No Soup For You!

Dinner Party Rule #1: Prepare Your Best Recipe!          

Fresh out of college and living in my first solo apartment, I felt like a “real” grownup. I had stacks of stoneware dishes. I had matching silverware and glassware. I had placemats and tablecloths and candleholders. I had all this grownup dining paraphernalia because just a year earlier I’d been a runaway bride. But that’s a different story.

I knew how to set a pretty table and make guests feel welcome. So why did I think I could just whip up anything on the stove? Why??

It was a third date, and I’d generously invited the new man in my life to a home-cooked meal. “Let’s do Chinese!” I blurted. He thought that was a great idea and said, “I love egg drop soup!” The smile froze on my face and we set a time for his arrival.

And then I freaked out. Because I’d never attempted egg drop soup, had no time to perfect the dish, and didn’t want to fail at my first-ever, adult dinner party. So I did the only thing I could do: I called a college roommate and savvy cook for help.

And this was the plan we devised: I’d tackle dressing the table and the beef stir-fry. She’d tackle the soup and fried rice. I bought the pre-made fortune cookies. When he arrived, she’d slip out the back whilst I answered the front doorbell. And the dinner went off exactly as planned. I wasn’t even sweating.

And I learned a valuable lesson that night: Just offer and cook what you’re comfortable making. This would be a signature dish, like meatloaf or spaghetti or chicken pot pie or a crockpot stew. Don’t be fancy. Don’t be clever. Be comfortable with your meal, so your guests will be equally comfortable. Because, bonus tip: If you’re sweating when you answer the door, no one will want to eat your soup.