Cooking a girl dinner

[MediaPA]

Ok, so I'm supposed to cook dinner for a female friend of mine. I don't want to go too over the top, so I was thinking about doing a pasta primavera and a salad.

I was thinking about getting some meat involved in the meal (without adding much difficulty) - either chicken or steak. Is that too much since I think pasta primavera can be a main? - Advice please.

Also for a desert, what about just something simple like vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries and some kind of a sauce?

Any tips regarding the above or suggestions for a decent bottle of white wine that's reasonably priced?

[GSykes]

chicken parm is easy to make and in my small sample size is usually a winner.

[XXXNoahXXX]

another easy one, not quite as "formal" is shrimp fajitas.

literally just cut up any types of peppers and onions you want, toss them in a sautée pan, add in shrimp and spices. then cook rice and beans, slice up an avacado, and put it all on some tortillas. doesn't get much easier.

and this way you can serve it with margaritas or something for a little theme that gets her drunk.

[4_2_it]

Chicken Parm is money. I've made stuffed shells that went over well with my wife (when she was my new GF).

As for dessert, definitely get strawberries and some premium chocolate. There's something highly erotic about watching your girl dip strawberries in melted chocolate.

[sc000t]

Shrimp Scampi cooked in garlic sauce is the way to go here.


If you can find some, Gill's Pier Icebox Apple Wine is pretty damn good.

http://www.gillspier.com/wines.php?t=Icebox-Apple

[RunDownHouse]

I'd go with a sorbet over vanilla ice cream but I don't think it matters much.

[Freakin]

beef tenderloin w/ a port wine reduction

[bobman0330]

Grilled or broiled chicken on top of the pasta seems easy enough.

I'd say chocolate syrup over the strawberries. If you want to impress (and have it taste good), you can make it yourself in about 10 minutes.

[MediaPA]

Thanks for the input so far. I'm liking the ideas and definitely going to sleep on it. I guess it would be good to know if there was any foods she really hated. Hmm...

I'm liking the fajita idea since it is more casual which I think would be a good thing for this outing - it's also fairly easy to do with a chicken/beef for a little variety. Shrimp scampi isn't a terrible idea either since it's fairly easy to make. Chicken parm is also a solid suggestion.

Beef tenderloin seems a little too upscale.

[MediaPA]

[ QUOTE ]
Grilled or broiled chicken on top of the pasta seems easy enough.

I'd say chocolate syrup over the strawberries. If you want to impress (and have it taste good), you can make it yourself in about 10 minutes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I just fear the chicken a bit due to 'dryness' issues when I cook it. I kill the stuff since I'd rather not get sick.

For the strawberries/ice cream, this is what I was thinking

12 large ripe strawberries
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Trim strawberries and cut into wedges. In a small heavy saucepan, heat vinegar and brown sugar over moderate heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved and simmer 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and add strawberries, tossing to coat.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_15207,00.html