One of my closest friends has three younger sisters. He is (and I am) good friends with the one nearest to his age. But if you ask him, he will tell you the middle one is his favorite. His best friend has referenced wanting to marry the middle girl when she is older. Their reason? She cooks for them. She frequently cooks them breakfast in the mornings, without even being asked or rewarded. And she is a GOOD cook!
Gender equality aside, men appreciate a woman who is a good cook. In fact, when I was asking for suggestions for my book, one of my male friends told me to write that "cooking trumps vadge, everytime" (verbatim quote). Any woman can offer her lady bits. In today's society of fast food and staying at home with your parents til 30 it is a rare lady who can whip up a good meal. We have all heard the old adage that a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. There are some men who like cooking, but to most, cooking means shoving pizza rolls into the microwave oven. They hope that their lady can take care of them. This is also a good way to win over future in-laws, new neighbors and people in general. I tend to give out baked goods and other homemade treats as gifts.
But gals need to eat too. Even if you aren't cooking to impress, you need to be able to feed yourself enjoyably. Learn what you like. You can definitely use shortcuts to simplify, but it should be something more than a lean cuisine in the oven for twenty minutes.
And, when in kitchen doubt, there are millions of recipes online. You don't have to be the perfect little woman or June Cleaver, but there is no excuse to have zero dishes in your bag of tricks.
I have added some recipes underneath for cooking to impress, whether it is to win his heart through his stomach or filling your empty stomach. I haven't included staples like steak or baked potato, because I think throwing something on the grill should be self explanatory.
Baked Ravioli
Pasta (all carbs really) are among my favorite things to eat. This is good meal to eat alone or serve to a group as it is easy to add or subtract servings.
1 package fresh or frozen cheese ravioli 1 jar tomato sauce goat or mozzarella cheese, shredded
fresh basil, shredded crushed garlic
Preheat the oven to 350 and spray a baking dish with non stick spray. Lightly coat the bottom in a THIN layer of sauce. Then cover the sauce in a layer of ravioli. Add more sauce, cheese, spinach and garlic. Then cover with more ravioli. Add one last layer of cheese and sauce. Bake until cheese is melted and ravioli is soft. (Obviously frozen stay in longer than fresh)
Short Cut Chicken Pot Pie
This is one of my favorite things to make when I am craving simple comfort food. It is so easy to make and tastes delicious!
1 package of biscuits can of peas chopped carrots chopped or baby onions
cream of chicken soup cubed cooked potatoes chicken black pepper
Preheat the oven according to the biscuit directions. Mix all ingredients except for the biscuits in a pie dish. Cover with a single layer of biscuits and bake until they aren't gooey. (Usually another five minutes or so from the directions)
Cowboy Beer Bread
This is an excellent housewarming or hostess gift. I usually add dill or dried onions but you can put in whatever you want!
2/3 c brown sugar 12 oz beer 1/2 tsp baking powder 3 c flour 1/2 c butter, melted
Preheat the oven to 375 and grease a loaf pan. Mix the sugar and beer. Mix in the baking powder and then slowly stir in the flour. Add in whatever herbs you want. Bake for 40 mins and remove from oven. Pour buttter over loaf and bake for ten more minutes. Cool and wrap in cellophane.
"Fried" Ice Cream
I like to make this as an impressive dessert when having people over. Its actually really easy and not too messy.
vanilla ice cream cinnamon graham crackers cornflakes cereal cinnamon and brown sugar
Scoop out vanilla ice cream and use your hands to form a tennis ball sized round. Place on a lined baking sheet. When you have the desired amount place in the freezer. Place crackers and cornflakes in a gallon sized ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour onto a plate and mix in cinnamon. Roll ice cream in the mixture one at a time. Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon and brown sugar on top. Freeze until use. Serve with honey or hot fudge drizzled on top.
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