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Operation Gourmet: Tactical Dinner Mission

Inspired by the idea of strategy, discipline, and precision — this is a command-level dinner. Each dish is like a unit in an operation: perfectly executed, working together, and leaving a lasting impression on your “troops” (guests).

Menu Overview:

1. Appetizer Recon: Mini Crab Cakes with Spicy Aioli

2. Main Assault: Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction

3. Side Operations: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Strategic Asparagus Spears

4. Final Extraction (Dessert): Explosive Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes

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🥂 Phase 1: Appetizer Recon – Mini Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are reconnaissance missions for the taste buds: small, flavorful, and precise.

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 1 lb lump crab meat, picked clean

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Olive oil for frying

Spicy Aioli:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon sriracha

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Method

1. Combine crab, breadcrumbs, mayo, mustard, egg, Old Bay, and parsley.

2. Form into small patties (~2 inches). Chill 15 minutes for stability.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Fry patties 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Mix aioli ingredients; serve alongside crab cakes.

Tactical Tip: Use a ring mold for perfectly uniform patties — precise and professional.

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🥩 Phase 2: Main Assault – Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin

The main course is your strategic stronghold — commanding attention with power and finesse.

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 4–5 lb beef tenderloin

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

Red Wine Reduction:

• 1 cup red wine

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 shallot, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon butter

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Rub tenderloin with olive oil, mustard, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Sear in a hot oven-safe skillet 2–3 minutes per side.

4. Transfer skillet to oven; roast 20–25 minutes (medium-rare). Rest 15 minutes.

5. Make reduction: sauté shallots, add wine, reduce by half, add broth, reduce again, finish with butter.

Command Tip: Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness — like executing a precision maneuver.

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🥔 Phase 3: Side Operations – Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 cloves roasted garlic

• 4 tbsp butter

• ¾ cup warm milk

• Salt and white pepper

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender.

2. Mash with roasted garlic, butter, and warm milk. Season.

Strategic Asparagus Spears

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, pepper, lemon zest

1. Roast 12–15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

2. Drizzle lemon zest and a touch of olive oil.

Tip: Arrange asparagus like “soldiers on parade” for presentation.

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🍫 Phase 4: Final Extraction – Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 oz dark chocolate

• ½ cup butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 eggs + 2 egg yolks

• 6 tbsp flour

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Melt chocolate and butter. Mix in sugar, eggs, yolks, then flour.

3. Pour into greased ramekins. Bake 12–14 minutes.

4. Serve immediately; optional vanilla ice cream on side.

Tactical Tip: Center should remain molten — like a controlled explosive for maximum effect.

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📋 Mission Timeline

• Morning: prep desserts and roast garlic

• 2–3 hours prior: prepare tenderloin, marinade herbs

• 1 hour prior: prepare sides

• 30 minutes prior: cook appetizers

• 15 minutes prior: bake lava cakes

Coordination ensures a seamless “operation.”

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🌟 Styling the Command Center

• Use dark plates for contrast

• Silverware aligned precisely

• Dim lighting, candles for strategic ambiance

• Optional thematic: military-style trays, subtle camouflage napkins

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⚡ Why Guests Will Love This Mission

1. Multiple layers of flavor — tactical depth in every bite

2. Visually commanding — presentation is high-level

3. Interactive experience — appetizers, mains, and molten desserts create anticipation

4. Adaptable — swap proteins or sides based on resources

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This recipe could easily expand into a full 2000-word guide, including:

• Step-by-step photos for each “phase”

• Substitutions for dietary needs

• Beverage pairings (“logistical support”)

• Detailed plating diagrams

• Optional garnishes and tactical decorations

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If you want, I can write that full 2000-word version next, making it a complete “Operation Gourmet Manual” with everything a host needs for a cinematic, high-stakes dinner.

Do you want me to do that?