Do you have 15 minutes? Then you can serve a delicious salad, hearty entrée, full bodied wine, and decadent dessert by candlelight...and all for less than $25! Most people today are watching their budget and eating out less. But this doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice elegance or romance. It just takes a little creativity and planning. Here are the steps for an easy and romantic dinner that I recently prepared. Enjoy!

Since I am all about one-stop shopping, it took me just minutes to find all of the following items at my local Trader Joe's. The key to planning well, is to make a list ahead of time, so that you can get in and out of a store in just minutes. Here is the list for the dinner described:

• Bears Lair Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $3.99
• Spinach Salad with Bleu Cheese, Pecans, and Cranberries $4.99
• Chicken Gorgonzola $6.99
• Chocolate Lava Cakes $2.79
• Dripless Danish Candles (8) $2.70

BEARS LAIR CABERNET SAUVIGNON: I discovered this wine when seeking a recommendation for a moderately priced wine for a cocktail party I was hosting. Somewhat of an enophile, I was a bit taken back by the price, but once I tasted it, I was hooked. Bears Lair is a surprise....a quality Napa Valley wine that is medium bodied and lighter than most cabernets. One reviewer put it well when he said, "This little bear shares a bold fruity nose, heavy with dark berries, black Pekoe tea, pink pepper, tobacco and toffee. On the palate, juicy tart cherry dominates through the whole experience into a lingering, slightly off dry, fairly balanced, toasty oak finish."

SPINCAH SALAD WITH BLEU CHEESE, TOASTED PECANS AND CRANBERRIES: This salad can be found in the "prepared salad" refrigerator section. One container is plenty for two servings. And the best part is, it includes everything...spinach, cranberries, candied pecans, bleu cheese, and a sweet and delicious dressing.

CHICKEN GORGONZOLA: This is both an elegant and delicious entre that just takes minutes to prepare. It is moist, flavorful, and developed by a world renowned chef. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this dish. Yet it is the combination of Portobello mushrooms, vine-ripened tomatoes, toasted walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese, that make the flavor memorable. The process of being flash frozen, allows for incredible ease of preparation. Chicken Gorgonzola can be heated in the microwave in a mere eight minutes and still taste like you spent hours in prep time. (You can, of course, heat it in a conventional oven if you prefer.) Each 18.5 ounce package contains two generous servings.

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES: You can find this decadent dessert in the frozen foods section at Trader Joes. One box contains two individual cakes. The outer cake layer is appropriately dense and lusciously chocolatey while the inner molten section is a cross between fudge sauce and chocolate pudding. The result is complete satisfaction. (Serve alone or with ice cream and berries.)

DRIPLESS DANISH CANDLES (8 TAPERS): These candles are one of the best buys I have found in long lasting, dripless candles. One package of 8 tapers will more than provide the necessary soft lighting for a romantic dinner.

PLAN AHEAD: Although surprises are fun, it is best to let your significant other anticipate your romantic evening together. That simply means making sure that he or she is available at a specific time. (See below for a creative idea.)

GETTING IN THE MOOD: As mentioned above, it only takes a few minutes to prepare yourself in such a way that you feel comfortable and attractive. This will bolster your confidence and ability to enjoy your special evening. Turn on the music you have chosen, as you prepare for your evening.

SET THE TABLE: Noted before, you should have an idea of the type of table you'd like to set. The process of doing so, should only take you a few minutes.

TOSS THE SALAD AND HEAT THE MAIN COURSE: Heat the chicken while you toss the salad ingredients. (Prep time: approximately 8 minutes)

LIGHT THE CANDLES AND POUR THE WINE: This should only take you a few minutes.

HEAT DESSERT AND SERVE: When you are finished with your meal and ready for dessert, follow the easy heat and serve directions. (Prep time: approximately 4 minutes)

Now that you are inspired, figure out the best evening to have your dinner. Send this beautiful video, with a short and romantic invitation, including the date and time, in your message.