Originally posted by: LS21
if you want impressive dinner, just plate it well. that means add things with different color. easy combo has already been put - pink samon, with some green asparagus. easy peezy. you can add a few boiled potatoes in there for a change of texture and color and flavor.
always add some fresh herbs to the main course. a twig of this here and a leaf of that there. always makes it seem more fanciful.
instead of serving plain lettuce, get a fancier mixed bag so you dont have to chop, but it adds more visual appeal. throw on croutons, bacon bits, eggs, sliced mushrooms, tomatoes, etc
finally, the piece de resistance... MAKE YOUR OWN SAUCE. its easy. all sauces are a variation of a reduction of butter, broth , wine/vinegar. if you cook salmon on stove top and have salmon fond left on the pan, put some butter on it to work the sticky fond off the plate. throw some shallots on there and let it sweat. then add some white wine and let that thicken/reduce in half volume. if you want to throw some fish or chicken stock on there let that reduce also. finally add a bit more butter for that nice body. drain the sauce and top the salmon
Originally posted by: LS21
if you want impressive dinner, just plate it well. that means add things with different color. easy combo has already been put - pink samon, with some green asparagus. easy peezy. you can add a few boiled potatoes in there for a change of texture and color and flavor.
always add some fresh herbs to the main course. a twig of this here and a leaf of that there. always makes it seem more fanciful.
instead of serving plain lettuce, get a fancier mixed bag so you dont have to chop, but it adds more visual appeal. throw on croutons, bacon bits, eggs, sliced mushrooms, tomatoes, etc
finally, the piece de resistance... MAKE YOUR OWN SAUCE. its easy. all sauces are a variation of a reduction of butter, broth , wine/vinegar. if you cook salmon on stove top and have salmon fond left on the pan, put some butter on it to work the sticky fond off the plate. throw some shallots on there and let it sweat. then add some white wine and let that thicken/reduce in half volume. if you want to throw some fish or chicken stock on there let that reduce also. finally add a bit more butter for that nice body. drain the sauce and top the salmon
Originally posted by: edro
Whatever you do, don't jump in the air during dinner.
The force from the Earth's rotation will throw you out of orbit!
Originally posted by: Cal166
She's Asian right? Baked Wasabi Salmon.
Originally posted by: E equals MC2
Originally posted by: MaxDepth
Unfortunately...I need more data...
Does she have any food allergies?
Does she like savory more than sweet?
Is she a vegetarian?
Does she like any regional cuisine more than another? (North, South, Southwest, Asian, French, Indian, etc.)
Any food that she definitely does not like?
Both of you old enough to legally drink?
no allergies
she likes both
no, she loves everything
she loves asian and korean food but frankly we eat those often and wanna try something fancy. she's not a big fan of italian for some reason (_I_ love italian).
mexican and italian she doesn't care for
yes.
Crab cake really sounds good..
Just remember, super-high heat is your friend. Nothing like a faceful of oil smoke...Originally posted by: Bryophyte
I've got my work cut out for me this year. Last year, I bought a wok and spent hours cooking dinner for valentine's day, something like 9 courses.
Originally posted by: Howard
Just remember, super-high heat is your friend. Nothing like a faceful of oil smoke...Originally posted by: Bryophyte
I've got my work cut out for me this year. Last year, I bought a wok and spent hours cooking dinner for valentine's day, something like 9 courses.