romantic

Quintessential Steak and Asparagus

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Uplifting Aromas: Quintessential Steak and Asparagus! The next time you want to prepare a romantic dinner for two, nix the tossed salad and go for a terrific steak dinner served on a bed of grilled asparagus. I mean, just look at that gorgeous grassy green color! You can almost taste the smoky crunch of the charred asparagus before sinking your teeth into the luscious buttery goodness of the filet mignon. The toasted saltiness of the crispy fried onions may create a magical finish that could lead to an increased libido for later on. Hey, I’m a hopeful romantic.

QUINTESSENTIAL STEAK AND ASPARAGUS

Ingredients:

2 6-ounce filet mignon steaks

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

1/2 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning

1/4 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions:

Rub one tablespoon of olive oil onto both sides of the filet mignon steaks, sprinkle with seasoned salt, and allow to marinate in a shallow dish for 20 minutes at room temperature. Wash asparagus in cold water. Remove woody ends. Place asparagus in a ziplock bag. Add one tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with herb and garlic seasoning. Zip bag; mix well. Allow to marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature. Preheat gas grill to 450°. Place a grill pan on a baking sheet; then spray grill pan with nonstick oil. Arrange asparagus in a single layer on the grill pan. Place pan on preheated grill. Cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally to char. In the meantime, place filet mignon steaks directly onto grill grates. Grill for 5 minutes, then flip and cook 4 minutes longer for medium-rare. Allow steaks to sit for 3 minutes before slicing. Arrange filet mignon pieces over grilled asparagus. Top with fried onion rings. Serve immediately.

Versatile Fig-Glazed Cornish Hen

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? After the Holidays: Versatile Fig-Glazed Cornish Hen! When an evening meal becomes a dinner date for two, make it extra-special by choosing something out of the ordinary. A luxury, so to speak. Cornish hens are an individual serving, which makes them that much more appealing on the dinner plate. Typically they run in size around 1 1/2 pounds, which is perfect. The meat is quite tender and moist with a subtle chicken flavor. Whether it’s a romantic celebration or just because, turn on some music, open a bottle of wine, gaze into each other’s eyes, and enjoy the ambiance. Candlelight is purely optional.

VERSATILE FIG-GLAZED CORNISH HEN

Ingredients for Cornish Hens:

20-ounce each Cornish hens, twin pack, frozen and thawed

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Ingredients for Fig Glaze:

1/4 cup chili-fig jam

1/4 cup port wine

1/4 cup balsamic reduction

1/4 cup unsalted butter

Freshly squeezed lemon juice, quarter lemon

Pinch of kosher salt

Cracked black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Spray a dutch oven with nonstick oil. Set aside. Wash the Cornish hens; pat dry. Season the cavities with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Place a rosemary sprig inside. Secure the legs and wings with cooking twine. Transfer birds to the dutch oven. Dot the top of each Cornish hen with butter. Bake 45 minutes. While the hens are roasting, make the fig glaze. Place a small pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add chili-fig jam, port wine, balsamic reduction, butter, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Allow mixture to reduce to a syrupy consistency, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Baste the birds with the fig sauce during the last 10 minutes of roasting. The Cornish hens are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°, and juices run clear. The skin should be golden brown and crispy. Remove pan from oven. Tent the pan with aluminum foil to keep warm. Allow the birds to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Dining Outside the Home: Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada

Dining Outside the Home: Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada! There’s nowhere more romantic than a table for two on the eleventh floor of the Eiffel Tower, in my opinion. As the sun dips below the horizon, a light show of the marvelous Bellagio fountains sway to the beat of Paris music. It’s nothing short of magical. At the beginning of the night, be sure to order dessert: a light, decadent soufflé that bakes while you dine. Grand Marnier is my favorite. You can thank me later. Whether it’s a special occasion, honored celebration, or date night, any meal in the plush dining room becomes extraordinary. Pamper yourself. Gaze at the glittering lights of the Las Vegas skyline. Sip on French champagne. Hold hands. Nibble on chocolate. At the end of the night you will have experienced “The Eiffel Affair”, without the airfare to France.