Romantic Italian Date Night Dinner

The Morning Of

• Bake Tiramisu Bars (if served) or Raspberry Mousse Brownies (if served).
• Roast the garlic and tomatoes for Mostaccioli with Roasted Tomato and Garlic; cover and let stand at room temperature.
• Cook bell peppers as directed in Do-Ahead Tip of Camembert with Balsamic Bell Peppers; cover and refrigerate.
• Rinse and crisp fresh spinach (if needed) for Italian Spinach and Mushroom Salad; cover and refrigerate.
• Chill club soda for Italian Sodas (if served).

About 15 Minutes Before Serving Appetizer

• Bake cheese for Camembert with Balsamic Bell Peppers.
• Heat water for cooking pasta for Mostaccioli with Roasted Tomato and Garlic; keep warm.

Just Before Serving Appetizer

• Finish assembling Camembert with Balsamic Bell Peppers.
• Mix Italian Sodas (if served).

About 15 Minutes Before Serving Main Course

• Make Mostaccioli with Roasted Tomato and Garlic, starting with step 3.

Just Before Serving Salad

• Make Italian Spinach and Mushroom Salad.

About 15 Minutes Before Serving Dessert

• Remove selected dessert from refrigerator; prepare coffee (if served).

One, Two, Three, Four

• Savor time alone by stretching out the meal to four courses. It is what Italians do. Take turns serving each other as if you were dining out in a fine restaurant.
• Explore a wine or two from Italy or in the Italian style, maybe choosing one that is a value and one more pricey. Dining at home means no inflated wine prices and no one need be the designated driver!

Bring Back That Special Song

• That special song, once you hear it, you're automatically brought back to the day you met, your first date, your first kiss, or your wedding day. Get a copy of your special song on CD or download, if you don't already have it, and play it during the meal as a surprise. You might want to bury it between other romantic melodies so your dinner is filled with special background music. When your song plays, it will be a surprise to you both! Why not interrupt your meal with a dance? It's very romantic!

Nibble Decadent Chocolate

• Pick up some good fancy chocolate from a candy store or gourmet shop. Place a small doily on each dessert plate. Place a Tiramisu Bar or wedge of the Raspberry Mousse Brownies on the doily, along with a chocolate or two.
• For an extra-indulgent dessert experience, serve cups of cappuccino or espresso, too. Sprinkle cappuccino with cocoa.