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Culinary Conquistador
They say the surest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. And no woman can resist a man who knows his way around the kitchen. Why deny it? A well-prepared meal is a demonstration of love. This February, find your inner cook and become a culinary genius. A delicious meal is the surest way to feed your hungry heart - and it makes an excellent valentine, too!
No one expects you to start out like Julia Child. When I moved out of the Chapter House and into my first apartment, my mom helped me unpack. Upon discovering a narrow cabinet above the stove in my new kitchen, she exclaimed, "Oh look, it's the perfect place to put all your spices!" Needless to say, mom was mortified when I handed her my "spices," - a Ziploc bag full of salt packets from McDonald's.
Let's face it. Most people our age aren't chefs. Take out menus, Ramen Noodles, and Cap'n Crunch are our staples. But that doesn't mean we can't attempt an honest-to-goodness meal occasionally. Cooking, like any other art form, takes practice and patience.
Start by selecting the right recipes. Tell grandma you're ready for her to divulge the secrets of the family spaghetti sauce. Thumb through the dog-eared PTA fundraising cookbook your folks were obliged to buy in 1987. Surf through millions of meat loafs online.
Of course, a recipe is most easily executed when you use it in conjunction with the right equipment. Cookware need not be fancy or costly, but it shouldn't involve you rotating a chicken thigh over a candlestick, either. Invest in key pieces that will last forever. Browse the kitchen gadgets next time you're at Target. If a cutting board jumps into your basket, don't panic. But watch out if you're overtaken by a lemon zester or garlic press!
Finally, be bold. Until last year, I had no idea I liked eggplant. Now it's a prominent vegetable in my diet. Become an adventurous eater. Resolve to try one new food per week (ideally incorporated into the aforementioned recipes). In other words, the next time you're in the grocery store, don't be afraid to take a leek. (Bad pun, I know.)
You're a grownup now. It's time to eat like one. Start experimenting and pamper your palette. |
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