My man's stomach

John Adams wrote in a letter (1814), 'The shortest road to men's hearts is down their throats,' and later came the saying 'a way to a man's heart is through his stomach.' I certainly have a stomach lover.

My mom came to visit over Memorial weekend to help with some of the last minute wedding details.  Though we didn't get everything on our list accomplished we did make great strides on our projects, and we managed to cook some wonderful meals for my husband-to-be.

Since he is Italian I have adopted his roots and learning to be the Mama in the household which includes trying to get my thin man a good square meal at least once per day.  Pork chops are one of his favorites, and I was able to learn a better way to prepare them so they look incredibly appetizing and taste a little better too.  We also made a chili-lime-shrimp fettuccine.  And with these meals we included a starch and a salad, which are often overlooked by Marc, but he seemed to really enjoy this weekend.

I am amazingly blessed with a future husband that loves ethnic food, can handle a little spice, and is willing to trying anything once.  He is a good sport and if he doesn't love something I have made he kindly encourages me to try again, but is somehow able to make diplomatic suggestions on how the meal could be improved.  He is wonderful with spices and seasoning and has encouraged me to be more adventurous in my cooking.  I don't mind being the primary cook, in fact I really achieve satisfaction from the smile and (nearly) licked clean plate.  I'm glad I have a champion in my corner encouraging me to try new dishes and techniques, and when he does help in the kitchen he is fantastic with meats and (again) seasoning.

Now I just need to learn how to prepare and shop for an entire week's worth of meals.  Always a new challenge ahead for the Mrs. Wife.