Compatible in the Kitchen?

by Laura Donnelly — September 3, 2007

What's it like when you date someone with whom you have nothing in common--at the breakfast, lunch, or dinner table, that is? I once went out with a fellow who described himself (before we'd even met) as a vegetarian who ate nothing "self-propelling." "Ooooooh, please explain what that means," I cooed, wanting to please him the first time I cooked for him. Apparently, it means no fish or chicken.

Some vegetarians draw the line at any "animal" with more than seven vertebrae. After a while, I insisted to this boyfriend that really, if you thought about it, every fruit and vegetable on the planet could be interpreted as "self-propelling" simply by the act of growing. We didn't last very long.

For those of you who have to cook for someone whose eating habits are not compatible with yours, here are some recipes and tips for the week. Tell us your tips for cooking for someone who may (or may NOT) share your healthy lifestyle.

For a quick Monday night dinner, assemble this rustic Italian bread salad with leftover stale bread from the weekend.

Panzanella or Italian Bread Salad

Serves 6

3 cups Italian bread, cut into small cubes
2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and cut into small cubes
1 cup yellow pear tomatoes, halved
1/2 English cucumber, diced
1/2 cup sweet red pepper, diced
1/2 cup finely chopped red or Vidalia onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In large mixing bowl, combine bread, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and red onion.

2. In blender, puree the garlic with the vinegar and cup of basil leaves. Drizzle in oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Toss all ingredients together and serve. If you let it stand for a while, you might need more dressing.