Snow Day Dinner Ideas for Romantic Days

You need

• 2 tbsp popcorn kernels
• 1 tbsp oil
• salt
• optional: butter, cinnamon-sugar

Method

1. Heat oil and 2–3 kernels in a lidded pan until they pop.
2. Add the rest, cover, shake until popping slows.
3. Tip out fast so it doesn't burn.
4. Season while hot.

You need

• 150g pasta
• 1 garlic clove
• splash cream or cream cheese
• handful peas or spinach
• parmesan
• salt, pepper

Method

1. Cook pasta in just enough salted water that it mostly absorbs.
2. Stir in garlic, cream and greens in the last 2 minutes.
3. Add parmesan and a splash of pasta water to loosen.
4. Season and serve.

You need

• cheeses
• cured meat or olives
• bread or crackers
• something sweet (grapes, jam)
• something pickled

Method

1. Aim for soft, hard and tangy cheeses.
2. Add a salty, a sweet and a sharp thing.
3. Spread it on a board so it looks generous.
4. Open something nice to drink.

You need

• 1 onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2–4 eggs
• bread to serve

Method

1. Soften chopped onion and garlic in oil.
2. Add spices, then tomatoes; simmer ~10 min until thick.
3. Make wells, crack in the eggs, cover and cook to your liking.
4. Serve straight from the pan with bread.

You need

• 1/2 cup macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• handful grated cheese
• salt, pepper

Method

1. Microwave pasta and water in a big mug 3–4 min, stirring once (watch it doesn't boil over).
2. Drain off excess water; stir in milk and cheese.
3. Microwave 30–60 sec more until creamy.
4. Season and eat from the mug.

You need

• good bread
• options: avocado + chilli + lemon / ricotta + honey / beans + cheese

Method

1. Toast the bread well.
2. Pick one topping set and pile it on.
3. Finish with salt, a squeeze of acid, or a drizzle of honey.
4. Eat warm.