Cooking for a Date

You’ve invited that special lady over for dinner. It was an impulsive decision, to be sure, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now you need some food that tastes great, is homemade, but uncomplicated. Not to worry, we have some tips for you.

You might think that throwing a couple of steaks on the grill is a great idea. It is… but if you have a charcoal grill, plan ahead. A gas grill heats up quickly and is ready for those steaks right away. A charcoal grill requires you to light the coals at least ten minutes (possibly more) ahead. The coals aren’t ready until they appear to have and ashy gray appearance on all of the briquettes.

As for the steak, choose a good cut of meat. If you aren’t sure, ask the butcher for help. Go for USDA Prime or Certified Black Angus for the best meat. Hint: prepackaged steaks are not generally as fresh tasting. Look for a marbling of fat throughout the steak. This means the meat will be juicy and flavorful.

Don’t flip the steak repeatedly, checking each side. This will dry out the meat and it will also stick to the grill grates. Let it sear a bit before moving it or flipping it over. It’s always better to undercook slightly because you can always put the steak back on the grill for a few minutes. Steaks should rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

Prepare your steak with a dry rub for added flavor. Look in the spice aisle of the store for a variety of flavors. You can also add a handful of gorgonzola cheese to the top of the steak while it rests. This adds a nice zest.

The steak will be the main portion of the meal, but you need some easy sides. Baked potatoes are great with steak and you can offer butter, sour cream, chopped chives, bacon, and shredded cheese for making your own “loaded potato”.

To prepare for baking, heat the oven to 350°. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, using a brush and cutting off any areas that are sprouting or bruised. Dry the potatoes and use a fork to poke it about a dozen times to allow moisture out during cooking. Place potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for about one hour. The skin should feel crisp and a fork inserted into the thickest part of the potato will indicate the tenderness beneath. Slice lengthwise for the toppings to be added.

Whether you want to or not, a vegetable is needed to round off this dish. Because the steak will demand your attention (as will your date), the potatoes will already be in the oven, so a veggie that you can make ahead is a plus. A plain, green salad, is the perfect option. Chop the lettuce ahead of time, using a variety of lettuces for a colorful appearance. Add carrot slices, cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, or whatever you like. For a salty surprise, throw in a handful of roasted, salted sunflower seed kernels. Serve with store dressings or just before serving, toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

That’s it. An easy, impressive meal that you can cook yourself for a very special date night. Enjoy!