Dinner for Two!

6/22/07 -- As any parent knows, finding time for a romantic dinner for two can be almost impossible.

But, Friday night was our lucky night!

I like to consider myself the cook of the family.

While Vickie and Devin both enjoy whipping up a meal from time to time - I tend to be the one that cracks open the cook book to find something special for the dinner table.

Tonite it was shrimp with homemade mango salsa, sushi and marinated steak!

Pay attention fellas, this not too difficult dinner can make you a hero whether you are married or not.

The shrimp were of the larger variety, bought and steamed at the local grocery store. The sushi can also be purchased at nicer grocery stores around town.

Here is my recipe for fresh mango salsa;

1. First, pick out a fresh mango. If you don't know how, let me give you a few tips - Pick up a mango and softly press your thumb against its flesh. It should give just a bit. Most importantly, a mango should smell very fragrant. It should seem heavy for its size and should not be green if you plan on eating it right away.
2. Now, peel, pit and dice your mango (see how here).
3. Chop/dice a small red onion.
4. Finely chop 1 Jalapeño chile (leave the seeds if you want it spicy).
5. Peel and dice 1 small cucumber (need about 1 cup).
6. 3 tablespoons of cilantro (chop fresh leaves if at all possible).
7. 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
8. 1 medium avacado peeled and diced.
9. Dash of salt and pepper.
10. Combine all the ingredients and chill in the frig for about 30-minutes. Tastes great on the shrimp or even on tortilla chips or a fresh salad.

Now to my favorite steak recipe;

Purists are going to crindge, but believe it or not, this steak is cooked in a skillet on the stove!

1. I buy the tri-tip cut from Sam's Club. This cut will come in long narrow pieces that are about 1.5 inches think. You will need to probably cut each strip in half.
2. Place the cut of meat on a cutting board and pound with a tenderizing hammer until about 1/2 inch thick. This will tenderize the meat and the reduced thickness will make it cook very fast.
3. Let the meat marinate in Allegro (available at Sam's Club) for at least an hour in the refrigerator.
4. In a skillet, place a pad of butter and a spoon full of minced garlic (also available at Sam's Club).
5. Place the steaks into the butter and garlic and allow to cook for a few minutes over medium-high heat on each side (for medium rare - my personal favorite). Remove from the skillet and serve promptly.

That's it - enjoy!