If a lady can snag a guy with a roast chicken, surely the opposite must be true. A guy needs to have a few tried-and-true recipes in his back pocket as well as know his way around a kitchen. Preparing a well-executed meal is a highly satisfying and impressive experience. Need to have the in-laws (or future in-laws over)? Want your partner to do you a special favor- or you want to get out of doing something? Need to mark a special occasion? Grab your apron, a good recipe, and get cooking.
Cook books that have never failed us:
Mastering the Art of French Cooking- Julia Child. There may be a movie about it, but it's still a no-fail classic.
How to Cook Everything- Mark Bittman. Longtime food journalist for the New York Times. A straightforward and delicious book.
The Cooks Illustrated How-to-Cook Library. From the show/ magazine Cooks Illustrated, PBS mainstay. These recipes have been tested and tested again- helping you to have a no-fail outcome.
Of course there are great cooking apps, and websites with more than just recipes. One website to help you become savvy in the food world is Food Republic.
Less expensive, and at times, more grand, dining-in on a meal prepared by you can set you apart from the other guys.