Men, itís your turn to cook

Dawn
Slade
Posted 11/7/02

Every month finds a plethora of events which are celebrated in our country and internationally.

For instance, November is Peanut Butter Loversí Month and International Drum Month. November is also host to National American Teddy Bear Day, Homemade Bread Day, World Kindness Day and numerous others in its 30 days.

But, the one I find particularly interesting is National Men Make Dinner Night.

I had never heard of this one before and I donít have a clue who came up with it, but I applaud their efforts.

Now, guys, we women arenít looking for anything elaborate. In fact, just making a decision as to what to have for supper would be a huge relief to us.

Thereís nothing more nagging than the age old question, "Whatís for supper tonight?"

If youíre like me, I havenít a clue until I get home from work and open up the fridge and the freezer as to what weíre having for vittles that night.

Hereís why.

Every night I arrive home after a full day at work with kids in tow. There are backpacks hanging from each of us, at least one of them is crying or whining about having to carry something and the other is wandering off aimlessly.

Besides cameras and other work stuff, Iím carrying several pictures and projects the kids have made during the day, my morningís coffee cup, and a rattling set of keys dangling precariously from the only finger thatís left on my hand.

We get inside, the phone rings, school papers are being shoved in my face, the little one wants something to drink NOW, my bladder is about to explode, the older one is trying to tell me what happened on the bus, and everyone wants to know, "Whatís for supper?"

"I donít know!"

I look in the freezer and see that Iíve got some chicken and hamburger - both of which are lying there like frozen lumps. The usual recipes come to mind. Mexican, Italian or Chinese, which one?

Weíve already eaten all three Americanized ethnic versions this week. Letís go to the recipe books.

I have several to choose from, which at times, is almost too much.

Thereís a variety of tasty looking recipes, some Iíve attempted before, others are new. But, of course, I donít have all the ingredients.

Now, when you live 11 miles out of town and supper is expected by the hungry mouths staring you in the face, you donít just leave to get an item or two.

Instead, you smile brightly at your family and cheerfully say, "I hope you all have an open mind this evening."

It helps prepare them for the possible disaster that lies ahead.

As I begin the frozen meat thawing process, I look over school papers, change into comfy clothes, change a messy diaper, get my toddler some milk and scan the mail.

Then, of course, I must select a veggie to go with this grand dinner. I admit, it often comes down to raw carrots (those little ones from the store that are already peeled) - thank goodness for small wonders.

But, if I actually select one that has to be cooked, then itís going to take a little longer, folks.

Thereís nothing fancy about the weekly dinner at my house. If everyone has a plate, food on it and a fork, weíre doing just fine.

Now, I must gather the troops.

My husband is off somewhere, even though I told him supper would be ready in minutes (his perception of 10 minutes and mine are quite different), the kids are running around the house taunting each other to the brink of tears and the TV is blaring, but no one is watching.

Finally sitting down, I pick up my eating utensil, ask how everyoneís day was and I hear, "Whatís to drink?"

Some of you may be able to relate to this scenario, so you can see why National Men Make Dinner Night, which is tonight by the way, is so important.

Now, not to be gender-biased, I urge those women whose husbands are the family chef to venture into the kitchen - you know the one with the fridge and oven - and find out what itís all about.

Not that I donít love it when my husband tries his hand in the kitchen (he cooks up a mean pheasant), but the best thing he could make me on National Men Make Dinner Night is...RESERVATIONS!