BOOK REVIEW
New Cookbook Offers
Secret Weapon to Win
in Dating Game
By Zenitha Prince
The holiday table is usually about family, warmth, “How else can he give that star-studded performance
comfort and togetherness. that you are accustomed to?”
But, this season Shakira Bridgers, Jeneice Isley and Even more valuable, however, are the relationship
Joan Davis dare us to add some intimacy and spice to pointers the ladies offer at the very beginning of the
the kitchen—and the bedroom—in their new cookbook, book.
The Get ‘Em Girls Guide to the Power of Cuisine: “You can’t get what doesn’t want to be gotten,” is the
Perfect Recipes for Spicing Up Your Love Life (Fireside first tip, which goes on to state, “You can bake a peach
Books/A Schuster Trade Paperback, $19.95). cobbler that will bring tears to his eyes but if he’s not
Harking back to an undisputed truism, that the way ready to be in a relationship, it is an exercise in futility.”
to a man’s heart is through his stomach, this urban culi- Second, “You have to simmer before you boil….
nary guide offers more than Don’t start with filet mignon
120 recipes guaranteed to snag and try to bring [him] back
a man’s interest, making it the down to Steak-umm’s—it
perfect gift for all your single, won’t work. Start slowly and
dating or married girlfriends. pace yourself.”
The book immediately wins And the last, “Don’t start
points by its recognition that what you can’t finish—If
today’s woman has no time you start out cooking seven
for being tethered to a stove. days a week, he will expect
But, like corporate America, you to cook seven days a
the dating scene is a cutthroat week. Be as realistic as pos-
business in which supply is sible when making the deci-
often more than demand and sion to cook for your poten-
in which contenders would do tial love.”
almost anything to get ahead.
Authors Shakira Bridgers, Jeneice Isley and
Now that’s keeping it real.
So what’s a “go get ‘em girl” to
Joan Davis
Even the recipe categories
do? What she usually does— evoke memories, situations,
channel her ambition into finding unconventional ways feelings that you can identify with and also learn
to get what she wants. And mastering a salmon with from. For example, the first category is “It’s Not His
brown sugar glaze recipe may be just the “unconven- Mama’s…But It Comes Close.” I’m sure that nearly
tional” weapon you need to cut down the competition. every woman has heard something like that from their
While The Get ‘Em Girls Guide is a true epicurean’s significant other. You’ve toiled all day at the stove, seri-
delight, it also gives very practical tips for the beginner, ously throwing down and when he finally tastes your
including pantry and kitchen equipment essentials, a masterpiece, he says, “It’s not my mama’s, but it’s
quick wine and table setting guide, a how-to cheat sheet close.” Most of us, at that point, would probably want
for reading food labels and even a plan of action. For to snatch the plate away and crown him with it. But, the
those who need to be persuaded, the book also offers authors advise, “Don’t. Contrary to the way it sounds,
a list of 10 reasons to cook for your man including, this is a compliment... When you think of your mom’s
“Because you’re a show-off,” “You have to eat too,” cooking, aside from the taste, you probably think about
“You will have one more thing to impress him with” and memories that are some of the most enjoyable times of
16 Trends A publication of the Afro-American Newspapers
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