National Men Make Dinner Day

Dear ladies, avoid entering the kitchen. Make yourselves comfortable: Today only men cook!

A day dedicated to men in the kitchen

The first Thursday in November is officially National Men Make Dinner Day. But beware, this day is not dedicated to master chefs or men who like to dabble in the kitchen. Of course, many men cook, so don't let this holiday stereotype the gender, in general! Indeed, many men usually cook, and many women prefer not to. This day, though, is for those men who don't really know how to cook but who have at least a little goodwill! 

The idea comes from Canada

The inventor of this day is the Canadian radio broadcaster Sandy Sharkey. The motivation was very ironic and fun. Sandy created the day so she could finally enjoy a meal made by her husband. Sandy stated to the Global News: "To those men who cook every night, this day is not for you! This is for men who never set foot in the kitchen. Ever." In 2001 in Ottawa, she filed for the trademark. "It was started as a joke – says Sandy - My girlfriends’ husbands were always cooking for them, and my husband didn't know how to cook, nor did he have the desire. But since he's wonderful in every other way and very enthusiastic about challenges, I created the day, wrote some rules, and presented him with a print-out of this extraordinary day, and asked if he would consider participating. He did." Today this holiday has two fundamental purposes: first of all, it "forces" men to learn the art of cooking (at least for one day!); second, it gives the women who usually cook a nice break.

How to celebrate

If you're not the home cook, this is an excellent opportunity to get your partner to relax. Let her sit on the couch with a nice glass of wine while you cook. It is a beautiful opportunity to treat the women in your life. On the other hand, Italians have long said it: food is the language of love. Here is some good advice: be simple, do not pretend to be a Michelin-starred chef if you are not! Play safe; think of something easy to prepare! Oh, just a reminder: no take-outs are allowed, of course!

Our tips

Our number one recommendation is always pasta. It is effortless, and you can be creative. If you make good pasta, you can hardly go wrong. You'll just have to be careful about cooking, keeping in mind to drain the pasta "al dente." Here's an easy (actually super easy) recipe that will allow you to look great. It is called "pasta alla checca" and is a Roman recipe. You will need rigatoni or penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, caciotta romana cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl; dice the mozzarella and the caciotta cheese, add salt, pepper, garlic, and oil. Now cook the pasta, drain it and add it to the bowl. Top with fresh basil and serve.