It is said that one of the ways to make people fall in love is through the palate, we all know that food has a special power to form connections between people and thus create unforgettable moments.

But not all people have cooking skills, sometimes we use too much salt or end up burning the entire dish, but don't worry, because if you are like me then this article will be of great help to you. Since if you are looking to surprise your partner with an unforgettable homemade dinner and your culinary skills are not good, here we will present you with easy recipes that will help you impress your partner.

Why is it said that you can conquer with your stomach?

The phrase "conquer with the stomach" is not just a popular saying. Cooking for someone can be a sign of love and care.

Food has the ability to awaken emotions and memories, transport us to happy moments and create new sensory experiences. Sharing a delicious dinner with someone special creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for connecting on a deeper level.

Additionally, cooking for someone is a way to show love and attention. Taking time and effort to prepare a special dish for your partner tells them how much you love them and how much you care about their well-being.

A well-prepared dish not only satisfies the appetite, but can also be a complete sensory experience that strengthens the connection between the two.

Ideal menu ideas to make your partner fall in love with you

Hot starters

A homemade consommé is an excellent option to start dinner, since it is simple to prepare and is always comforting. To give it a special touch and make it more appetizing, you can add some sprinkles. For example, small cubes of a good ham, small cubes of chicken breast if it is a meat or chicken soup, or even some prawns if it is a fish or seafood soup. These additional ingredients not only add flavor, but also improve the texture of the dish, making it more interesting and flavorful.

cold starters

If you prefer a cold starter, which is very practical because you can prepare it in advance, make sure you know your partner's tastes well to ensure that they will enjoy the dish. An excellent option can be a zucchini mousse. This dish is easy to prepare, light and healthy, and its presentation is usually very attractive. Zucchini mousse, with its soft texture and delicate flavor, is ideal for whetting your appetite without filling you up too much.

Main courses

meats

If you decide to make meat the star of your menu, avoid overly heavy dishes such as heavy stews or large steaks. For a special occasion, it is better to opt for high-quality cuts in smaller portions, such as sirloin medallions or duck magret. These cuts are not only more refined, but they also add a special and elegant touch to your dinner, ensuring an exceptional culinary experience.

Fish and seafood

If you lean toward seafood, seafood is a classic choice that rarely disappoints. You can select a combination of crabs, shrimp or prawns, and add a sea ox to create an elegant, delicious dinner without requiring much preparation. This way you can dedicate more time to caring for your partner. If you prefer fish, a ceviche may be the perfect option. It is a simple recipe to prepare, fresh and surprising, that is sure to impress.

Desserts

Desserts don't have to be overly sweet or heavy. For a romantic dinner, opt for light and elegant desserts. A heart-shaped cake made with apple can be an ideal choice, as it combines a romantic touch with the freshness of the fruit. Another option is to prepare decorated chocolates or cookies, which are not only delicious but also add a personal and charming touch to the evening.

Foods to avoid

To make sure dinner is perfect, avoid foods that can cause bad breath, such as dishes with a lot of garlic or raw onions. Although legumes are healthy and recommended in the daily diet, it is better to avoid them on this occasion, as they can cause flatulence. It is also preferable to avoid very high-calorie or heavy dishes that may cause discomfort or drowsiness during the night.

Drinks

The choice of drinks is crucial to accompany your menu. A good wine, whether red or white, depending on the main dish, can enhance the flavors of the meal. Don't forget to have a sparkling wine on hand for the toast, a perfect time to make resolutions and celebrate your relationship. If you want to extend the night, consider preparing a special or mixed cocktail, preferably with a moderate alcohol content to avoid excesses and fully enjoy the evening.

Basics to organize the perfect dinner

Don't go overboard with portions

It is important that the portions are moderate. We don't want our diners to feel overwhelmed or too full. The key is to leave room for each dish and, of course, for dessert.

Decorate the table

A well-decorated table makes a big difference. Use a pretty tablecloth, elegant napkins and place candles to create an intimate atmosphere. A small flower arrangement can be the perfect finishing touch.

Setting with music

Music can transform the environment. Create a playlist with soft, romantic songs that can accompany the evening without being too invasive. Jazz, bossa nova or acoustic ballads can be excellent choices.

The recipes

Tomato and basil bruschetta

Ingredients:

• Baguette bread
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Cut the baguette bread into slices about 2 cm thick.
2. Toast the bread slices in the oven or in a toaster until golden.
3. Rub the toasted bread slices with garlic.
4. Chop the tomatoes into small cubes.
5. Chop the fresh basil.
6. In a bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes, chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt and black pepper.
7. Distribute the tomato mixture over the toasted bread slices.
8. Serve immediately.

