Is your idea of a great time staying in and cooking a nice dinner? Ever felt the urge to celebrate “nothing special” on a Saturday night? Maybe you just want a casual meal to impress a new sweetie. Whatever your cooking-for-two needs may be, the following menu is for you. Easy but elegant, it’ll turn any evening into a chance to relax and unwind together without all the fuss or fancy ingredients that usually go into a gourmet meal.

March 2009 p.58

Warm Avocado Halves with Pink Grapefruit and Endive

There’s no need to dress up this dish for a pretty presentation—the pale green of the avocado halves along with the deep pink of grapefruit segments make this a feast for your eyes without any extra trimmings. Try the recipe with smooth-skinned Fuerte avocados, which have a firmer,

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Wild Rice with Glazed Carrot and Tomato Ragoût

Not Yet Rated

Nutty, chewy wild rice makes this simple dish special. We’ve called for extra-firm silken tofu, but you could also use your favorite baked tofu or sliced soy sausage in the sauce.

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Cardamom Baked Pears

Not Yet Rated

Warm or chilled, these lightly spiced baked pears make a luscious low-fat dessert. If you don’t have ground cardamom on hand, try sprinkling the pear halves with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, or allspice for a different flavor twist.

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  Za’atar and Goat Cheese Tartines

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  Goat Cheese, Melon, and Almond Toasts

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  Caramelized Onion, Walnut, and Spinach Savory Cake

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  Ricotta-Basil Stuffed Tomatoes

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  Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Dukka

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  Maple Pumpkin Spice Bread

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  Tuscan-Style Spaghetti with Kale and Cannellinis

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  Curried Red Lentil Soup

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  Jamaican Tempeh Patties