What do you get for $15,000 a plate?

Heather W. at Better Homes and Gardens

On May 13, President Obama will dine at the St. Regis in New York at a swanky, $15,000-a-plate Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser. According to GrubStreet.com, French Culinary Institute deans Alain Sailhac, André Soltner, Jacques Pépin, and legendary chocolatier Jacques Torres will prepare the meal. Below you'll find the rarefied menu along with delicious BHG.com recipes you can make tonight on a less, well, presidential scale:

Appetizer: Chilled Maine lobster with avocado and black radish in yuzu dressing

Our Lobster Tails with Chive Butter recipe is slightly less exotic but no less indulgent -- and can be prepared in under 30 minutes!


Main Course: Roasted filet mignon with truffle gift box potato

BHG.com's Filet Mignon recipe comes with a simple, savory portobello mushroom sauce.


And, OK, you might not be up for re-creating a "truffle gift box potato" but who can resist potatoes au gratin? This classic side gets a lift with fresh thyme: Thyme Potatoes au Gratin Recipe.


Side: Braised leeks and broccoli in Cabernet sauce

This easy Braised Broccoli recipe forsakes the hoity-toity Cabernet sauce in favor of a creamy orange-and-black-pepper preparation.


Dessert: Opera cake in mini chocolate oven and petit fours

In the off chance that you don't have a fleet of mini chocolate ovens handy, try our French Opera Fudge, a sweet and whimsical take on the traditional French opera cake.



Try our Bourbon-Brownie Petit Fours -- warning, they've got a kick! -- for a sweet finale.