Imagine candlelight dinner for two in under 30 minutes ... and less than $3.50 per person!

OK, so now you're intrigued. Is it Burger King or McDonalds. Buzz! Wrong on both accounts. Let's face it, McDonalds and Burger King - and for all you Europeans out there, I include Wimpy's in this list, won't serve you dinner for less than $4.99 per person. Forget about all those fancy restaurants, multiply that by 10. You're probably at home right now, the place where $3.50 will get you an entree and a salad in less than 30 minutes (and you'll even have extra time to light the candles).

It doesn't get much more romantic than to serve your special someone Rock Shrimp Linguine in a light cream sauce and a nice tossed salad of greens, all under candlelight. This is such a simple dish to make and there are probably dozens of versions out there, but this one's my favorite. Needing few ingredients, this dish marries the wonderful textures of fresh linguine with the savory flavors of rock shrimp and garlic, tying it all with a delicate cream sauce that will have you coming back for more. As in France, renew the palate with a refreshing crisp bed of green lettuce drizzled with olive oil. Depending on where you live, this really can be had for between $3.50 and $4.00 per person. The West Coast of the U.S. offers these prices for two:

8 oz. of fresh rock shrimp = $3.50 ($6.99 per pound)
12 oz. of fresh linguine = $1.99
1 medium shallot = $0.20
3 cloves of garlic = $0.15
1/4 cup of parsley = $0.08
1/3 cup of half n half = $0.30
2 tablespoons of olive oil = $0.15
2 tablespoons of butter = $0.30
Salt and pepper to taste = (you've got to be kidding, right?)

Total for the Entree = $6.67 (for two)

3 cups of lettuce = $0.45
2 tablespoons of olive oil = $0.15

TOTAL Cost = $7.27 for two

OK, so I'm over budget by 27 cents, but aren't both of you worth it? Let's get started before we're no long "in the mood". Thinly slice your garlic  and finely chop the shallot and the parsley. Three cups of lettuce is probably equal to about 10 leaves roughly cut by hand. Get all those things prepared.

In a small pot, get about 8 cups of water to a slow boil. In a medium sauce pan, heat the oil over medium high heat. Saute the shallots and garlic for about 1 1/2 minutes. Add the rock shrimp, turning the heat to medium, stir and saute for about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the butter; when butter is melted, add the half n half and stir well. While this is happening, add the fresh linguine to the boiling water and turn that heat to high. Back to the rock shrimp, now add the parsley and salt and pepper to taste. After 90 seconds has passed, your pasta is ready. With a set of tongs, take the pasta out of the water and add it to the saute pan. Stir well so that the ingredients are perfectly incorporated. The extra water that was left on the pasta will also help to keep sauce moist and from drying or getting too thick.

Portion out 2 equal parts on dinner plates, light the candles and enjoy this savory dish. If you want, you may sprinkle a bit of grated Parm or Gruyere, but not too much, you want the flavors not to be drowned out.  When finished, soak the lettuce leaves in cold water for a couple of minutes, drain and place in a bowl. Add your salt and pepper as well as the olive oil and toss lightly. Enjoy your romantic evening.