weekend dinner party

Photo courtesy of Kerry Saretsky of Serious Eats

The temperature is supposed to be on a steady rise this week and into the weekend and you don't even need me to tell you how ridiculously happy this makes me.

But, just to reiterate, this makes me infinitely happy. Permanent smile glued across my face. And I'm rockin' a dress with boots and...wait for it...no tights! Bring it, Spring. Kiira's ready for ya.

So how about a light and bright and crazy thoughtful date night this weekend? Oui, oui!

A Wine Lover's Meal for Two

bibb lettuce and orange salad with shallot vinaigrette

spaghetti cooked in white wine with leeks and cream

french chenin blanc or new zealand sauvignon blanc

peaches (or strawberries) soaked in sauternes and topped with creme fraiche

Alright, listen. This menu is so seriously legit that I don't suggest making it for someone you're not entirely interested in. Because once this is served up, it's game, set, match. No doubt.

It's simple in its approach: a lovely salad and a bowl of spaghetti. Which means at first glance it will like you didn't have try too hard (and you don't need to. you'll dazzle with your personality) but at first bite, he or she will now know otherwise. Because the way in which this spaghetti is cooked (in a bubbling bath of white wine) is over-the-top indulgent and luxurious when finished with leeks, a little cream and parmesan. While the recipe calls for chervil (good luck finding it), you can totally go parsley here.

Arrange a few leaves of delicate, buttery Bibb lettuce on a plate and top with a few orange segments. Lightly drizzle with a shallot vinaigrette (my basic vinaigrette but subbing shallot for the garlic) and it's Springtime romance on a plate.

Dessert is really special too. Slice up some peaches, strawberries, or quite frankly whatever looks best to you, add them to a clear glass, top with a healthy pour of sweet Sauternes and finish it with a little dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream (sour cream will set you back far less than creme fraiche). It will send shivers down your spine. And that lucky date of yours.

Did it just get hot in here?

Music Recommendation: Kings of Leon CD. On repeat.