Joe is the Only Man I Need

Well...that may not be completely true but when I want to impress that special someone Trader Joe's is my one stop shop for everything I need to cook a delicious (and healthy!) meal on a budget.

(Trader Joe's on 14th St near Union Square)

My favorite date night meal is Chicken Marsala with a side of Asparagus and Roasted Garlic Crostini. 

That may seem like a lot of food but my recipes below make enough for 4 people (or 2 very hungry daters) and they will cost you about $20 total! 

$20! That's such a bargain that you'll have enough money in your pocket to head over to the Trader Joe's Wine Store for a lovely bottle to go with your dinner. They have a great selection of wines under $10 so feel free to stock up.

Now, I know Chicken Marsala sounds a little intimidating but I'll let you in on a little secret, it is a lot easier than you think. The trick is all about the timing.  This entire meal will take about an hour to prepare from start to finish but there is a lot of down time which leaves plenty of room for chatting over a glass of wine.

Start with the...

ROASTED GARLIC CROSTINI

Ingredients

2 heads garlic

1 tsp olive oil

1 multigrain baguette, cut into pieces on the diagonal

olive oil spray 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Cut the top off of the garlic exposing the inner cloves. Place garlic, cut side up, on a piece of tin foil.

3. Pour olive oil into the heads of garlic, wrap with foil, and put in the oven.

4. Roast for 45 minutes or until garlic has the consistency of softened butter.

5. Arrange baguette pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer, lightly spray then with olive oil spray.

6. Around the 35 minute mark on the garlic, add baking sheet with baguettes into the oven.  Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp on the outside. If timed correctly the garlic and crostini should finish cooking at the same time.

Around the 35 minute mark you should also begin preparing the Chicken Marsala.  

CHICKEN MARSALA

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into four 4oz pieces

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup Marsala wine

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth, low-fat

1/2 Tbsp butter

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine flour, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag. Add chicken and shake until chicken is coated with flour mixture.

3. Create room in the middle of the skillet and add chicken. Saute until chicken is golden, about 3 minutes on each side.

4. Add wine, cook 1-2 minutes.

5. Add broth, cook uncovered until chicken is cooked through and tender. About 8-10 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to low and simmer an additional 5 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken.

7. Stir in butter and serve.

ASPARAGUS

1 bunch asparagus, washed, ends cut off

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

red pepper flakes, as much as you like depending on your spice preference

olive oil spray

1. After taking the garlic and crostini out of the oven, increase temperature to 450 degrees.

2. Spray baking sheet with olive oil spray

3. Arrange asparagus on tray in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with seasonings.

4. Roast in oven for 10 minutes or until asparagus are bright green and tender but still have some crunch.

This meal is sure to stun even your most devoted fan.  The chicken is tender and rich while the asparagus bring a brightness to the plate.  Don't fret about eating too much garlic on a date either, after being in the oven for 45 minutes the roasted garlic becomes silky smooth and sweet.  Plus, the crostini are perfect for sopping up all of the extra sauce from the chicken.

Happy Dating!