True date nights are hard to come by for most couples, but they're absolutely necessary. You owe it to yourself--and to your partner. That's why the SizzleKey team is dedicated to making date nights easy, fun, and totally doable for you--every single week--with our At-Home Date Night Blog Series. Each Wednesday, we share a complete at-home date night plan, including delicious recipes, exciting icebreakers for dinner conversation, and thrilling after-meal festivities.
Ready for a night spent with your partner, really having fun--not just chatting about stuff like work, responsibilities, or the kids? Check out the latest installment of SizzleKey's At-Home Date Night Blog Series below, and make a sizzling date night happen for you!
"Young at Heart" Date Night
1.On the Menu: The Best Childhood Meal, All Grown Up
It's probably been way too long since you and your partner embraced your "inner kid." Think about it: When was the last time you truly let go of your adult self for an entire night? Well, tonight is your chance to turn back the hands of time--and revel in your rebellious stage just a little bit longer.
Enjoy a blast from the past by recreating your younger days for a romantic evening of troublemaking fun. To start, kick off the night with a grown-up twist on everyone's favorite meal as a kid: the cheeseburger. Try this delicious, easy recipe for sweet potato black bean burgers. Serve them with a hefty helping of fries or onion rings to get back in touch with your teenage selves! Whip up these tasty, indulgent sides by following one of these top recipes for crispy homemade fries and onion rings.
Pair your burgers with some ice cold beer to round out the laid-back, fun-loving theme of the night. Experts say that these five types of beer go best with a burger--check out the list and see which ones strike your fancy. To really set the mood for dinner, use Pandora to find the soundtrack of your early years. It might be a tribute to Prince, an 80s ballad medley, or a top 90s hit mix. Choose whatever brings you back to those high school summers--and press play!
2.Dinner Icebreaker: Back Then...
Since this night is a blast from the past, it's time to take the conversation way, way back. While you swig your beers and chow down on your burgers, take turns sharing coming-of-age stories with your partner.
What were some of the funniest, craziest, or most ridiculous things you did as a kid? How about as a teenager? Discuss as a couple...and don't keep any secrets! Answer these five questions to get the conversation started:
•Who was your first kiss?
•What was the craziest party you ever went to?
•What was the worst thing you ever did as a kid?
•When did you get in the most trouble during high school?
•If you could go back to one age, what would it be? Why?
3.After-Dinner Activity: Let the Games Begin
It wouldn't be a true blast from the past without a marathon session of board-game competition. Wipe the dust off the vintage box of Scrabble, Clue, Dominoes, or Sorry that's hiding in your closet...whatever your most beloved childhood board game was, break it out, and play to win.
Change the rules to spice things up! Play the game as usual--but every time one of you makes a wrong guess, a piece of clothing must come off. Or check out this list of five ways to spice up classic board games for an even naughtier spin. Once the competition is over, finish with an old-fashioned game of hide and seek, and see where the night takes you...
- Buy a six-pack of your favorite beer from this list
- Shop for the ingredients for sweet potato and black bean burgers:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cooked salted black beans, rinsed and well drained
- 1-1½ cups cooked brown rice
- ½ cup walnuts, very finely chopped
- ½ cup finely diced green onion
- 2½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Sliced avocado
- Sprouts, lettuce, or parsley
- Sliced onion
- If you decide to make fries or onion rings, shop for the necessary ingredients for the recipe you choose here
- Bring out your favorite childhood board game