I’m one of those people who make most meals from scratch at home. At times, my husband steps up and makes the meal, and we have a few what we call “fiddly” recipes that we make together, like egg fu young. So when offered an opportunity to review It’s a Date Cookbook for Couples by Crystal Schwanke I said, “Yes.” I was intrigued to see what approach the cookbook would take, and as a happily married woman (52 years in), let me say that just reading the introduction had me hooked.
More than just a cookbook
This book is much more than just a cookbook. Along with great food, it creates a whole new concept of “date night” with themed menus that offer uncomplicated recipes with minimal prep work. Along with recipes, Schwanke provides ideas for setting up kitchen workstations and the logistics of working together in the kitchen so that the flow becomes more of a dance than an accidental bumping into someone (unless you want to, that is) or feeling you are in the way. Handy prep and cooking tips like how to test cooking oil to determine if it is hot enough for frying French fries make for valuable cooking takeaways. It’s a Date Cookbook for Couples also offers (often overlooked in my case) ways to add hints of ambiance, as well as games and activities that generate unpredictable conversations, a few keepsakes, and maybe even some dancing! Nothing is stale about this experience.
Many of the recipes are unique (to me) and not difficult to make. Ingredient alternatives are provided, like adding chocolate chips instead of basil to the strawberry sorbet. However I decided not to prejudge recipes based on what I think I like or don’t like, and I was pleasantly surprised. For example, the Sweet Potato and Bacon Hash ingredients include kale. I am not a kale fan but, I tried the hash. The pairing of flavors popped into mouthwatering goodness that surprised both my husband and myself. The recipe for Garlic Herb Pinwheels was one of my husband's favorites. And from a cooking standpoint, I was thrilled to learn how easy it is to create Grilled Sesame-Crusted Tuna Steaks (exactly how I order them at the restaurant). And for the record, my favorite It’s a Date Cookbook for Couples dessert is the Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes, but the Whipped Ricotta with Grilled Peaches is delicious and light.
As for the activities, my husband typically shuns games for the most part, but the date night ideas offered in this book drew him in. For instance, “The Memories Around Us” activity first brought a smile to his face as I held a small, framed replica of a Good the Bad and the Ugly movie promo from the wall. I talked about how we saw the movie together when we were dating when it cost 99 cents to get in, and how he saw it twelve times at the theater because they allowed you to stay and watch the next run of the film over and over. We laughed. Then, I mentioned how when I was pregnant with our first child, we planned to name it Clint (after Eastwood) if it was a boy. We both chuckled again. It was a great activity carrying us along memory lane with laughs and fond reminiscences. If I were to pick a favorite activity, I would choose Compliments from Around the World. Be sure to check it out.
I recommend this book for couples who enjoy cooking and/or eating, couples looking for something new to do for date night, couples looking to add a little spice to their relationship, and those looking for something fun to do that allows them to stay within their budget. This book will make a great gift to give to couples, young, old, and in-between. I give it 5-stars for content and creativity. It’s found a spot on my “keeper” shelf of cookbooks.
* * *
Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a
participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate
advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking
to amazon.com and affiliate sites.
