What better way to say "I care" than to prepare a romantic dinner for the one you love? Many of us get caught up in the day to day routines, so a romantic dinner can be the perfect way to relax and enjoy the company of that someone special. It also provides a stellar opportunity to not only make someone's favorite dish, but add romantic touches through the whole evening.

Dinner for two.... what could be more romantic?

- Prepare It Yourself

Stuffed chicken breasts are always a winner. Delicious. Easy to prepare. And full of all those things that make the heart go zing.

Ingredients:

2 medium chicken breast halves
1 tart apple
3/8 cup apple cider
2 oz Brie
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pre-heat the oven to 400?F/200?C. Separate the chicken skin from the breast. While waiting for the oven to heat, prepare the stuffing.

Warm a skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Chop up the apple and add, along with the cider, salt and pepper, and the thyme. Cook for about 5 minutes.

Now stuff the chicken breasts by folding in the ingredients under the loosened skin, including the Brie. Put everything into a 13 in. x 9 in. baking dish and cook for 35-40 minutes.

For dessert, make life easy on yourself. Go for the Tiramisu.

Ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese
1 pkg vanilla instant pudding
1 square of semi-sweet baking chocolate
1-1/2 cups cold milk
1/3 cup French Roast coffee
6 oz. Ladyfingers

Beat the cream cheese until it's softened and gooey. Add in the milk and continue blending, then pour on the dry pudding mix. Blend for 1 minute. Sprinkle on the ladyfingers and top with coffee.

Layer a 9-in baking dish with ladyfingers, followed by pudding mix until the ingredients are used up. Refrigerate for an hour.

Flowers, candles and a great bottle of wine are obvious touches, but why not try some of these ideas...
* put in a CD of some classical, jazz or other romantic music (maybe "your song") and dance in the living room
* prior to the night, make a list of all the things you love about your honey, buy an inexpensive (yet attractive) frame, and display it on the table as a surprise.
* sprinkle confetti, rose petals or little glass charms (found in party supply stores) all over the table
* grab a copy of a favorite movie you both enjoy and make up a game... pick a common phrase, action or scene and kiss each time it occurs ("Groundhog Day" is a movie which will reap the many benefits!).

- Have It Done For You

If you simply don't have the time (or the knack) to cook, there's always surprising your sweetie with an impromptu dinner out at a fine restaurant. You can rent a ride in a Rolls Royce for the evening and be treated like the cream of society. Then go in and have some (cream, that is) in the form of cream in your coffee, halibut in cream sauce, or whipped cream on dessert.

Or, stay in and have the meal prepared by a professional chef. There are lots of freelancers around that will be happy to cater or prepare a meal on the spot. Add a server and you and your honey can enjoy the special restaurant treatment without stepping outside the house. That leaves you that much more time for the after dinner celebration.