SIMPLE IDEAS FOR A HOLIDAY DINNER FOR TWO

The holiday season is often associated with family gatherings, indulging in festive meals, and lively celebrations, but that’s certainly not the only way to enjoy and celebrate the season.

If your circumstances or personal preference this year lean towards a quiet Christmas spent with your partner—avoiding the hustle and stress—then a cozy dinner for two might be the perfect choice for you.

Sometimes, the demands of the week leave you drained, and dedicating that one special day to crowded spaces and overwhelming conversations can feel like too much. While no one has yet written a survival guide for holidays with the entire family present, it seems such a book would undoubtedly be a bestseller.

So, how can you make the most of the holidays with your partner and truly enjoy those special days? Whether it’s Christmas or another festive occasion, meat often takes center stage on the holiday table. All you need are a few complementary dishes to bring a touch of magic to your dinner.

Prosciutto-Stick Appetizers

Ingredients: Thin sesame sticks and slices of prosciutto.

Preparation: This quick and easy appetizer takes just five minutes to prepare. Wrap slices of prosciutto around the sesame sticks and then cut them in half lengthwise. Serve in a glass or an interesting dish. If you don’t have sesame sticks, sliced bread can work as a substitute—just bake it for 10 minutes at 200°C to achieve a similar effect.

Pork Filet with Poached Pears and Blue Cheese

Ingredients: 1 kg pork filet, 2 whole pears (finely chopped), 1 tablespoon salted butter, salt, pepper, rosemary, olive oil, and blue cheese.

Preparation: Sauté onions in butter, add spices to taste, and stir in the chopped pears. You can add a splash of white wine if desired. Let the pears simmer for about 12 minutes, then remove from heat and allow the juices to soak in. While the pears cook, slice the pork and arrange it in a baking dish. Sprinkle the pears over the meat, followed by small chunks of blue cheese and rosemary for added flavor. Sear the meat in a skillet for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides. Once evenly cooked, cover and lower the heat, allowing it to cook gently while you prepare some toast on the side.

A Dessert to Complete the Evening

What’s a romantic dinner without ice cream as the centerpiece dessert? After savoring a delightful meal, it’s time to set the mood with soft music, pour some wine, and indulge in a sweet treat.

Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of coffee, and raspberries.

Preparation: Before dinner, brew coffee and let it cool. In a serving dish, scoop vanilla ice cream, pour the cooled coffee over it, and top with fresh raspberries. While this dessert may seem simple, it will likely become a household favorite. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and offers plenty of room for creativity. Add chocolate or fruit syrups if you like, or sprinkle crushed almonds, hazelnuts, or even crumbled biscuits for texture. For a special twist, consider adding a splash of rum—but use it sparingly and ensure you’ve tested the recipe beforehand. Avoid experimenting too much on the night of your romantic dinner, advises wannabemagazine.com.

With these simple yet elegant ideas, you can create a holiday dinner that’s both memorable and stress-free, allowing you and your partner to enjoy quality time together in the comfort of your own home.