Ask Dali Mama

DEAR DALI MAMA:

I don’t know how to cook but a potential boyfriend is coming over and I’d really like to make something special for him.

–Newbie (United States)

DEAR NEWBIE:

Since you’re just learning, start with something simple and delicious. Maybe a nice hearty soup. You can do vegetable or chicken broth (I love the Better Than Bouillon brand, which has veggie broth, mushroom broth, chicken broth, and other flavors), boil the broth and throw some refrigerated tortellini in with some nice veggies (maybe carrots and spinach) and boil it for the time recommended on the packaging. Maybe get some packaged salad from the grocery store and a bottle of salad dressing, some delicious bread, and some fresh fruit or frozen sorbet or gelato. Then it’ll be delicious and easy.

Don’t stress too much about the food. If he’s the right guy for you, he’ll the most delicious part of the meal is the the effort and the intention behind the meal.

Put lots of love in the soup as you’re stirring it. That’ll make it taste even better!

Bon appetit!