If you're dreaming of a dinner that looks fancy but feels effortless, you're in the right place. Whether you're hosting friends, planning a special occasion, or just want to spoil your own taste buds, this menu delivers all the wow with none of the stress.
We're talking:
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Cheesy Baked Zucchini Gratin ๐ฟ
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Garlic-Herb Beef Tenderloin Medallions ๐ฅฉ
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Lemon Basil Panna Cotta ๐
Let's cook like you're the star of your own cooking show, shall we?
๐ง Cheesy Baked Zucchini Gratin
What It Is:
Thin-sliced zucchini layered with creamy garlic sauce and a decadent mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—then baked until bubbling and golden.
๐ Ingredients:
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6–8 medium zucchini, sliced thin
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1½ cups heavy cream
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella
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¾ cup grated Parmesan
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp butter or olive oil
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Fresh basil (chopped)
๐จ๐ณ Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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Sautรฉ garlic in butter or olive oil, then add cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Layer zucchini, cheese, and sauce like a lasagna; repeat until all ingredients are used.
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Top it off with extra cheese and bake for 30 minutes. Broil for a golden finish.
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Garnish with fresh basil and optional lemon zest or a hint of truffle oil.
๐ก Pro Tip:
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set into the perfect, scoopable texture.
๐ฅฉ Garlic-Herb Beef Tenderloin Medallions
What It Is:
Juicy, perfectly seared beef medallions basted with butter, garlic, and herbs. Basically, steakhouse magic without the reservation.
๐ Ingredients:
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8 beef tenderloin medallions (about 6 oz each)
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp chopped rosemary or thyme
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3 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp butter
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Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt & Black Pepper
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Optional: Red wine or balsamic for quick pan sauce
๐จ๐ณ Instructions:
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Season beef generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
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Rub with garlic and herbs, then sear in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
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Baste with butter, then finish in a 400°F oven for 5–8 mins (135°F for med-rare).
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Rest steaks before slicing or serving.
๐ท Optional Pan Sauce:
Deglaze pan with wine or balsamic, reduce, whisk in butter = instant fancy.
๐ Lemon Basil Panna Cotta
What It Is:
Smooth, chilled Italian dessert flavored with lemon zest and fresh basil—light, creamy, and perfect for make-ahead enjoyment!
๐ Ingredients:
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup sugar
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2½ tsp gelatin
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¼ cup cold water
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6–8 fresh basil leaves
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๐จ๐ณ Instructions:
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Bloom gelatin in water (let it sit for 5 minutes).
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Warm cream, milk, sugar, and zest. Add basil and steep 10 minutes.
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Stir in gelatin until melted. Add vanilla.
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Strain and pour into glasses or ramekins.
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Chill 4+ hours until set.
✨ Fancy Touches:
Top with berries, lemon peel, basil, or a drizzle of honey.
๐ง Why It Works: Seasoning Matters
Both the Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt and Watkins Organic Ground Black Pepper bring out deeper, more decadent flavors in every dish. They're the secret weapon in making these simple ingredients taste 5-star.
๐ฅ Hosting Tips:
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Make panna cotta the night before—it's chillin' while you're cookin'.
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Zucchini can be sliced early and stored in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.
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Medallions only require a quick sear and bake, making them ideal for last-minute meals.
๐ Pin It. Save It. Cook It.
This menu is fancy enough for date night, fun enough for a dinner party, and foolproof for anyone who wants to look like a pro in the kitchen. If you make it, don't forget to tag #DinnerWithWatkins or share the love on Pinterest!
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
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