This is an easy but slightly fancy dinner to make for a special occasion when you don’t have a lot of time or even for an intimate Valentine’s Day celebration.
Easy “Slightly Fancy” Dinner
The Menu
Seriously, Trader Joe’s has stepped up their game in the meat department. The prime filet mignon is pricey but really good. They are small so not so bad if you are watching your red meat intake.
Menu
Baby Kale Salad with Grape Tomatoes
and Home-made Croutons
Green Beans (Haricots Verts) with Walnuts and Lemon
Marinated Filet Mignon with
Creamed Horseradish Sauce
Homemade Croutons
When we have a partially leftover baguette, I put it in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer so that I can make fresh croutons whenever I want.
Home-made Croutons (they are so much better than most packaged ones):
- When frozen, I put it in the microwave for 20 seconds to thaw.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Cut the baguette into cubes (I use scissors).
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt and pepper.
- Toast in oven for about 8 minutes (but keep an eye on them!) until browned.
Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Mix two tablespoons of sour cream with one tablespoon horseradish.
Make more if you need it. I like to serve it on the plate in a little bowl.
Decant your red wine (have a sip… uh oh, CHECK THE CROUTONS). I bought this one as the label looked good (and it wasn’t expensive). And it’s good.
French Green Beans With Lemon and Walnuts
These haricots verts with walnuts and lemon were inspired by
Annie from Most Lovely Things. Mine is slightly different.
Haricots Verts with Lemon and Walnuts
- add two tablespoons of walnut oil and one tablespoon olive oil to the pan on medium/high heat.
- throw in the green beans and one lemon, cut in half, cut side down on the pan.
- cook the beans, tossing occasionally for 6 or 7 minutes or until some are slightly browned.
- remove from heat.
- Add a handful of walnuts, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Squeeze the lemon juice from the cooked lemons all over.
- Leave at room temperature until ready to serve.
Filet Mignon Cooked in a Cast-iron skillet
Marinate the steak in Dale’s marinade for at least 45 minutes.
It’s fantastic!
If you live in the South, you can probably find it in your grocery store. Here in California, we can get it on Amazon. We use the low sodium version. You can grill the steak or cook in a cast-iron skillet.
Toss the salad with a simple vinaigrette and serve!
Perhaps have your easy, slightly fancy dinner in the living room to mix things up.
And for dessert, you could simply do ice cream with warm caramel sauce.
You may also like Steps For A Simple French Dinner And Special Valentine Cards
Thanks for visiting!
Dinner looks delicious! I live in Birmingham Al where Dale’s seasoning started. Dale’s Cellar and Hideaway, were great restaurants when I was a child.
Great stuff, I am a newbie and so glad I signed up
Me too, Linda!