🥩 Garlic Herb Butter Steak

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 10–12 min

Total Time: ~25 min

Ingredients

2 Ribeye or Filet Mignon steaks (6–8 oz each)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, smashed

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

(Optional) 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine for pan sauce

Instructions

Remove steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.

Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat. Add olive oil.

Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for preferred doneness).

In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan.

Tilt the pan and spoon the melted herb butter over the steaks continuously.

(Optional) Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar or red wine and reduce briefly.

Remove steaks, rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.

🥔 Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Total Time: ~35 min

Ingredients

3–4 Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 small bulb garlic

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ cup butter

½ cup heavy cream or whole milk

Salt, to taste

Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes.

Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Squeeze out roasted garlic into the pot.

Add butter and cream (warm them for best results), and mash until smooth.

Season to taste with salt. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

🥦 Balsamic-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Total Time: ~35 min

Ingredients

½–1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1–2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

(Optional) ¼ cup chopped pancetta, bacon, or walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add pancetta or nuts if using.

Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes and toss to coat.

Serve warm.

🍫 Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 10–12 min

Total Time: ~25 min

Ingredients

4 oz dark chocolate (60–70%)

½ cup unsalted butter

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

¼ cup sugar

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

(Optional) Vanilla ice cream or raspberry sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter and flour two ramekins.

Melt chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave. Let cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale and thick.

Stir in melted chocolate mixture, then gently fold in flour.

Divide batter between ramekins and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but center is soft.

Let rest 1 minute, invert onto plates, and serve immediately with ice cream or sauce.