The Way to a Man's Heart

Although it sounds cliche, the way to a man's heart is really through his stomach. Cooking a sweet and sexy meal for your special someone (or potential flame), is a sure fire way to seal the deal... and if you do it right, your man will be eager to return the favor in the bedroom. (A definite plus!)

When crafting a romantic menu, think "SEX". What comes to my mind? Chocolate, whipped cream, silky textures, spicy flavors, maybe Italian or French food. Planning your meal around ingredients that inspire naughty thoughts will make your guy interested in having you for dessert.

General Tips

• Make sure you check with your honey on any allergies... the last thing you want is to spend all day making a seafood dinner only to find out that analphylactic shock will be on the dessert menu.


• Don't be afraid of using garlic. As Rachel Ray says, "Two garlics cancel each other out." Plus, you can always plan a dessert with mint as a sneaky way to ensure you have fresh breath for kissing.


• Have fun with it. I am guilty of stressing out when I'm planning a big dinner for... and I have been known to freak if it isn't ready when he gets there. But I have found thatguys think a girl cooking is pretty sexy. They love to see us glistening from the heat of the stove, and looking at home in this domestic role. It makes them think of the future and gets their libidos going. Plus, you can put him to work helping you out, which is a great opportunity to do something together.


• Although its definitely okay to still be cooking when your date arrives, make sure you are already dressed. Him seeing you in sweats crusted with food is not going to get you any. Put on a cute outfit and just throw an apron over it to inspire the subtle sexiness of a 1950's housewife.


• Pay attention.... Remember what types of dishes your guy orders when out at a restaurant. Did he mention his favorite food? Does he like sweets? Paying attention to these things can help you plan a phenomenal meal that he is sure to love, and it will also show him that you are interested and attentive - two qualities that guys love. WARNING: Don't try to cook a dish if he tells you that's his mom's specialty and he loves it - it will probably not be up to par (because you aren't Mom) and you don't want to disappoint the first time you cook for him. On the other hand, if you can nail it... it will definitely put you in the potential wife category, so it may be worth the risk.


• Try to pick "clean" foods... like Mom always used to warn you, don't pick a full lobster for a date. (Although, I am guilty of breaking this rule.) My rule: anything that would require you to wear a bib is better left to a later date. There is just too high a risk for disaster. Also, try to pick foods that are universally liked. This is not the time to try cooking Ethiopian food for the first time or some crazy spicy Thai dish.

Some Sexy Suggestions

• Scallops are super easy and less messy/expensive than lobster. Just put two teaspoons of butter and two of olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Make sure you pat dry your scallops so you can get nice color, and salt/pepper them. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side (depending on the size) and garnish with a lemon wedge that you can squeeze on for some fresh flavor.


• Here is an amazing recipe for the Outback Caesar dressing. Salad is a safe green side dish that is definitely less controversial then serving Brussels sprouts or broccoli. And there is less of a chance of getting something gross and green stuck in your teeth - NOT sexy. Even though this is an easy recipe that just gets better as it sits in the fridge (so definitely make it in advance) it is MUCH more impressive and better tasting than something out of bottle.


• Dessert. My secret is to doctor up a store bought cake mix. If you are making chocolate, try adding some espresso powder... or if you are doing a white cake, add a little more vanilla extract. One of my favorites is red velvet cake (how much sexier can you get??) that I doctor up with extra coco powder and vanilla. Everyone thinks I've been slaving away making it from scratch. Also bypass the can of frosting to make your own. Butter creme sounds scary but really its just a stick of butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of milk. And you can make it any flavor by adding some extract. Taking this extra step will really make all the difference.


• No time to cook? Get a rotisserie chicken from your local supermarket and some pre-made sides. Place everything in heat safe containers in the oven and on the stove and justpretend like you've been cooking all day. For dessert, just buy an angel food cake from the store. Cut a slice for each of you, add some sliced strawberries, raspberries or any other fruit that is in season and top with whipped cream.

So now its your turn to try your hand in the kitchen, and I hope my suggestions have given you some ideas. Keep me posted on how it goes and I would love to hear any stories you have about romantic homemade dinners.