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Novice cook, making a romantic meal for my boyfriend


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Old 16-07-2014, 13:52
pink_and_fluffy
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I'd like to make a special meal for my OH at the Weekend as he always cooks for me. We live together and he does most of the cooking so I'd really like to treat him.

The problem is I'm not a great cook. I try to spend as much time in the kitchen as I can and my inability isn't through lack of trying so I thought I'd ask you lovely people for some suggestions on what to make.

He works Mon-Fri and the meal will be off on the Saturday but I'd like to make as much of it as I can on the Friday whilst he was at work so the obvious idea of steak and chips is out of the question as I know he'll want to help.

The kind of food he likes is meaty, rich and creamy and massive portions of it! I'd say the best bet would be to go for traditional English cooking or Italian as he doesn't tend to eat anything spicy or too exotic (not that I'm not open to other suggestions).

I would quite like to do 3 courses as that's what we'd normally go for in a restaurant (well we'd usually share a starter and possibly share a dessert).

I've already decided to do Eton Mess for dessert and have found a recipe for that as I know it's a favourite of his.

If anyone could help that would be great.
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Old 16-07-2014, 14:03
indianwells
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The first thing that comes to mind is meatballs & spaghetti. If you google Rocco di Spirito Mamas Meatballs you will get the best recipe I have ever found for them. Can be made the day before and just re-heated while you cook the pasta.
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Old 16-07-2014, 14:48
WombatDeath
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Possibly lasagne? Pretty wide margins of error, and like the meatballs you can make it on Friday and stick it in the oven on Saturday. Plus if you screw up the sauce, which you probably won't, you can just try again until you get it right.

For a starter, maybe bruschetta? Again, it's hard to wreck it so profoundly that it doesn't taste nice.
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Old 16-07-2014, 15:30
Orangemaid
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I'd like to make a special meal for my OH at the Weekend as he always cooks for me. We live together and he does most of the cooking so I'd really like to treat him.

The problem is I'm not a great cook. I try to spend as much time in the kitchen as I can and my inability isn't through lack of trying so I thought I'd ask you lovely people for some suggestions on what to make.

He works Mon-Fri and the meal will be off on the Saturday but I'd like to make as much of it as I can on the Friday whilst he was at work so the obvious idea of steak and chips is out of the question as I know he'll want to help.

The kind of food he likes is meaty, rich and creamy and massive portions of it! I'd say the best bet would be to go for traditional English cooking or Italian as he doesn't tend to eat anything spicy or too exotic (not that I'm not open to other suggestions).

I would quite like to do 3 courses as that's what we'd normally go for in a restaurant (well we'd usually share a starter and possibly share a dessert).

I've already decided to do Eton Mess for dessert and have found a recipe for that as I know it's a favourite of his.

If anyone could help that would be great.
Like the above poster mentioned lasagne..its all those and you can have loads of it if you made it big
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Old 16-07-2014, 17:15
Summer Breeze
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You could cheat and do 'Dine in for £10' from Marks and Spencers or other deals at other stores.
They do Lasagne and Moussaka often.
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Old 16-07-2014, 17:16
pink_and_fluffy
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Thank you all I did think of meatballs but maybe with potatoes instead if that would work? I'm not a huge fan of spaghetti as it's impossible to eat in a dignified manner.

Also had thought of lasagne and think that is looking the most likely option as I've made it for him once before and he really enjoyed it. Perhaps with garlic bread and some veg, he won't eat salad which is what I'd normally cook it with.

I have noticed the M&S dine in for 2. I had looked into it before but they weren't doing it so will be sure to have a look.

Last edited by pink_and_fluffy : 16-07-2014 at 17:18. Reason: Add on
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Old 16-07-2014, 17:32
Toby LaRhone
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Thank you all I did think of meatballs but maybe with potatoes instead if that would work? I'm not a huge fan of spaghetti as it's impossible to eat in a dignified manner.
If you share a bowl there's nothing more romantic.
You both slurp each end until you meet in the middle, kiss and then admire each other's tomato moustaches.
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Old 16-07-2014, 17:52
degsyhufc
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Make a big pan of bolognaise.


