So you've been dating someone for a while but now you're finally ready for the ‘big step' – you're going to make them dinner. Cooking for someone is a great way to show them you care, but it's also a great way to show off your skills without having to say, ‘oh, and I'm really great in the kitchen too!'. Let them see for themselves.
You want to strike a balance between showing off and making sure that you don't get too flustered, or spend too much time away from them in the kitchen. You also want to make a meal that will appeal to a more masculine taste, so, probably steer away from small salads, even if you are on a diet! A good appetite will impress as much as a good palate.
Try some of the following ideas to impress:
Steak and chips
No matter how fancy a man's taste, he will always enjoy a good plate of steak and chips. And indeed, you can make this a gastro delight. Steer clear of frozen oven chips (unless they are very good ones) and wimpy steak and this will prove a clincher of a meal without loads of hassle. Be sure to choose a chunky and good quality piece of meat; a good rib-eye or fillet will serve well here. Maris pipers will also make a good chip, if you don't have access to a chip fryer to make them authentic, you could try making sweet potato chips instead. It will look original, and also sneak in some more vitamins! Brighten up the plate with some carrots and broccoli.
Moussaka
A good idea for a date is something that you can prepare in advance, and then leave to cook by itself whilst you entertain your dinner guest. Moussaka is a good option here; it shows a bit of ingenuity and creativity - being slightly more original than a lasagne – and, what's more, it really is a tasty dish. Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Seafood pasta
Here is a really simple dish, made fancier with the addition of shellfish. You can't really go wrong with pasta, as it's a dish everyone likes (though do perhaps check with your date how they are with seafood!) and in addition it takes no time at all to prepare. With some mussels or clams and whole prawns, finger food is also a suggestive and rather playful food - if you're keen make the date a bit saucier!