From Mr. Food Head Writer Helayne
I was starving. It was my day off and I was on the highway driving home from babysitting at my daughter and son-in-law’s house, which is three hours away from home. I had left my house at 5 am so that she could get out for the day, and I could spend quality time with my baby grandson. By late afternoon, I had to hit the road to get back home, because it was a weeknight and I needed to get to work the next day.
There was no time to stop at those crowded and rather unappealing service plazas where fast food is king, and I really didn’t feel like eating fast food. I just kept listening to the radio, and tried to distract myself from my grumbling stomach. I was figuring that when I got closer to my exit, I’d call my husband and tell him to run out and pick up a pizza. Well, revive me. I called him, and he was COOKING dinner! Now, after thirty-some years of marriage, I know that my husband’s idea of cooking is to fire up the grill and cook a steak or some burgers – and usually that’s on Sunday or when we’re having company. We’re not talking about any competition here for Mr. Food.
But, little did I know, even though you think you know someone really well…there’s always a little surprise left in store now and again. So what was he making? The most delicious linguine and clam sauce I’ve had probably…ever! I don’t know what he added to it, but I make it (and I cook all the time, and frankly, I think I’m a darn good cook) but I have to give credit where credit is due. I couldn’t get over it! He even made sure to heat up some garlic bread to go with it. A whole meal…including clearing the table, and loading the dishwasher. I could definitely get used to this.
Now I insist that my husband make his “special dish” all the time. I’m so proud of him…and who knows? Maybe he has more cooking skills up his sleeve! Thinking about this reminded me of a funky little holiday I came across a couple of years ago called “National Men Make Dinner Day.” It’s held on the first Thursday of November each year and, in fact, we shared a super recipe for Fettuccine alla Vodka for a show we aired about National Men Make Dinner Day. That was a really good pasta recipe, too. You should try it. And since my husband’s recipe is “his” secret, the best I can do is share Mr. Food’s recipe for Easy White Clam Sauce for you to enjoy.
Of course, I’m partial to my husband’s version but this one is truly my second favorite! You might have a husband or boyfriend who’s always comfortable in the kitchen, and this amazing feat that my husband pulled off might sound rather uneventful to you. But believe me, this was a big deal to me…and it was a whole lot better than the take-out I was imagining we’d wind up having to get that night. Less money, too. Now I guess my husband figures I’m going to expect this treatment all the time and, you know what? Since I’m blogging to the whole world about it, he just may have to come up with a few more surprise meals for me! I hope you’re reading this, dear!
If he does, I’ll let you know. Meanwhile, if you have a guy in your life who cooked you a great meal, please share the details here at MrFoodblog.com or post a photo of it on our Facebook page (look for Mr_Food)! After all, real men CAN cook…and they should be proud to show off their skills, just like the rest of us!












