We asked sailors to send us their on-the-water “relationship” questions for our new online column, and the questions started rolling in. Here’s the fourth installment:
Dear Stefina,
I love to cook, but my wife typically handles the dining portion of our sailing excursions. I want to do something special for her and prepare something delicious but boat-friendly. Any ideas to help me WOW her and her taste buds on the water?
Sincerely,
Sea-soned Chef
Dear Sea-soned Chef,
Well first and foremost, I am thrilled not to see any relationship problems here. You may be a fish out of water in the galley, but in marriage you really take the cake. In many ways being the captain of a boat is similar to being a chef. You run the show and others follow your commands. If you succeed as a chef, as well as a captain, everyone is happy and satisfied. Perhaps your sails are a bit fuller… like one's belly after a good meal.
For recipes I would refer you to the many books and websites available about cooking on a boat. One of my favorites is howtocookonaboat.com . I also love the website theboatgalley.com. Planning ahead is key, since obviously you can’t run to the store if you forget an ingredient.
It seems that your biggest dilemma may be: fish or chicken? And I am sure you have bigger fish to fry than that, so go with the seafood, Captain. Freshly caught is ideal, add a sprinkling of Old Bay seasoning, and her taste buds will be wowed . Remember that variety is the spice of life, so add a few sides, a great dessert, and finish your meal with a nice glass (plastic of course) of Port…
Remember , if you want to have well balanced meal, hold onto your plate during dinner.
Bon appetit! Stefina
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We know how romantic relationships–and even friendships–can get a little weird on the water...
Stefina is a licensed social worker who would like to answer your questions, in the same style as a sort of Sailing Dear Abby or in the same vein as the New York Times Social Q’s.
Send us a few onboard challenges you are facing with your first mate (or bestie), and we’ll let our columnist dish out some advice… Send questions to [email protected]
