Perfect RecipesFor Your First Time Cooking

Recipes Perfect For Your First Time Cooking Together

As the old proverb goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” But it’s 2016, and it's time to update this saying. After all, isn’t the way to everyone’s heart through their stomach?

If food is your love language, you’re not alone. Bonding over the dinner table is a proven way to get closer to a romantic partner. In fact, a shared meal is often where the sparks first fly! But as we grow more comfortable with our significant others, the time comes to take the next step in our culinary adventures. And I don’t mean trying out that new Vietnamese joint that just opened in your neighborhood (though you should definitely go there at some point). I’m talking about taking the romance to the kitchen, where you’ll prepare your first meal as a couple.

Cooking together should be an intimate act you can bond over — after all, 56 percent of people believe that trying new flavors is sexy.* Plus, it's a big step in any relationship. But factors like a hot stove, sharp objects, and complicated recipes can make things stressful. That's why we partnered with Knorr to ensure your first time cooking with your S.O. is an enjoyable activity that brings you closer together (instead of nagging each other about who forgot to buy the onions). Together, we're bringing you simple, yet delicious recipes that are perfect for new couples trying their luck in the kitchen.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Salsa

Image: Gimme Some Oven

If you want your first bout as chefs to be as simple as possible, this two-ingredient chicken salsa recipe lets your slow-cooker do 90 percent of the work for you. It requires little to no labor, minimal time spent at the grocery store, and plenty of downtime between prep and when you actually sit down to eat (i.e., more time to make out). Add corn, cheese, and sour cream for extra flavor, and put on the finishing touch with a lime garnish!

2. Spanish Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers

Image: Knorr

One major perk to cooking with your SO is that you can opt for healthier dishes than you might find at a restaurant. For a fresh, herb-filled meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor (thanks to Knorr® Fiesta Sides' Spanish Rice seasoning), try this stuffed bell pepper recipe. With just 20 minutes of prep time and six ingredients total, it’ll taste better than restaurant food, too — because you’ll have made it together.

3. Grilled Salmon With Mango Salsa

Image: Creme de la Crumb

This meal may look seriously sophisticated, but don’t get intimidated by the thought of cooking seafood. Instead, get inspired: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to completion, and calls for surprisingly simple ingredients. Topped with tropical mango salsa, it’s the perfect finale to a warm weather day. Oh, and there's a bonus — it’s Whole30-approved!