How to Plan A Romantic Dinner

Figure 1 - A Romantic Dinner

Andrew Edgley Jeremy Gipe Chase Huckestein

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Introduction
This guide provides instructions on how to plan a romantic dinner. The instructions are geared towards young men, and generally those with little romantic dating experience. Romantic dinners may come in handy on Valentines Day, birthdays, or any time one would like to become closer to their significant other. Overall, the task should take 1-1.5 hours to prepare, and the steps will be performed at the same location as the location of the dinner in the young mans apartment. A list of materials is provided, and the sequence of instructions will be as follows: Setting the Mood Preparing the Dessert Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Preparing the Salad Raspberry Spinach Salad Preparing the Main Meal Pasta and Meat Sauce

Necessary Items:
Setting the Mood
- Business casual clothing (collared shirt, khaki pants, dress shoes) - Romantic music - Table cloth - 2 candles - 2 candle holders - 2 plates - 2 salad bowls - 2 salad forks - 2 meal forks - 2 knives - 2 hlasses

Preparing the Dessert Chocolate-Covered Strawberries - 30 large fresh strawberries (stems intact)
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- 1 6-oz package dark chocolate chips - Baking sheet - Wax paper - Stirring spoon - Paper towels - Microwave

Preparing the Salad Raspberry Spinach Salad

- Raspberry vinegar

- Seedless raspberry jam - 1/3 cup olive oil - 1 bag baby spinach leaves, prewashed - 1/2 cup macadamia nuts - 1 cup fresh raspberries, washed - 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced - Salad bowl and tongs

Preparing the Main Dish Pasta and Meat Sauce

- 1 tablespoon olive oil - lb sweet Italian sausage links - teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes - cup diced onion - 1 cloves garlic, minced - 1 (14 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, drained, coarsely chopped - cup whipping cream - teaspoon salt - 6 ounces pasta - 1 tablespoon minced parsley - Grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions:
Setting the Mood
1. Before setting the table and getting to cooking, setting the atmosphere of the evening is essential. A few guidelines to keep in mind: A romantic evening should be shared between you and your significant other. Any roommates should be convinced to vacate for the evening. Attire is completely up to the couple. Make sure its comfortable and appropriate for you and your partner. If possible, music always does a good job of setting the mood for the evening. Again, entirely up to the discretion of the person as to what they think is appropriate music choice. As a matter of preference, Barry Whites greatest hits will suffice. 2. Place the table cloth over the table. 3. Arrange the utensils, glasses, plates, and napkins according to the diagram in Figure 2. 4. Place the candles in their holders and place them at the center of the table between the two place settings. Note: Wait to light these candles until you are ready to start dinner; its best to avoid getting excess
Figure 2 Setting the Table

wax on your table-cloth.

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Preparing the Dessert Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

1. Line the baking sheet with wax paper. 2. Wash the strawberries and pat thoroughly with paper towels and set aside. Note: Make sure strawberries are completely dry to ensure good texture. 3. In the microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips using the defrost setting. 4. Microwave for 1 minute, then check and stir. If chocolate is still partially solid, microwave for an additional 10-20 seconds. 5. Remove the container from the microwave and continue to stir the chocolate. See Figure 1. 6. Grasp the stem of the strawberry and dip into the chocolate until until 50- 75% covered. 7. Swirl the strawberries around to cover all the parts of the strawberry.
Figure 3 - Melted Chocolate.

8. Withdraw the strawberry from the chocolate and give it a little shake as you withdraw it - this will allow the excess chocolate to drip off.

9. Place the strawberry on the prepared baking sheet. 10. Repeat process for all 30 strawberries. See Figure 4. 11. Place strawberries into refrigerator to allow chocolate to harden for 30 minutes.

Figure 4 - Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

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Preparing the Salad Raspberry Spinach Salad

1. To make dressing, combine the vinegar and jam until blended. 2. Slowly drizzle olive oil into the mixture until well blended. 3. In the mixing bowl, toss spinach, nuts, fruit, and dressing together using the tongs. 4. The salad can be served on the table with dressing/berries on the side. See Figure 3.

Figure 5 Raspberry Spinach Salad

The Main Dish Pasta and Meat Sauce

1. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. 2. Add sausage and crushed red pepper. 3. Cook until sausage is no longer pink, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. 4. Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until onion is tender and sausage is light brown, stirring occasionally for 7 minutes. 5. Add tomatoes, cream, and salt. 6. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly - about 4 minutes. See Figure 5 (Can be prepared one day ahead, recommended to save time).
Figure 6 Let the Meat Sauce Simmer

7. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling water. See Figure 6. 8. Drain. 9. Bring sauce to a simmer.
Figure 7 Cook Pasta in Boiling Water

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10. Add pasta to sauce and cook until pasta is heated through and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. 11. Divide pasta between plates. 12. Sprinkle with parsley. 13. Serve, passing Parmesan separately. See Figure 7.

Figure 8 Pasta With Meat Sauce

Need more help?

An online video tutorial is available for making chocolate covered strawberries. Click the image below to view the video.

(http://youtu.be/clRpJuQjQM4)

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References: Figure 1 http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/329628-16424-36.jpg Figure 2 http://www.terawhitaker.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/informal_table_setting_diagram_instructions.png Figure 3 http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/2x5177815/Bowl_of_melted_chocolate _and_spoon_165458.jpg Figure 4 http://redappledelivery.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/chocolatestrawberries.jpg Figure 5 http://thehealthycookingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/RaspberrySpinach-Salad1.jpg Figure 6 http://foodyvino.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/pan-of-meaty-sauce.jpg Figure 7 http://thepastachannel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/boiling-spaghetti300x225.jpg Figure 8 http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5575587787_08ea45c15e.jpg Dessert Recipe http://whatscookingamerica.net/chocolatestraw.htm Salad Recipe http://www.angelfire.com/sc2/DrGary123/Salads.html

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