Sunday, August 23, 2009

Wooing with Food


In the Pixar movie Ratatouille, the little rat Remy's inspiration is Chef Gusteau's belief that “anyone can cook” – and I am a firm believer in this philosophy!

I am also a firm believer that the way to most people's hearts is through their stomachs. When we were children, there was nothing more comforting than Mom making us anything. From chicken Italiano to a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it didn't matter, it was simply the best. But why? Because it was made with (get ready to gag) love. You know it's true. When we grow up, we often lose that sense of enjoyment from what we eat... true, maybe we go out to a nice restaurant now and then, taking someone we love (or hope to)... that can be nice. But I believe that the best food – the best way to enjoy food – is to prepare it yourself and enjoy it with people whose company you also enjoy.

“Wooing with Food” was originally intended for the men out there, who either couldn't or didn't want to cook. ‘Cause let's face it: Throughout history, women have been winning men over with their home-cooked meals. But we live in a different age – when both sexes struggle for extra time and find less energy for cooking on a regular basis – so, this blog is geared toward anyone who has ever wanted to woo someone with food.

Now, there are different woos to be wooed. In other words, you may want to woo her friends’ approval by preparing dinner for your girlfriend and a couple of her closest pals... or you may want to woo over his parents by cooking a fantastic meal... or you might simply want to cook a nice meal for two, to share a romantic night together. In any and all cases, this blog will help.

I started cooking dinner for women when I was still in high school. Then, it was just simple recipes that my Mom had been making for our family for years – and one ill-advised attempt to cook everything in red wine. Through the years, my love of cooking has continued to grow. The kitchen is a place where I find it easy to be creative. So, whether you’re a man or a woman, young or old, married or dating, put on some great music... bust out the pots and pans... and let's start wooing with food!

Oh, and to put this into “guy terms”... Chicks dig guys who can and will cook for them. It’s the best way to ensure that dinner will lead to another meal... perhaps even breakfast? ; )