Romantic dinners for two

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - Preparing a romantic dinner for two might seem expensive and daunting, but it can be much more intimate and cheaper than a night on the town. Bill Collins, who is better known as Chef Bill, showed us some great recipes that are easier to make than you might think.

Rib Eye Steaks with Red Wine and Bleu Cheese
4 8 ounce rib-eye steaks (each about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons, plus one tablespoon, unsalted butter
¼ cup (approximately) red wine
¼ cup crumbled bleu cheese (bleu, gorgonzola, etc)
Salt and pepper
Preparation:
1. Place steaks in shallow dish. Rub olive oil all over steaks. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the skillet over a medium-high heat, and add the steaks. Sauté/sear the steaks until cooked to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer steaks to plates; tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. With the pan on high heat, deglaze with the 2 tablespoons of the red wine. When the browned bits are scraped from the pan, add the remaining wine, and reduce the heat to medium.
4. Add the bleu cheese. When the sauce has thickened, season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Spoon the sauce over the steaks and serve.

Bananas Foster
4 firm bananas, sliced in half length-wise, or cut on the bias, 1/2” thick
1/4 cup (half a stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup rum
vanilla ice cream
Preparation:
1. In a large skillet over a medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the sugar. Continue to stir, until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the bananas, and continue to spoon the syrup over the bananas, until the bananas are heated through.
3. While the bananas are heating, add the lemon juice.
4. When the bananas are heated through, add the rum* to the pan, and gently simmer for 1 minute.

Romantic Dinners for Two In Five Simple Steps:
1. Remember the candles
2. Keep the menu simple
3. Keep the sink clean
4. Keep dessert simple
5. Relax