Holidays, birthdays and other gift giving occasions are times to celebrate. But for the budget concious, these can be a reminder of the materialism and excess involved with finding the perfect and often pricey gift.
Why not show someone you care by whipping up a homemade meal? It's far less expensive then going out, won't be tossed aside unused because the recipient doesn't want or need it, and people appreciate the time and effort, not just the price tag. It is a far more genuine way to celebrate with someone. I remember once when I was young spending all day making a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake for my Mom's birthday. Even though it didn't turn out perfectly, I thought it was more memorable and thoughtful than going to the store and buying something. You get bonus points for remembering a person's favorite food, or something that they love but never make for themselves.
Here are a 2 menus that I've cooked for special occasions. They are specifically budget friendly and easy to prepare. I don't have pictures for the first menu but would be happy to share the recipes. The second one I cooked recently so will definitely share pictures with the recipes. It was also made almost entirely with local ingredients. (The lobster tail and duck breast were bought at Reading Terminal - I forgot to ask whether they were local or not.)
Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner
Ceviche with corn and avocado
Vegetable lasagna
Salad with apple, goat cheese and almonds
Molten chocolate lava cake (admittedly from Trader Joes)
Birthday Surprise Dinner
Salad of wild greens with oven dried tomatoes, roasted corn, crispy fried shallot rings and a steamed lobster tail
Roasted duck breast served with herb roasted potatoes and green beans
Orange bread pudding with dark chocolate and fresh blackberries
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