romantic evening at home

It doesn’t matter if you have been married for a decade or you are newly in love, staying in on a cold Saturday night can ignite the passions of romance. What’s that? You have kids? You work late? You don’t feel like making the effort? Just give it a try. You surely will not regret it. You won’t believe the change in your whole life once you add a bit of romance into the equation. I bet you will have more patience with your kids; your job will be more fun; and, you will have so much more energy. Love is everything; and, in the words of John Lennon, “All you need is love.” Well, food…and love, right? Here are some tasty, romantic, simple appetizers to share with the one you love.

It won’t hurt to add a bit of flair to the evening by lighting the fire and a few candles. Find some great romance music like Stevie Wonder’s Love Songs, or anything by Van Morrison to play quietly in the background. All that is left, in preparation, is the food and drink and maybe your clothes (less is more). According to the Rita Watson, the Love and Marriage Examiner, you should “give yourselves at least one date a month for Succulent Saturday.”

Here are some suggestions which are sure to correspond with firelight, love songs, and romance. Feel free to make your own choices or substitutions.  These are simple and delectable nibbles:

Champagne:

It is a great idea to begin the evening with a cocktail. Champagne has always been the choice of romantics. Why not up the ante a bit and make it a Kir Royale? It doesn’t take much of an effort but the result is delicious and beautiful. Just add 1 part crème de cassis to five parts champagne of your choice. You slowly drizzle the cassis on top after you pour the champagne into the glass. Have a bowl of fresh strawberries handy to eat with the Kir Royale. The combination tastes wonderful.

Smoked Salmon:

Buy smoked salmon from the grocery store or deli. Add a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper, and a few capers. Serve alone or with water crackers.

Cheese and Crackers Platter:

This is so simple. Buy some of your favorite cheeses at the market. Be creative though. Try some new type: goats cheese with herbs, brie, something blue…  Add some different styles of crackers and the two of you can sample all of these together. Add some grapes to the platter and maybe some slices of sweet apples.

Tapenade:

20 pitted kalamata olives, chopped

1 Tbsp capers, chopped

1 tsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 tsp olive oil

½ tsp anchovy paste

Dash of black pepper

Combine ingredients into a food processor give it a few pulses. Pour into a dish. Serve with warm fresh French bread and creamy butter. Cozy up, stay warm and enjoy the night.