Call me a sucker for love. That’s just what I am. So when it comes to setting the mood for that special someone, I’m pretty confident in my ability to find creative ways to express my feelings. So for the sake of discussion, let’s just say that I wanted to prepare a special “I Love You” dinner. Back in the day, the majority of my attention would be focused on finding sexy dessert and cocktail ideas aimed at capping the night off in a “meaningful” way. Wrong move. As my methods matured though, I learned that it wasn’t the cherry on top that deserved the greater part of my attention … it was the entrée. It’s with this understanding in mind that I’ve decided to share this recipe for a creamy Cajun chicken pasta. Do this right and I guarantee that by the end of the night … well, I won’t spoil it for you.

Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
4 ounces linguine, cooked al dente
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 thinly sliced green onion
1-2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat.

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in butter or margarine until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through.

Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese.

With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, I think it’s time for me to once again share a recipe out of my trusted Fly Guy cookbook. So if your plans include a romantic evening at home, try this pomegranate-orange martini. It should serve as the perfect nightcap.

Hands on time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Serves: 12
Ingredients:
2 cups pomegranate juice
1 1/2 cups vodka
1 cup grenadine
1 cup fresh blood orange juice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Instructions:

In a pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, vodka, grenadine, orange juice and lime juice. Serve over ice.
Nutrition:

Per serving: 157 calories (percent of calories from fat, 1), trace protein, 24 grams carbohydrates, trace fiber, trace fat (no saturated), no cholesterol, 18 milligrams sodium.

Here’s a Fly way to get your date involved in the dessert making process.

1star fruit (carambola), cubed
1/4 papaya, peeled and cubed
1/4 pineapple, peeled and cubed
I cup dark rum
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 dozen wooden skewers, 5 to 10 inches in length

Combine star fruit, papaya, and pineapple cubes in a flat bowl. Add rum and cover with plastic wrap, chill for 1 to 2 hours.

In separate bowls, place fruit and brown sugar. Put on a table next to the grill with bamboo skewers. Have each guest spear pieces of fruit, roll them in brown sugar, and hold over grill until surface glazes and lightly browns.

Cool slightly before eating.

Makes 2 servings

I decided to broaden your horizons this week by sharing with you another fly way to strengthen that bond between you and that special someone in your life. Nothing screams romance more than a nice candlelit home-cooked meal.

This fish recipe should excite your date’s taste buds, and trigger endless possibilities for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy!

2 ounce Red Snapper fillets
1/4 cup Hellmans mayonnaise
1/4 cup softened butter
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons green onion, chopped
3 dashes Tabasco

Place the fish in a lightly buttered baking dish with skin side down. Bake at 425 for 12 to 15 minutes per inch of thickness.
Mix all of the remaining ingredients together. When done (check center of fish) spread mixture over top of fish. Broils until top is brown and bubbly.

Perfect for 2.