You can make spahetti for him. No reason you can't have something different.
You could make it with fusili or shells.

You could have it with polenta or mash.
or boiled potatoes even.
or Jacket spud.

I like chips with bol & cheese but that's not really romantic
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Old 16-07-2014, 18:05
Summer Breeze
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If you share a bowl there's nothing more romantic.
You both slurp each end until you meet in the middle, kiss and then admire each other's tomato moustaches.
Like this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXtx6N3ww7Y

A recipe for it....http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lady...0000000222986/
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Old 16-07-2014, 20:31
barbeler
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The kind of food he likes is meaty, rich and creamy and massive portions of it!
Dump him quick, before he becomes grossly obese or has a heart attack.
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Old 17-07-2014, 01:08
Chocdoc
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I'd suggest a nice rib eye steak and home made chips. Chuck in a few mushrooms and some pea's or something.

Just heat the pan as hot it is will go and put the steak on for about 2 minutes each side then let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Much less hassle than doing tons of cooking and most men love a steak.
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Old 17-07-2014, 18:02
degsyhufc
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I'd suggest a nice rib eye steak and home made chips. Chuck in a few mushrooms and some pea's or something.

Just heat the pan as hot it is will go and put the steak on for about 2 minutes each side then let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Much less hassle than doing tons of cooking and most men love a steak.
The OP has said that the boyfriend will interfere with a last minute cooked meal.

That's why she wants something she can prepare while he's at work, even the day before and reheat.
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Old 17-07-2014, 21:14
Chocdoc
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The OP has said that the boyfriend will interfere with a last minute cooked meal.

That's why she wants something she can prepare while he's at work, even the day before and reheat.
Oops.
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Old 18-07-2014, 22:31
pugamo
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Steak au poivre can be pre cooked and would be fine with potatoes.
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Old 19-07-2014, 18:21
Orangemaid
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What did the OP make in the end ? Hope it was nice and romantic Let us know
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Old 20-07-2014, 21:30
pink_and_fluffy
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Thank you for all your help everyone! It's very much appreciated

In the end I decided on making lasagne and garlic bread which was gratefully received thank goodness. I followed a recipe I found on BBC Good Food which was highly rated. I must admit it was a bit bland for my taste but my OH had 2 helpings.

I also decided against starters as we weren't eating until late.

Dessert was Eton Mess which was more like strawberries and cream as I never put enough meringue in it. It was ok but I think a few more attempts are necessary to perfect it.

So it wasn't a total disaster but room for improvements. Very pleased with my efforts and will be trying to do some more cooking from now on.

Thanks again
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Old 21-07-2014, 21:20
Wolfsheadish
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Thank you all I did think of meatballs but maybe with potatoes instead if that would work? I'm not a huge fan of spaghetti as it's impossible to eat in a dignified manner.

Also had thought of lasagne and think that is looking the most likely option as I've made it for him once before and he really enjoyed it. Perhaps with garlic bread and some veg, he won't eat salad which is what I'd normally cook it with.

I have noticed the M&S dine in for 2. I had looked into it before but they weren't doing it so will be sure to have a look.
I beg to differ! Maybe you just need a bit of practice? Soon you'll be twirling and rolling with the best of them!
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Old 21-07-2014, 21:25
davor
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I'm glad that you are having a go at cooking for your boyfriend, and I'm sure that whatever you choose to cook he'll love it. Be careful though, as it wont be so romantic if your boyfriend gets indigestion later.
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Old 22-07-2014, 20:34
pink_and_fluffy
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I beg to differ! Maybe you just need a bit of practice? Soon you'll be twirling and rolling with the best of them!
My boyfriend does this, I need to start practising but not with him, he'll just show me up
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