Hey, so I'm a pretty experienced cook. My dad was a chef and enjoyed teaching me, and so did my mom, so I've been at it since I could reach the counter. However, I have yet to really wow my husband with any of my cooking. I put in a lot of effort, so this is kinda disappointing. Does anyone have any resources for experienced cooks to really pack an extra punch? Or personal advice?
Babiecakes123 2y ago
My fiancés favourite dish is shepherds pie
pieorstrudel5 2y ago
I am an excellent cook. Truly.... I can look at a fridge of random scraps and make a gourmet meal. I think if you cook a lot of family friendly meals.... Then while they all taste good, the flavors just aren't complex. It's a delicate balance between fill the belly family meals and gourmet. And listen.... Gourmet doesn't have to mean expensive.
My partner is difficult.... Haha. He has very high brow tastes, so if I make a budget meal he isn't very good at hiding his dislike. I will never forget... I was short on time one day and heated up frozen egg rolls, homemade stir fry, and that microwave pouch jasmine rice. He ate the stir fry but egg rolls and rice he didn't touch. I can tell he wished he had ordered fast food. I will eat mediocre food, he will throw it away. I grew up in poverty and it shows haha.
Knowing his tastes are helpful.... If he likes Asian cuisine, then you can explore lots of those kinds of recipes. If he likes Mediterranean.... Then focus on Greek and Italian type flavors. If he likes American food... Then just gotta find ways to make it interesting.
But hand downs.... Look up the cookbook One Pan Two Plates. This has been my go to date night cookbook for 6 or 7 years. I had to buy a new copy because I destroyed my old one. There is also One Pan Two Plates Vegetarian. And One Pan Whole Family. Gourmet quality recipes with wine and side suggestions. Skinny Taste is also excellent! I made the Italian beef sandwiches from that blog and my LTR loved it. Very simple to make.
Feel free to DM me. Cooking is one of my top 5 skills.
zaftig_stig 2y ago
question - is your husband capable of being 'wowed'?
I had a BIL who's 'wow' response was 'it's ok'
Throwitaway000999 2y ago
I'd say so, yeah. We've had some really great meals out that made his eyes bulge. Idk if I just need to lower my expectations since I'm not an actual chef.
Cosima_Fan_Tutte 2y ago
Yeah, this was my initial thought. Is the husband into food or nice food experiences? My husband will for sure appreciate a hot meal, but his idea of that is some baked chicken and mashed potatoes. He's even fine with mashed potatoes from a mix.
He'll eat and maybe even appreciate fancy food, but he just doesn't care that much about it. Some people are like that.
jaja667 2y ago
Is your husband someone who likes simple fare? My boyfriend is definitely that way. How do you plan your meals out? Like is he someone who would be happy with a homemade pasta dish or a pizza?
sunglasses90 2y ago
Some people are just hard to please. God, do I love people who are easy going and fairly easy to please.
zaftig_stig 2y ago
Follow-up question - are you looking for him to be wowed or wanting him to show appreciation for your effort and thoughtfulness?
This is not meant to be a passive-aggressive critique, just trying to figure out the 'why ' behind this. What need will it meet if/when your husband gets wowed.
Throwitaway000999 2y ago
We try to eat in as much as possible, and so I want the food I make to be really good. Who really wants the food they eat to be 'blah'? He's been wow'ed by some stuff we've had out, so I know it's possible lol
rosedoesdallas 2y ago
Food plating?
Arranging your meal like a chef could be considered a ‘WOW’ factor
LadySandcastle 2y ago
Like others said, food might just not be impressive to him. Some people eat to live rather than enjoy it. If you've been cooking since you could do it and he knows that he might find that level to be expected then. My husband has been cooking far longer than me and also trains his pallete so I'm never surprised at how good his food comes out.
Such_Beginning_1629 2y ago
Being not impressed and being grateful to receive delicious food and appreciating the thought behind it are not mutually exclusive!
LadySandcastle 2y ago
Of course not, but that doesn't mean they can't be confused. He could be thanking her for cooking and she could be looking for a reaction like "wow honey that was amazing!!!". Being thankful for something and just appreciating it was done can go hand in hand but they're different emotions.
BumbleBitny 2y ago
I'm a very good cook, while not a professional I take great pride in learning new cooking methods and perfecting dishes. My husband is almost always happy with the meal. The meals he's most impressed by? Oh just casseroles made of cream of whatever and lots of cheese. Cause that's what he grew up with.
Throwitaway000999 2y ago
That's a good thought. I have been trying to spruce things up a bit but maybe that's the wrong way to go. Working on basics is probably a good idea. Thanks :)
m_owom 2y ago
YES. I'm a good home cook, and can make a wide variety of elaborate meals. Meanwhile my husband could happily live on hamburger helper, macaroni and cheese and steak. That's what he grew up eating and is his comfort food!
Ok_Obligation_6110 2y ago
Ive found that making multiple dishes or courses and really going the extra mile with presentation always surprises and delights my husband. Last nights dinner was roasted butter radishes with white beans and some parsley and extra butter on top, fennel al forno with fennel fronds and breadcrumbs on top, and an orzo salad with tomato, cucumber, lemon, basil, and green onions. I’m vegetarian so he eats veggie dinners and I try to cook with a LOT of colors and the colors and variety always impresses him.
I also try to make some bread from scratch every few days to serve on the side, usually wrapped in a pretty cloth after being warmed in the oven. As for drinks I do some muddled fruit with seltzer I make with our soda stream. Little touches go a long way.