Date number 1 is nerve racking enough. Date number 2 tests your compatibility. Like them enough for date number 3? Time to reel ‘em in and impress. My friends are constantly asking me for meal ideas to show off to their dates. If cooking a homemade meal is your weapon of choice but you aren’t too confident in the kitchen, here are my suggestions:

Beef Wellington:

Know your date is a meat eater? Here is a fancy name for a dish with a even fancier appearance! Good news is that it’s surprisingly easy. Perhaps your love interest is a sucker for steak; not only will they be impressed by your menu choice but also that you are splurging on filet mingon for him/her. To make this dish easier and save time, purchase the puff pastry in the frozen food section at any grocery store. Once prepared, this dish will appear like it was very difficult to make and will give off the impression that you are talented in the kitchen. Also, let’s be honest, this dish is a gourmet hot pocket. Can you say nostalgia? Trust me, beef wellington is my go-to dinner of choice for impressing.

Pizza

Not sure if the apple of your eye is a meat eater or not? Go with pizza. Make your own pizza dough or purchase an already made pizza dough from the store. While you are there, I suggest picking out a variety of toppings. This is a great opportunity to get to know your date and find out what kinds of toppings or foods they like and dislike. You might as well know early if they are fans of olives or artichoke hearts for future dishes you may have in mind. This meal is very casual and will set the tone for the rest of the night. By making the pizza together you are extending the date and will avoid the awkward silence while they sit and wait for you to finish preparing any other dinner. Once the dish comes out and tastes delicious they will feel as though they are part of creating the masterpiece. Instantly, they will think “we make a great team”. All part of the plan right?!

Penne Pasta of Some Sort

Spaghetti and marinara is my ultimate nightmare. I am always terrified I am going to slurp, look unclassy while eating it, or spill red sauce all over my shirt. Although you may try and pull it off by saying “my shirt? this ol’ thing? Don’t worry about getting the club soda” You know you secretly went shopping or picked out your best shirt or dress. To avoid that nightmare, I suggest cooking penne and avoid red sauce. Penne is easy to grab with a fork and requires no twirling on a spoon kinda talent. I suggest finding out some of your date’s favorite foods. Throw in chicken, shrimp, or if they are a vegetarian use asparagus. Toss in some grape tomatoes, olives, and parmesan cheese and you are good to go. What’s great about a penne pasta dish is that you can personalize and adjust it to almost anyone’s likings.

Cooking for someone else is all about finding a dish you are comfortable making and being able to eat it gracefully. I suggest practicing the dish prior to the date. Click on the red titles to find recipes. Remember, the dish also doesn’t have to be difficult to make. Semi homemade dishes that you add your own special touch to can be just as impressive. Now, let’s just hope for a fourth date!