Sabrina’s Money Matters

Winter is coming and there’s no better time than now to enjoy the fall weather, the beauty of the changing colors in nature and take your dates outside - where there’s free admission!

So this week, on each day I’m going to feature two date ideas that fall below $20 total for the date. This should be fun, no? I’ve noticed that of the readers here who have taken my poll on your age, that the majority of you are in the age range where you’re dating more than staying home and hanging with a spouse. Even if you are married these date ideas are going to be great for you because you can still watch your budget, maybe you make date night once a week and spend $20 once a week.

Or, maybe you’re a single person looking for love for the long term, or for the right now - whatever suits you. These ideas can help you have fun and still watch your pennies.

Date Number 1

Let’s start off with a romantic dinner by candelight, it’s raining here today, so we’ll just plan for a rainy night at your place, right? So pasta is our dinner recipe today, pasta is always a winner with women, we love it!

Torre Pasta Recipe courtesy Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Cafi, Stamford, CT

4 tablespoons of torre sauce, recipe follows
1/4 cup green bell peppers, chopped
1/4 cup onions, chopped
1/4 cup broccoli
1/4 cup carrots, julienne
12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
1/4 cup tomatoes, chopped
4 ounces chicken breast, blackened
Parmesan

In a saute pan slowly melt 4 tablespoons of torre sauce. Saute bell peppers and onions. Blanch broccoli and carrots then saute for 2 minutes. Add pasta, al dente heat for 5 minutes, add tomatoes. Place chicken breast on top of pasta. The dish is finally topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

Torre Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and white pepper, to taste
Pinch granulated onion
1 teaspoon Cajun spice
1 tablespoon chopped basil
2 tablespoons grated Romano

Bring butter to room temperature, blend everything together and refrigerate.

That’s a great pasta dinner idea, sounds delicious, simple to make and no meat to prepare so if you decided to take this dish on a picnic too - you could do so with no worry.

Feel free, of course, to substitute your own masterpiece.

I’m looking out for ya here so check it out, you have dinner prepared and some nice votive candles lit or even tealight candles in cute little candle holders with tealight candles that are scented with green tea or vanilla or something - try to figure out her (or his) favorite scent and get that kind, it appears thoughtful and planned, which is exactly what you’re going for.

Present the dinner on nice dishes (even if you have to borrow them) and eat by candlelight, talk about things like how beautiful she is - or how cute he is, etc. Before you know it you’ll be snuggling in the dark…and we all know what happens usually when dark and snuggling are involved, lol.

Okay, so our next date is a little more spontaneous, not as much planning involved…but that’s a good thing right?

Date Number 2

Go to your local winery or liquor store where there are wine tastings and talk to the people who know about wine, ask about a bottle or two you’ve picked up - that are less than $20. The key is having the bottle in hand - and asking someone about it so that you gain knowledge about that wine specifically.

When picking out a wine that will be sweet and taste good and not sit heavily on the stomach, you should usually stick with a blush, as they tend to be more palette friendly and pleasing by themselves. Most of the time you’re told to drink wine with food, as it brings out the flavors in the foods and that’s true, but they can be enjoyed alone as well.

So pick out a nice blush or even a white if you’re brave and get details about it from the wine connissour that is on staff - so that you have knowledge about what you’re drinking and can show off later.

Pick a nice park with a lot of trees and great grass to plan a stargazing date with wine. If you have a telescope this is a good time to make use of it. You’d be amazed at how much fun you’ll have with just you and her and some wine and stars. Simple living - simple fun, just don’t get caught doing naughty things in the park! LOL

Stay tuned all week for two new date ideas every day!
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