What would you cook for an indulgent dinner for two?

[JemimaPyjamas]

It is a significant birthday for DH next week and I am going to cook. I want something that is easy but indulgent and also not something we would normally have. If it can also be prepared in advance that is even better!

I initially thought of duck but I have now gone off that idea. We often have steak so that's not appealing either. I'm not keen on fish or anything that is looking at me.

Other than that, I'm open to suggestions!!

Starters

Tempura prawns
Spring rolls
Small antipasti platter of whatever you usually like - can be plated in advance
Soup - can be made in advance
Halloumi with honey, mint and pinenuts OR lime, chilli and coriander

Mains

Chicken breasts stuffed with a cherry tom half, a basil leaf and a slice of mozzarella then wrapped up in Parma ham. Easy but looks good and tastes lovely.

Beef bourginon is delicious and can be done in advance.

Could serve with potato dauphinois (made in advance and using Fay Ripley recipe that is much quicker than layering - you pour all the liquid/herbs etc in a saucepan, throw in the sliced potatoes and let in simmer for a while to slightly soften then tumble into an oven proof dish to cook - top with cheese) I've made this before and frozen it and it defrosted and cooked beautifully.

Serve with tenderstem broccoli or something to freshen the plate

One make ahead I've done which has always gone down amazingly well with friends is Jamie Oliver's chicken tetrazzini with a massive salad and some garlic flatbread. It's creamy and delicious!

https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/chicken-and-mushroom-pasta-bake-spaghetti-tetrazzini/

For dessert I usually buy as I'm not a dessert person but on special occasions I've made pannacotta which is very easy and can be done two days ahead if needed. I've made plain and rose water scented. I use Nigel Slaters recipe.

We bought a Cote at Home delivery for a relative’s special birthday (he loves eating out and hates cooking, usually we would have taken him out for dinner but the birthday was during the more “full” lockdown). Went down brilliantly. So that could be an option if you don’t really fancy cooking?

Lasagne 😋😋

Rack of lamb. Looks sensational and only takes 30 minutes to cook. Rub with oil, garlic rosemary night before and leave in fridge to marinate. Sear the ends then place in oven. Serve with jewelled rice (rice with pomegranate seeds, peas and sweetcorn) and some roast broccoli.

I'd have a crabmeat or lobster salad as a starter, and either a shop bought pud or just strawberries soaked in cointreau with a meringue shell and double cream.

(For DH's birthday, I cheated and bought a three course gourmet meal from a restaurant. Very special - and totally foolproof.
haarathome.co.uk/collections/all-of-our-luxury-boxes/products/best-of-land-sea-box )

Most successful/appreciated meal has been:
Salmon roulade (creamy filling with raw and poached salmon, rolled in smoked salmon) on rocket leaves garnished with salmon roe.
Wild boar in red wine (like boeuf bourgignonne) with potato and celeriac puree and green vegetables.
I generally don't do puddings, but, at this time of year, an apple and blackberry crumble would go down well.

Now it's getting autumnal, I would cook beef short ribs in the slow cooker and serve with a really buttery mash, and garlic spinach. For a starter how about mini baked camembert, and something like a chocolate mousse and a cheeseboard for dessert. I'd start the evening off with negronis as my DH loves those.

Cheese soufflé

Boeuf bourguignon with dauphinoise potatoes and green beans
or cheesy risotto with roast tomatoes and truffle oil

Chocolate mousse or crème brûlée
Yum 😋