A dinner for two should be a warm cozy affair and it could be a meal shared between two friends or a couple. Whatever the occasion, there are a few guidelines one needs to adhere to while planning a meal for just two people. First thing, make a meal that will appeal to the taste buds of your guest. As a meal for two does not have a lot of dishes, its best to ensure that whatever is made is enjoyed. This will only happen if you keep the choice of food in mind. The idea of sharing a meal together is primarily to enjoy the company, so here comes in the second guideline: either make meals ahead or if you plan to carry your conversation into the kitchen, make sure the meal you plan to prepare has all ingredients easily available at hand and are of those recipes whose instructions are easy to follow. I have listed some simple yet scrumptious dinner recipes for two.
Recipes for Dinner for Two
Shrimp Newburg on Toast Points
Ingredients:
- Peeled and de-veined large shrimp, ¾ pound
- Sliced mushroom, 2 cups
- Egg yolk, 1
- Low fat milk, ¾ cup
- All-purpose flour, 1 tbsp
- Olive oil, 2 tsp
- Dry sherry, 1 tbsp
- Toasted whole-wheat bread, 4 slices
- Chopped chives, 2 tsp
- Dash of black pepper
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the shrimp, sauté until they turn pink. Set aside and keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, flour, sherry and egg yolk and set aside. In the same skillet, add a teaspoon of oil and heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for a couple of minutes. Then add the egg yolk mix and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until thick. Add the shrimp in the skillet, stir in the salt and pepper, and stir well, until the shrimp have been coated from all sides. Cut toast slices in half diagonally, arrange four of each on two plates and top with the shrimp and sprinkle the chives. Serve warm.
Herbed Vegetable Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups of the following assorted vegetables
- Green peas
- Diced watermelon radish
- Diced celery root
- Diced carrots
- Corn kernels
- Diced green beans
Other Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise, 4 tbsp
- Sherry vinegar, ½ tsp
- Cognac, ½ tsp
- Chopped chervil, 1 tsp
- Dash of salt and pepper
In a large steamer, steam all the vegetables. The corn and peas may need a little more time. In a large salad bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sherry vinegar, cognac, and seasoning. Add in the vegetables and gently stir, until the dressing has been well blended.
Mocha Pots de Crème
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream, ¾ cup
- Finely chopped and unsweetened chocolate, 1½ oz
- Instant espresso powder, ½ tsp
- Egg yolks, 2
- Sugar, 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp
- Whipped cream and chocolate shreds, for garnish
In a saucepan, simmer cream and sugar together, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and add chopped unsweetened chocolate and espresso powder. Stir until the chocolate melts and the coffee dissolves. Add in egg yolks and vanilla and whisk until the mixture is blended and smooth. Pour the mix into 2 round ramekins (or any other shape of your choice) and place the ramekins in a baking pan. Pour hot water into the pan and bake in a preheated oven to 300, until set in centers. Remove ramekins to a wire rack and cool slightly. Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and chocolate and serve warm or chilled.
When you present the meal, complete with candlelight, ornate crockery and cutlery, flowers or other center arrangements and beautiful music, you will not only turn these above mentioned dinner recipes for two, but almost everyone other one into romantic dinner recipes for two!
