Chris, my main squeeze, and I spend a lot of time dealing with the public in our day-to-day jobs, which means, when “Date Night” comes around, he and I like to hide out in our house and spend time with just each other. (“Date Night” also means that I get to hijack the kitchen and get to work.)
Cooking for me is a release of energy that I have yet to find another release like. With that said, when I can cook for people, especially someone I love like Christopher, I am releasing a negative energy and gaining so much more positivity by knowing that I am making him happy through his belly. Don’t get me wrong!!! I love a good meal too…so satisfying myself, is a (secret/not-so-secret) bonus.
Recently, Chris and I took a trip to the beach with a couple of friends and I have been on a seafood “kick” ever since. At one of our dinner spots, I ordered steak with a seafood and cheese sauce topping with a baked potato. Needless to say, I ate everything and walked away with a pregnant, seafood and steak belly. That meal was one of the best I have had all year, which is why it inspired me for my first “Date Night” recipe. New York Strip with roasted shrimp and cheese sauce, served with twice baked loaded red potatoes.

2 tbsp
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
1 tsp Parsley
1 tsp Rosemary
Generously coat New York strips with olive oil; this will help tenderize the meat as well as, allow the seasoning to stick to the meat Once coated, add salt and paper, 1/2 tsp parsley, and 1/2 tsp rosemary to one side. Flip the steak and coat the other side with the rest of the ingredients.
Steaks can be marinated ahead of time and placed back in the refrigerator. Before cooking, let steaks stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
For a medium rare steak, coon on medium, to medium high grill for about four-five minutes on each side.
Remove the steaks, cover with aluminum foil and let steaks rest for about ten minutes before serving.
1/2 lb of roasted shrimp-see recipe
1 1/4 c whipping cream
1 c Mozzarella
2 c Pepper Jack
1 c Parmesan
1 tsp Parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter
3 Peppercinni
In medium skillet, heat whipping cream and butter to a simmer.
Add parsley, shrimp, salt and pepper and let simmer for about three-four minutes.
Add cheeses until all cheeses are melted and mixed together thoroughly.

3 Large Red Potatoes
2 tbsp melted butter
salt and pepper
Coat potatoes in melted butter and salt and pepper evenly. Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil and bake on 450 degrees for 45 minutes.
Once baked, allow to cool for about 15 minutes. Cut each potato in half and remove insides of potatoes with a spoon and put in a medium size bowl. Place halves back on baking sheet.
Potato Stuffing
Potato removed from halves
1/4 c milk
1/4 c Swiss cheese
1/4 c parmesan
1/4 c mozzarella
1/4 c bacon crumbs
1 tbsp butter
In a medium mixing bowl that potatoes are already in, add butter, milk, mozzarella cheese, Swiss cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and spoon back into halved red potatoes. Once all potatoes have stuffing, sprinkle bread crumbs, parmesan, and bacon crumbles on top. Bake on 375 for 20 minutes. Broil for crispier top.

