On a Gentleman's Cooking Ability..

I must ask where did the stereotype of men not being able to cook from.

Stop and consider the usefulness of cooking, the artistry, the passion, and the potential conversation.  Male chefs are routinely at the top of the world rankings--the stereotype that men should be bad cooks is a negative and horribly inaccurate assumption.

This being said, perhaps Duck Confit is a little out of all our leagues.  Instead let me suggest a simple recipe (the first in a series!) for a simple, yet simply perfect, meal between friends.

First, lets start with what every neighborhood pizzeria knows: start the conversation and the dinner with two things.  Bread and something refreshing.

For bread, please don't try and make your own.  Go to some local bakeries, try different places, and find your favorite.  Then, ask the baker around what times s/he makes fresh loaves, and go get it fresh!  However, even if you pick it up fresh, stick it on a high temperature in your oven for 3 or 4 minutes before you put it out on the table, it will be crisp and warm, which we all know equals GOOD.

Then, forget about the butter.  Put out two different olive oils, or two bowls of the same olive oil with different herbs.  Try anything, it will always taste good, but it turns your simple bread repast into an interesting, unique experience for your guests.

Then,  for my over 21 crowd, how about a cheap Chilean sauvignon blanc?  Under 21?  make your own simple Italian soda with a little lemon juice, sugar, and club soda.

Now you've got conversation!  Next, its time to bring out the real meal.  Here's my suggestion: two types of pasta--a vegetarian and a not so vegetarian option.

Let's cover the simpler of the two today: Linguini Aglio e Olio with Prosciutto.

Here, we take the simplest of pasta sauces, and kick it up with the salty goodness of prosciutto.

Linguini Aglio e Olio with Prosciutto

Over medium heat, crush several cloves of garlic in a pan with a small amount of oil

Add several thin, chopped slices of pancetta or prosciutto, allow to crisp

Add a generous cup of olive oil, simmer slowly stirring the garlic into the oil

Add parsley--avoid burning it by keeping it moving

NO BOIL, Lower heat if necessary

While the oil is warming put up linguini, cook it Al Dente.  Turn off the oil pan.

Pour the strained linguini into the pan and while flipping it around to coat it, add parmesean and manchego cheese(optional) for extra flavor.

Salt and pepper to taste

Serve Homestyle!

Hopefully this recipe shows that anyone can make a simply perfect meal!  Finish with some berries and whipped cream for dessert, and always have warm coffee made just before dessert (you can set up your coffee pot ahead of time to make it easier).

Bon appetit my readers!

-The Young Man