What should I make for dinner? Critique my menu!

[amnesiac]

I want to cook dinner for myself and my girlfriend tonight.. I have a few ideas but I could use some inspiration

Here's my idea so far-
Starter - ?? Need help with this one

Entree - Citrus-ginger chicken on a bed of crispy rice noodles, accompanied by steamed baby broccoli and a side of garlic rice. It will be garnished with a flower made from a fried eggroll wrapper and thinly sliced scallions.

Dessert - 2 choices:
1) Peach granita topped with a brandied nectarine-mint relish (I'll have to experiment with this one)
2) Something chocolate. The girlfriend loves chocolate. Ideas?

 

[fatbaby]

starter: chinese chicken salad

entree...

dessert: baked alaska with oreo cookies?

 

[Danman]

I'm going to Outback for dinner, yum.

 

[fatbaby]

Originally posted by: cashman
I'm going to Outback for dinner, yum.

heh i think outback sh is overpriced and has small portions , anyways, i think the awesome blossom is better than the blooming onion

 

[Geekbabe]

hmmm.. your dinner sounds delicious ! I wish somebody would cook for me

 

[ElFenix]

try looking at foodtv.com's east meets west for starter ideas... ming is awesome for asian-american fusion cuisine.

 

[ElFenix]

Thai Basil-Tomato Salad

recipe courtesy of Ming Tsai
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 large ripe tomatoes, mixed colors, 1 inch large dice
1 small red onion, 1/4 inch dice
1 cup picked thai basil leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste

In a large bowl, whisk together the dijon and juice. Drizzle in oil. Add the tomatoes and onion and season. Check for seasoning. Can be stored in an air tight container for up to 4 hours before serving. Right before serving, toss with the basil leaves.

 

[ElFenix]

Copyright, 1999, Ming Tsai, All Rights Reserved
2 tablespoons pommery mustard, whole grain
2 large shallots, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 cup canola oil plus 1 tablespoon
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups sliced shiitakes
4 ears corn, shucked and corn taken off of the cob
2 small heads frisee, picked and washed
Salt and black pepper to taste

In a tall cup (using a hand blender) or blender cup, add mustard, shallots, soy and vinegar. Blend and drizzle in 1 cup of oil to emulsify. Season with pepper and a little salt. Check for seasoning. Set aside at room temperature. Using a hot non-stick pan, coat with remaining oil and saute garlic for 2 minutes. Add shiitakes and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add corn and saute for 3 minutes. Deglaze with vinaigrette and just heat. In a large bowl, place frisee and pour hot vinaigrette over. Mix well and serve immediately.

PLATING Place in a large salad bowl and garnish with fresh cracked black pepper.

 

[amnesiac]

Oh yeah, I have to mention that my g/f is really picky. She's a sheltered girl from the midwest so this chicken is already pushing the limits. Anything with the word "thai" will probably send her running.
SHe also doesn't like mushrooms, olives, or anything spicy. :Q

 

[kuk]

Humm ... try looking for something with berries. Raspberry and blackberry mousse are great!

Kuk ...
<--- hates washing the dishes ...
<--- hates eating, loves cooking

 

[kyutip]

for starter I would recommend mini eggroll or coconut shrimp ?
your entree sound really tasty
dessert go with strawberry dip chocolate, mmmmm

my fiancee likes chicken marsala that I make for dinner.

Good luck with your dinner.

 

[olds]

2) Something chocolate. The girlfriend loves chocolate. Ideas?

chocolate moose

 

[denali]

Dessert: How about a snicker roll. Get 2 snickers and make two crepes after cooking the crepe put the snicker in the center and wrap like a burrito. The snicker will melt into a gooey mess. You can top it off with some hot chocolate pudding.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: kyutip
for starter I would recommend mini eggroll or coconut shrimp ?
your entree sound really tasty
dessert go with strawberry dip chocolate, mmmmm

my fiancee likes chicken marsala that I make for dinner.

Good luck with your dinner.

Wonderful ideas. My g/f likes coconut shrimp.. I usually try to avoid making it myself because of the disasterous results that my mom gets why she tries it
The chocolate covered strawberries are a good idea too.

 

[ElFenix]

chilled fruit salad.