Lessons in home cooking
make perfect gift for men

Question: What are the benefits of cooking at home?

Answer: Besides the obvious cost benefits, eating at home gives the cook control over nutritional quality and portions.

Q: What does cooking offer men?

A: Men are generally problem-solvers who like to know how things work and how to fix problems. They also like to make things. When cooking is approached more like wood shop, auto shop or chemistry, it can pique their interest.

Q: Are there cookbooks with a more analytical approach?

A: A number of books approach cooking from the science and technology angle. Our favorite author of this genre is Alton Brown, who has a Food Network TV show called "Good Eats." Brown's approach is a blend of wacky chef, mad scientist and kid who wants to get his fingers into everything.

Brown's first book, "I'm Just Here for the Food," with the subtitle "Food + Heat = Cooking," is more about cooking methods, but the recipes are also great.

His second book, creatively titled "I'm Just Here for More Food," is about baking and again focuses on methods. The mechanically minded man might prefer the first book. The chemist type would enjoy the "molecular pantry" approach of "More Food."

Q: What is there for the guy who doesn't (or won't) read?

A: The Food Network sells Alton Brown DVDs or videotapes and many of his "Good Eats" shows. Many men might prefer to start with these and graduate to the written form once they feel ready for the kitchen or the grill.

Q: What are some other masculine resources?

A: Check out "The Science of Cooking" by Peter Barham. The book has molecular illustrations, formulas, experiments, tables and graphs. There are explanations about what makes gelatin gel or egg whites turn white when cooked, and numerous experiments (without the chemistry kit).

For the man who appreciates good writing and a deep exploration of the world of food and cooking, consider Harold McGee's "The Curious Cook: More Kitchen Science and Lore" and the 600-plus-page classic "On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen."

For the more visual learner, check out "Le Cordon Bleu Kitchen Essentials." Every page is beautifully illustrated with foods and cooking techniques to stimulate the hidden interest of even the most reluctant of potential chefs.

Take a man to dinner and you feed him for an evening. Trigger a culinary hobby and he can feed himself -- and you!