Tuna tartare with avocado and citrus

Ingredients:

• 200 g fresh tuna
• 1 ripe avocado
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 red onion
• fresh cilantro
• soy sauce to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Chop the tuna into small cubes.
2. Peel and chop the avocado into small cubes.
3. Squeeze the juice from the lime, lemon and orange.
4. Chop the red onion into brunoise (very finely chopped).
5. Chop the fresh cilantro.
6. In a bowl, mix the chopped tuna, chopped avocado, citrus juice, soy sauce, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, salt and black pepper.
7. Serve the tuna tartare in a plating ring or on an avocado base.
8. Garnish with some fresh coriander leaves.

Cannelloni stuffed with ricotta and spinach with bechamel sauce

Ingredients:

• For the cannelloni pasta:
  • 250 g cannelloni pasta
• For the filling:
  • 500g ricotta
  • 200 g fresh spinach
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 nutmeg
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
• For the bechamel sauce:
  • 500 ml of milk
  • 50g butter
  • 50 g wheat flour
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Nutmeg

Preparation:

1. Cook the cannelloni pasta according to the package instructions.
2. For the filling, chop the onion and garlic cloves.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic in a pan with extra virgin olive oil until soft.
4. Add fresh spinach and sauté until wilted.
5. Add the ricotta, nutmeg, salt and black pepper. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
6. Remove from heat and add grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
7. For the bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan.
8. Add the wheat flour and stir until a paste forms.
9. Add the milk little by little, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
10. Season with salt, black pepper and nutmeg.
11. Fill the cannelloni with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
12. Arrange the cannelloni in a baking dish.
13. Cover the cannelloni with the bechamel sauce.
14. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
15. Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is golden.

Eggplant boats with cottage cheese, tomatoes and basil

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 200 g cottage cheese
• 2 tomatoes
• fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.
2. Empty the eggplants with a spoon, leaving a little pulp on the edges.
3. Salt the eggplant boats and let them rest for 30 minutes to eliminate the bitter taste.
4. Eliminate the water that the eggplants have released.
5. Brush the eggplant boats with extra virgin olive oil.
6. Bake the eggplant boats at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender.
7. While the eggplants are baking, prepare the filling.
8. Chop the tomatoes into small cubes.
9. Chop the fresh basil.
10. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, chopped tomatoes, chopped basil, salt and black pepper.
11. Fill the baked eggplant boats with the cottage cheese mixture.
12. Serve immediately.

Avocados stuffed with salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados
• 200 g smoked salmon
• 50 g cream cheese
• 1 red onion
• fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Preparation:

1. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit.SW.
2. Empty some of the avocado with a spoon, leaving a little pulp on the edges.
3. Sprinkle the avocado with lemon juice to prevent it from oxidizing.
4. Chop the red onion into brunoise (very finely chopped).
5. Chop the fresh dill.
6. In a bowl, mix the chopped smoked salmon, cream cheese, chopped red onion, fresh dill, extra virgin olive oil, salt and black pepper.
7. Stuff the avocados with the smoked salmon mixture.
8. Serve immediately.

Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 200 g pasta (fettuccine is ideal)
• 200 ml of milk cream
• 100 g grated parmesan
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken breasts into thin fillets.
2. Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan.
4. Brown the chicken fillets in the pan on both sides.
5. Remove the chicken tenders from the pan and set aside.
6. In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic cloves until golden.
7. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Stir until the sauce thickens.
9. Add the reserved chicken fillets and cook for a few more minutes.
10. Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the sauce.
11. Serve the chicken Alfredo with pasta cooked to taste.

Orange chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 oranges
• 1 onion
• 1 green pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• Fresh ginger (optional)
• Chicken soup
• White wine
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken breasts into thin fillets.
2. Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan.
4. Brown the chicken fillets in the pan on both sides.
5. Remove the chicken tenders from the pan and set aside.
6. Chop the onion, green pepper and garlic clove.
7. Sauté the chopped onion, green pepper and garlic in the pan until soft.
8. Grate the orange peel and add it to the pan.
9. Squeeze the juice from the oranges and add it to the pan.
10. Add a piece of grated fresh ginger (optional).
11. Add a splash of white wine and cook until reduced.
12. Add the chicken broth and cook for a few more minutes.
13. Return the reserved chicken tenders to the pan and cook until the sauce thickens.
14. Serve the orange chicken with white rice or boiled potatoes.

Filet Mignon

Ingredients:

• 2 beef tenderloins
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Tie it up beef tenderloins with kitchen string to shape them.
3. Season the tenderloins with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over high heat.
5. Brown the tenderloins on all sides in the pan.
6. Place the tenderloins on a baking tray.
7. Add a tablespoon of butter to each tenderloin.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sirloin and the desired doneness.
9. Let the tenderloins rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve the filet mignon with a side of roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.

Chocolate fondue with fruits

Ingredients:

• 200 g dark chocolate
• 200 ml of milk cream
• Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, pineapple, grapes)

Preparation:

1. Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie along with the heavy cream.
2. Serve the melted chocolate in a fondue container.
3. Place the fresh fruits on a plate and use skewers to dip them into the chocolate.

What did you think of these recipes? Will you try any of them? We hope that these recipes will help you surprise your partner with a delicious and unforgettable romantic dinner.