Simplicity and elegance: 4 simple recipes for romantic, candlelight dinners

Simplicity and elegance: 4 simple recipes for romantic, candlelight dinners

In the finest traditions of cooking, you'll find that some of the best dishes you'll ever taste are made of just a few simple ingredients, simply prepared, of the highest quality and as fresh as can be found. If you don't see yourself as a gourmet cook, think again. Take a look at these four simple recipes, easy to prepare, yet fit for a special occasion, romantic candlelit dinner for two.

It's important to note that simple recipes that succeed must be made of the best and freshest ingredients you can find. Each of these recipes becomes a complete meal with a simple green salad and a loaf of warm artisan style bread. As for dessert, visit a good bakery for a fancy confection to end your meal. Simple, yet oh, so elegant!

1.Stuffed Portobello mushrooms with rice pilaf: Portobello mushrooms are found in almost any grocery these days. Unlike other mushrooms, these have an almost meaty texture and are quite firm. Choose two large whole Portobellos. Remove the stems and slice, then finely dice the stems. Dice one shallot and saute the shallot and stems in a tablespoon of butter in a medium sized frying pan, until they are soft. Remove to a bowl. Add pound of salad shrimp, 1/3 cup of unseasoned bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped, fresh cilantro. Mix well. Melt stick of butter in the frying pan, scrape any bits of shallot and stems and add to the mix. Use a table spoon to press the mixture into the mushroom cap, dividing equally between the two. Mound it high and wide! Sprinkle a tablespoon of fresh, shaved Asiago cheese over each mushroom. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet. Broil, about 6 inches from the broiler, just until the cheese is melted. Serve on a dinner plate with sprigs of parsley surrounding the mushroom. Yes, you can use a packaged rice pilaf!

2.Broiled swordfish: swordfish is a bit expensive, but definitely worth the price, particularly if you're wanting to impress your guest. For simple recipes, this can't be beat. Go for fresh if you can get it, but frozen works. As necessary, thaw overnight in the frig. Get your swordfish steaks on a broiler pan and broil, about 4 inches from the broiler, for about 3 minutes for each side (for a 1 inch thick steak). Stick a fork into the meat to test for doneness. The meat should be opaque. Serve with melted butter or tartar sauce, made with mayonnaise, not soy oil.

3.Some simple recipes are so easy, they can be served in the pot in which they're cooked! Steamed clams are one such dish. To serve two, you'll need two dozen live clams. Ask your fish merchant to recommend the best variety. Keep the clams packed in ice until you're ready to cook. Scrub the clams throughly to remove any grit or sand. Gently place the cleaned clams in the bottom of a 6-quart stockpot. Add one bottle of clam juice and enough water to cover. To the pot, add 2 teaspoons of minced, fresh garlic. Bring the broth to a simmer. When all of the clams have opened, set the pot on the table on a trivet. Discard any clams that do not open. Set a plate beside each diner to receive the empty shells. Use cocktail forks to remove the clams from their shell. Dip your bread in the broth for a heavenly dining experience.

4.Stuffed Cornish game hens: you'll find these elegant little fowl in the frozen meat section. Pick a couple of plump birds. Allow to thaw overnight in the frig. Prepare a package of chicken flavored rice pilaf. Add a few sliced white mushrooms and a couple of green onions, finely sliced. Carefully separate the breast skin from the meat. Use a tablespoon of olive oil to grease your hands, slipping your fingers under the skin to baste the meat. Stuff the birds. (Leftover pilaf may be saved for another meal.) Place the birds on a rack in a basting pan and cover the pan with foil. Bake as directed. You've got a winner. Simple recipes really are so often outstanding.

For the man or woman who ordinarily avoids the kitchen, each of these simple recipes produces a memorable meal. Set the table with your finest dinnerware, a tablecloth and a couple of candlesticks. Get the coffee pot prepared, light the candles, put on some nice music and be a gourmet for the night. Don't forget the wine! Can't you feel the romance?