birthday dinner for adults
Frances JanischA true adult birthday party doesn't need balloons, streamers and party hats -- it's all about a dignified, delicious dinner with good friends, sparkling conversation, lots of laughs, and great wine. A dinner with food that you love but would never bother to make for yourself. So here's an impressive and elegant birthday dinner sure to make your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or best friend feel deliciously special without feeling silly.

Our roster of birthday treats...

• French 75 Cocktail: Gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne come together for a light but festive (and potent!) cocktail.
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• Blue Cheese Walnut Toasts: Let's face it, you need to have an hors d'oeuvre to make it a party. Tangy blue cheese and walnuts give these simple nibbles a sophisticated flair.

• Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Mustard and Herbed Crumbs: A beef tenderloin is a filet mignon -- coating this rich cut of beef with crunchy golden crumbs highlights the meat's tenderness, and a horseradish and mustard combo gives it a zesty bite.

• Potato and Carrot Gratin: Potatoes and sweet carrots in a garlicky, cheesy sauce – what's not to love? Even better, you can bake this 1 day ahead and reheat it while the tenderloin is resting.

• Asparagus with Shallot Caper Vinaigrette: The key to cooking asparagus is to stop when they are just tender but still have a crisp bite. This silky dressing studded with capers and shallot really brings out their flavor.

• Brandied Caramel Apple Tart: Skip the cake -- guests will go wild for this impressive tart topped with caramelized apples in a cinnamon-scented brandy sauce. And using a few store-bought ingredients keeps the prep time down.

Related Video:

In this video, Gail Simmons shows you how to use phyllo dough to make an appetizer, main course and dessert that are all birthday-party worthy. When you're done watching, get her recipes here.