Yeah, but what happens after that? Yes, women do like men who can cook. I’d rather they messed up their kitchen than mine! However, this book: Have Her Over for Dinner (A gentleman’s Guide to Classic, Simple Meals), is basically an instruction book, on not only how to cook, but what will excite, please, and most probably seduce. Even though he states: “I didn’t create this book to show you how to “win” the girl of your dreams or prepare foods to ensure a “hookup”. Who are we kidding here? Matt Moore, the cookbook’s writer hails from Tennessee, is a “performing country music singer/songwriter.” So why isn’t he married?

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Mr. Moore gives a simple list of definitions that are helpful for cooking, for example: Grill, Broil, Al Dente, Julienne, Sauté, etc. He also uses very simple ingredients, in fact, a lot of them come out of a can, bottle, or just stuff you should have on hand (yes, there's a list for that too). He claims that the meals are pretty well balanced, and they are, mostly. Kitchen Pointers: (are men that rudimentary?) Wash Your Hands, Don’t Over-Think Desserts, Go to the Local Vegetable Stand or Famer’s Market, Be Prepared, Brush Your Teeth, Be Yourself? There are more lists...

This book was on the NYTimes best seller list, though I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because it is so simple. But, unfortunately I find it unappealing that the recipe directions are written in paragraph form as opposed to steps. I think this is disconcerting to the reader, especially a reader who doesn’t know how to cook. You be the judge guys! Here are two recipes from the book:

CHICKEN TENDERLOINS
with White Beans, Spinach,
and Roasted Tomatoes

Savory and rustic, this stew-like meal is perfect for a fall or winter evening.
Pair with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc, or a lighter Lager/Pilsner.

ingredients:
1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olilve Oil, divided
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
4 Cloves Garlic, crushed and peeled
1 lb (6-8) Chicken Tenderloins
1 Cup Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth
3 Cups resh Spinach Leaves, loosely packed
1 15-oz Can Cannellini Beans, or Great Northern/Navy Beans, drained
2 oz. Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.

method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On a baking sheet, drizzle tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place garlic cloves in each corner of the baking sheet and roast in the oven, uncovered, 20-25 minutes, or until tomatoes are just beginning to burst. Meanwhile, in a cast iron skillet over medim heat, add remaining oil and season chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. Add tenderloins to the skillet and brown on two sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Next, deglaze the skillet with white wine or chicken broth. Add spinach and stir until leaves have wilted. Next, add beans and heat through, 4-5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and plate mixture in bowls, topping each with equal portions of chicken tenderloins. Remove tomatoes from oven and carefully arrange around the plate, discard the garlic. Garnish with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Serve.
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WEDGE SALAD
One of my favoites for its simplicity and unique presentation

ingredients:
1/2 a head of Iceberg Lettuce, cored and cut in half
4 strips of crispy cooked Bacon, crumbled
1 Roma Tomato, seeded and finely diced
2 teaspoons of Green Onion Tops, finely chopped
Naturally Fresh®Blue Cheese Dressing
Freshly cracked Black Pepper, to taste

method:
Place a lettuce quarter on each serving plate. Drizzle each with blue cheese dressing. Top with equal portions of crumbled bacon, tomatoes, and chives. Using 2-3 turns of a peppermill, crack fresh pepper on top of salad for garnish.
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Have Her Over for Dinner, A Gentleman’s Guide to Classic, Simple Meals by Matt Moore, Last Resort Press, Softcover, 85 pages, $25.00.