Two Days for One Meal

For those of you who don't know, Max does almost all the cooking. I say almost only because on the odd occasion that he is away on business or late coming home from work, I am left to create my own meals. This usually consists of pasta, tofu with sauce and rice, pizza or skipping a meal altogether because I hate being in the kitchen JUST THAT MUCH. It is a rare moment when the cooking bug bites me, and this is usually an ordeal to remember. Last year I decided I would surprise him with a spinach soup when he came home from work. It took me 3 hours, and in the end I just don't think it was that good. Although he did ask for seconds, which I couldn't prove was sincere because my lie-detector was getting a tune-up.

Having said all that, I have to give props where props are due. Max is an amazing cook. He loves making food and feeding meals to people. It's not just me he spoils, but I am the first to admit that I benefit the most. Being in the kitchen for him, is like being in the studio for me. It actually calms him and brings him joy. He genuinely seems happy when I taste the food and applaud the dish. And I am honestly in heaven for eating all those yummy things. Most notably: his tomato soup. Hands down - my all time favorite.

And so, I have decided that I would like to instill that level of joy upon him. I want to be able to cook a three course meal without having a nervous breakdown or setting the kitchen on fire. For the first time in the history of our relationship, we have a nice big kitchen, with a decent amount of counter space. I have access to a lot of fantastic equipment with names such as Wusthof, AllClad and Kitchenaid. I feel like things are working in my favor.

I looked through his cookbooks and also took a trip down to Borders to read through their cooking section. I decided on a starter, entree and dessert. I made a shopping list and instructional manual on how to do what and when. I even included 'Take a 30-60 minute break' and 'Ask Max if he would like some coffee or tea'.

The dinner will be happening tomorrow night. I went this afternoon and spent almost 90 minutes at Whole Foods, examining all the produce and picking out the best of everything. I must have spent almost 90 minutes in there choosing things carefully. I want it to be perfect. At one point I was embarrassed but desperate enough to call Max and ask, how many cups in a quart. I just don't know things like this!!!

And so, today was the beginning of a two day affair to prepare one meal. If it works out - who knows?!?! Perhaps the next cooking show 'the Other Naked Chef" but if it sucks, I may never enter the kitchen again, other than to boil water for my instant oatmeal.