Valentine's Day is right around the corner! I've always preferred to cook a nice meal for my hubby rather than go out and fight the crowds :) I thought I would share this with you all in case you want to do the same. Enjoy!

 A ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO:

STEAK MARSALA

POTATOES AUGRATIN

LEMON-PEPPER ROASTED ASPARAGUS

CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES

STEAK MARSALA                     

FOR THE STEAKS:

4 petite steak filets

Steak seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Pat steaks dry and generously season both sides with steak seasoning.  Heat olive oil in an oven-proof black skillet for about 2 minutes.  Place steaks in skillet and sear for exactly 2 minutes on each side.  Remove from heat and place the steaks in the skillet into a 375 oven.  Bake for exactly 12 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. 

FOR THE MARSALA SAUCE:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 (12-ounce) package sliced mushrooms

½ cup onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

Zattaran’s Cajun seasoning, to taste

1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth

1 cup good quality Marsala wine

2 tablespoons sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

While the steaks are in the oven, heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet and sauté’ the onions for 4 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and sauté’ another 3 minutes over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic and the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.  Once at a boil, reduce to simmering for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.  Ladle sauce over steaks.

MELISSA’S POTATOES AUGRAUTIN

2 large baking potatoes, washed and cubed

1 small onion, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1-cup sour cream

1 (8-ounce) bag sharp cheddar, shredded

In a skillet (black skillet is best), place olive oil and butter on medium high heat.  When the butter is melted, place potatoes in the skillet and sauté’ for about 10 minutes.  Add the onions and continue to sauté’ the potatoes and onions together until the potatoes are very tender.  You may even place a lid over the skillet and simmer the potatoes on low for about 15 minutes, stirring often.  Once the potatoes are cooked, spread sour cream over potatoes then sprinkle cheese evenly over sour cream.  Cover and simmer on very low for about 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.  These are delish!

LEMON-PEPPER ASPARAGUS

1 bunch fresh asparagus, washed and trimmed

Olive oil

Salt, pepper and lemon-pepper seasoning

Place the asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle seasonings over asparagus and roast in the oven on 425 for 12 minutes.

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

Fresh strawberries, rinsed and dried off

Dipping chocolate (you can find this on the baking aisle)

Melt the chocolate in the microwave according to package directions.  Dip each strawberry in the chocolate and place on a piece of wax paper.  They will set up quicker if you place them in the fridge for about 15 minutes J