Refrigerator Woes for the Single Girl

This week, Khalil dissects the busy single gal's refrigerator and offers some advice on how to spruce it up.

By Khalil Hymore

Recently, a single girlfriend of mine was lamenting the fact that she barely even has time to grocery shop, let alone cook. I suppose lawyers working for big-city law firms don't really have much time to pursue the culinary arts. Being young and single, she raised a unique concern about stocking her kitchen. Apparently, she is not worried about actually cooking but rather fears that her sparsely stocked fridge will scare off potential boyfriends.

"Is it bad that when a guy comes over and opens my fridge, he sees the same items from his fridge staring back at him--half a six-pack of beer, spoiled milk and a box of Arm and Hammer?" Kim asked. Though it may be politically incorrect to say this, it certainly isn't good.

Now before the sexist letters come flooding in, I am not advocating that women alone should feign domesticity. I believe in equal-opportunity kitchen fakery. A well-presented kitchen, refrigerator, and pantry are very sexy--for both genders. I am not saying that your kitchen must be tricked out with all the latest and greatest gadgets, but you should absolutely be able to prepare a simple dinner for you and another--with relative ease--or at least look like you can.

I know that the ladies will back me up here--it is very attractive when a man knows how to cook. But more than its appeal, having a sense of food--be it knife skills or even just a refined palate--says "Hey, I'm a grown-up." It says "I have my act together, and even though I don't have time to cook, I would if I could." Even though your fridge may suggest otherwise, this isn't dorm living anymore!

So what can you do to fool the opposite sex into thinking you have what it takes in the kitchen (because let's face it, if you have what it takes in the kitchen, chances are you have what it takes in other rooms of the house too!)? Clean the cobwebs out of the cupboards and take a good long look in your refrigerator...and then go shopping.

First, your pantry: some basic spices, herbs, and baking essentials such as flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. You could accomplish this for about $25. Even if you never bake, keep these items on hand, because maybe a potential boyfriend does. Hey, the pancakes that you hope to eat for breakfast do not cook themselves. You also need some oils and vinegars for quick salad dressings and light cooking. A good mix would be extra-virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, and apple cider vinegar. If you want to go the extra mile, an assortment of pastas for quick weeknight meals and oatmeal (real oatmeal--not that microwave stuff) for quick healthy breakfasts are great additions.

Next, your refrigerator: Your dairy products should always, always be fresh--milk, eggs, yogurt, and cheese. This isn't to say they would normally be found in your fridge, but if you're looking to impress a hot date, make a pit stop at the corner market on your way home. On top of the dairy, if you want to feign even the slightest interest in the culinary arts for your prospective mate, then you will most definitely need some fresh fruits and vegetables, but be careful--not all of them belong in the fridge. Tomatoes, for example, are best left out a room temperature. A simple selection of fruits and veggies is great to have, because not only do you need these products for cooking, but they make great snacks too.

Now, I know time is limited and precious (believe me, I know), but if you take the time to keep your kitchen minimally stocked, you won't have to apologize every time a potential soul mate opens your refrigerator door. To make things more convenient, many markets nowadays will deliver groceries right to your door, saving you precious time. The bottom line is, if you want to save yourself from the embarrassment of a scary refrigerator, you are going to have to use it once in awhile!