Date Night In

Last month, date night for us was a total budget buster. We dropped the kids off at the local indoor playground ($45), had supper ($60), and then didn’t know what to do with ourselves (ended up as $8 ice cream). At the end of a busy week, making another drive into town and being organized took a lot out of us both mentally and financially. Although we appreciated having conversation without kids screaming through it, this doesn’t fit in our budget on a regular basis. At least, not nearly as much as we would want to – at least monthly – as opposed to 3x a year.

So, it was time to get creative. When we go out on our dates, we typically order appetizers. There’s no real reason. I think it feels slightly naughty not to order what you should. Plus on date night, you don’t have to be a responsible adult showing good nutrition so we tend to have some treats. Why not?

Our next date night, I planned to have it at our house. I lined up 4 finger food recipes that you can make ahead or make within 15 minutes. 

4 Quick Finger Food Recipes

These recipes are meant to be simple so you can get to the date with your partner quickly in those precious moments right after the kids’ bedtime. Pull up a chair at the kitchen table and connect, or throw down a blanket in one of your living spaces and make it into a picnic party. 

Charcuterie Bites

Items Needed:

• small sausage of gypsy salami
• havarti cheese
• your favourite olive
• toothpicks

All of the yumminess of a whole platter! Cut havarti and salami into 0.25″ block chunks. Stack cheese, meat and olive and spear with a toothpick. Easy to make in advance.

Ultra Thin Crust Pizza Slices

This crispy, topping-loaded pizza is perfect for his n’ hers on date night. My husband chose Roasted Mushroom with Garlic, while I added in just a few extra veggies with the Spinach & Provolone. Pop the pizza on to your favourite cooking sheet or right on the oven rack, bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.

Burger Bites

Items Needed:

• package of fully cooked angus meatballs
• marble cheese block
• package of cherry tomatoes
• romaine lettuce
• toothpicks

Our little take on a slider couldn’t be easier. Slide meatballs in the oven with the pizza slices to warm according to package directions (about 12 minutes). Cut cheese block bites and lettuce into 0.25″ squares. Make in advance by sliding lettuce, tomato and cheese on to stick leaving about half of the end sticking out. Chill in fridge until ready to use or meatballs are warmed!

Cucumber and Cherry Tomato Stacks

Items Needed:

• 1 english cucumber
• remainder of package of cherry tomatoes
• toothpicks

Let’s inject just a little bit of veggie goodness in here. Peel 3 strips off of your cucumber to make this neat stripe design. Chop into 0.25″ round slices. Stack a cherry tomato on top and spear with toothpick. 

Do you have any other recipes that have worked well for you for Date Night In? We’d love to hear them below in the comments!

This blog post was sponsored by Dr. Oetker but the opinions are completely my own based on my experience.