There’s something truly special about preparing a meal for the ones you love, especially when it’s for a cozy dinner at home with my husband. Cooking has always been a passion of mine—a way to express creativity, nurture loved ones, and unwind after a busy day. There’s a certain joy in selecting fresh ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and turning simple recipes into something delicious and memorable.
Today, I’m excited to share with you a few of our favorite recipes that make for the perfect dinner trio. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also pack a punch of flavor, making them ideal for a relaxed evening in. We’ll start with a light and zesty appetizer, move on to a hearty and comforting entrée, and finish with a decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just looking for something simple to try, these recipes are sure to bring a little love to your table.
Appetizer: Brie & Jam Kaassoufflé
I absolutely adore this dish because the recipe came from my fabulous cousin. This one is such a crowd pleaser and is great for a dinner party. The way, the brie and jam melt together inside the dough while it bakes to create a mouthwatering pull apart delight is (chef’s kiss).
Ingredients
1 Puff Pasty sheet
1 wheel Brie cheese
2-3 tablespoons fruit jam or preserves (any flavor) or honey
1 egg
optional: figs (or other fruit) for garnish
Freeze the Brie cheese for at least 30 mins, or up to one day. Use a very sharp knife to carefully remove the skin from the frozen Brie.
Preheat oven to 375°F
Roll out the puff pastry
Place the Brie wheel in the middle of the dough. Fold the dough around the cheese
Brush egg white wash on top of pastry
Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the outside is a deep golden color, but not brown. You will have to watch it carefully.
Garnish with fruit and enjoy while still hot
Entree: Classic Herb Salmon
Salmon is one of my all time favorites! I have so many ways to prepare it, but sometimes simple is best.
Ingredients:
2 salmon pieces
1/2 lemon - juiced
3 tablespoons melted butter
East coast fish seasoning ( equal parts basil, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, oregano, pepper, old bay)
Marinade salmon in lemon juice and melted butter in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on East Coast seasoning
Grill at 400° to your desired doneness. Remove skin before serving.
Sides recommendations: garlic butter noodles, mashed potatoes, side salad, green beans, wild rice, broccoli
Dessert: Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Lasagna
This dessert is literally so easy to “whip up” and is so nice to make for parties.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Key lime juice
4 Egg yolks
2 tbsp Cornstarch
1 cup Flour
1 Food coloring-optional, green
2/3 cup Powdered sugar
14 tbsp Sugar
3 1/4 cup Topping, whipped
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1/2 cup Macadamia nuts -chopped very finely
1/3 cup Nuts
13/16 cup Butter
6 oz Cream cheese
Preheat oven at 350 F and spray the bottom of your desired baking dish (it does make a lot so choose a deep round glass dish or at least a 9x9 in dish)
In a bowl combine crust ingredients and stir until well combined and crumbly, then press it into the bottom of baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and spread over cooled crust. Set in the fridge.
In a sauce pan stir together sugar and corn starch, stir in key lime juice and slightly beaten egg yolks, add butter and bring mixture to a very controlled simmer over medium-low heat stirring almost constantly until thickened (it should be able to coat the back of a metal spoon) remove from heat, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
When key lime custard is cooled completely, add a few drops green food coloring and mix it well. Stir in 1 1/2 cup whipped topping and spread onto cheesecake layer.
Top with 1 cup whipped topping and sprinkle chopped nuts. Set in the fridge for at least 4-5 hours or overnight. You can place it in the freezer and serve like frozen dessert because it defrosts so quickly.
For an optional garnish, thinly slice one Keylime and put the slices in a circular pattern on the top of the dish.
I hope that you enjoyed these recipes and feel inspired to make dinner tonight!
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