The Way to a Man's Heart

If you were raised in the South, as I was, you've probably heard that the path to a man's heart is through his stomach. This adage, passed down through generations, often evokes images of home-cooked meals, warm kitchens filled with the aroma of comfort food, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Despite this cultural wisdom, cooking wasn't initially part of my life plan. Instead, I embarked on a journey that led me into the corporate world, where I traveled extensively, explored new cultures, and focused on building a successful career. The hustle of corporate life, while rewarding in many ways, did not include the domestic life that often accompanies a relationship. In fact, it wasn't until about 2021, during the unprecedented times of the pandemic, that I found myself reevaluating my priorities and interests. Being stuck at home, with the world outside my window in a state of uncertainty, prompted me to seek out a creative outlet that would bring some joy and fulfillment into my daily routine. That outlet turned out to be cooking.

At first, it was a simple way to pass the time, but as I began to experiment with different recipes and techniques, I discovered a newfound passion for the culinary arts. What started as a necessity for my sanity transformed into a delightful hobby that allowed me to express my creativity.

As fate would have it, my culinary journey coincided with the blossoming of my relationship with the man who is now my husband. His appreciation for my newfound skills in the kitchen undoubtedly played a role in deepening our connection. Cooking for him was not just about feeding him; it was a way to show love, care, and thoughtfulness. The kitchen transformed into a place for me to experiment, and having such an appreciative diner for my cooking adds extra joy to preparing a meal.

Actually, my husband loves my cooking so much that he joins me at the farmers market and he has even put together a well-organized folder of all his favorite recipes and dishes that I make for him. This folder contains handwritten notes and some pictures of the meals he enjoys, including one that he jokingly claims nearly killed him - due to a mishap involving shrimp, grits, and an excess of sriracha.

While it would be difficult to say that my cooking is what led my husband to the altar, it sure didn't hurt. Perhaps more importantly, cooking is not just a routine task for me; it is a vibrant adventure. Each time I step into the kitchen and begin to gather my ingredients, I embark on a journey filled with potential, creativity, and the promise of shared joy around the table.

Now that I enjoy time in the kitchen, I'm always on the hunt for friend favorites. Here are a few of my husband's favorites. He's half German so is a real meat and potatoes kind of guy!

Pork Chops, salted baked potato and skillet green beans. For the green beans, I lightly simmer in salted water, drain the water then add a little olive oil, fresh garlic, toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of sea salt. YUM!

For dessert, you will look like an absolute hero with this Easy berry cobbler - This is the easiest dessert EVER! Use any berries you have on hand and serve with a little vanilla ice cream.

On movie nights, we often open a bottle of wine and enjoy a "carpet picnic" like this...