By now you know that this Man Can Cook . . . does yours??
I have engaged in an informal study of sorts. You see, I like to cook. I’m pretty good at preparing some things and still experimenting with others. But it’s fun. Whether the dish turns out successfully or as a ‘recipe in progress’ really does not matter too much to me. It is the process and experience of cooking that I like. So why would I not want to share this experience with my date? No reason comes readily to mind.
I asked my friend Jeffery what he thought about cooking for a date, he is a very good cook and one of the nicest men I have ever met. His reply summed it up nicely, “Cooking for a date in your home doesn’t have to be sexual, but it is intimate.” He is spot on. 
The process of preparing food for another person, going to all that effort just for them, is very intimate. It also shows how much you care about them. The general consensus of opinion is that, “It makes me feel pampered.” And why wouldn’t you want to pamper someone you care about? (FYI: That was a rhetorical question.) Again, no reason comes to mind.
I asked my New York, electronic Pen Pal Melani Robinson if she liked it when her dates cooked for her. Melani writes a blog 1 Year of Online Dating at 50 where she explores online dating with equal measures of bravery and vulnerability. She wrote back to me and I quote, “I’ve never dated a man who could cook for me, but I’m still hopeful. A guy who knows his way around the kitchen is a big turn on–delicious food is very sexy. Cooking together? Fantastic!”
So fellas . . . What’s Up!!
I am extra lucky in that my paramour Suzanne Griffin of Cooking by the Bay is a fantastic cook. When we get together sparks fly!! “What do you mean it has too much lime in it?!” Well, not always like that. But honestly, cooking with her is one of my favorite-st things to do. We chop up recipes, hash out techniques, and both of us know how to ‘stir the pot’ as it were. It is so much fun.
So guys, here’s the thing and it ain’t hard.
- Clean your house. And I mean CLEAN it. Dust, wash, scrub if you have to, air it out and buy one or two (no more!) scented candles. I suggest cinnamon.
- Clean yourself . . . shower, bathe . . . whatever and wear clean clothes. Pick out what you are going to wear a week ahead of time. Take your clothes to the cleaners so your shirt is clean and pressed.
- Read my blog! There are a few great recipes in here. Think ahead about the meal you want to prepare. If you have time, PRACTICE making the main dish. (Look, you have to eat anyway.) If you get stuck, drop me a note. I’ll un-stick you.
- Be ready when your date arrives. Kitchen clean, items prepped in the refrigerator, wine glasses polished and wine chilled if not red.
I like to cook in front of my date but you may feel better/safer having many things prepared ahead of time.
Cooking is an intimate, kind gesture to make for a friend, new or long-time. Go ahead . . . pamper someone . . . make their day. They just might make yours!! ;)
Eat Well and Smile Often!!
tj
p.s. Be kind for everyone’s life is hard – Plato
In a fantastic, totally unplanned, turn of events I am planting the same ground my grandfather planted 20+ years ago. My father grew up on a farm in North Dakota where my grandfather planted many things. Truthfully the only stories I ever heard of farming were of the homemade beer bottles blowing up in the root cellar because of too much pressure. No that ‘s not true, I do remember hearing about them putting up beans and tomatoes; making jellies and having fresh eggs. In any event, when he retired here in California he planted a garden in my Great Aunt’s backyard. Now, so am I!!
Plants all in and hands all washed 
Licking my lips we ambled down a half block to 
A pleasant little feeling-of-well-being surrounded us as we strolled along the river front on our way to find a coffee when we stumbled upon 
Next stop