a few minutes between to clean up. Romance is a marathon, not a sprint, so give yourself the whole night to be romantic. Dessert will be waiting for you. Bon Appetit! 13