Lovin' in the Kitchen

I can't think of anything sexier than gazing across a candle lit table into the eyes of my one true love. Unfortunately Valentine's Day has become more commercialized and expensive than Christmas and we don't even get the day off if it falls on a weekday! So instead of blowing a bundle on reservations at some crowded noisy joint, having to moderate in all things to avoid a DUI or indecent exposure charge, consider doing your romancing at home.

The first step is assembling a romantic dinner kit. The idea for this kit was born out of necessity - my wife and I had either enough money for  a sitter or to go out, but not both. How to enjoy each other's company sans kids for some "adult entertainment?"  My wife came up with the dinner kit. Assembled from fancy china, stemware, and candle sticks purchased for a song at Goodwill, napkins and a table cloth she made herself and some cut-rate, but nice stainless eating utensils we were all set. The entire lot is stored in a basket until after the kids are asleep, then while I am cooking she is setting the table.

As far as food, pick something simple - salad is nice, breaded shrimp heated in the oven, sauteed shrimp or steaks on the grill - anything quick and not too filling in case the action moves to the bedroom later. Cooking (in the kitchen) with your spouse can be pretty arousing, food and sex are separated by a fairly fine line and all the senses are engaged.

After food prep, a quick shower, hop into some nice "out on the town" togs and the rest of the evening is staring into the limpid pols that are you lover's eyes. With any luck there'll be no calls for glasses of water or nightfrights coming from the upstairs bedroom. Couples need this kind of bonding from time to time in order for their relationship to remain healthy.

So this Valentine's Day avoid the crowds and enjoy our spouse and some fine food in the comfort of your own home, best of all the kitchen is only a few short steps form the bed room if something besides the food heats up!!

Salad Dressing

1Tbs Grey Poupon or other grainy mustard

2tsp lemon juice

2TBS good olive oil

1/4tsp fresh ground black pepper

Put mustard, lemon juice, and pepper in a small bowl and stir to combine. Slowly add oil while whisking until mixture emulsifies. Serve on the side with red leaf lettuce salad.