Dear Anna and Felty,

I have always heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I am not a very gute cook, and I despair of ever getting a husband. What can I do?
Signed,
Can’t Cook in Coloma

Dear Can’t Cook,
Never fear. Even though I am famous for my cooking, I wasn’t always so skilled. I didn’t really become a gute cook until I met Felty and then something just seemed to click. He loved everything I cooked and still does.

I would suggest starting with something easy like boiled water. To boil water, fill a saucepan with water, put it on the stove, and turn the stove on high. Watch it until little bubbles form. Then bigger bubbles. Then even bigger bubbles. I would suggest not putting your face directly over the saucepan when the bubbles form. Raw honey is very gute for steam burns, but for sure and certain, it makes your face sticky.

After boiling water, you’re ready to move up to all sorts of delicious recipes like cheesy potato lentil soup and jalapeño banana bread. Jalapeño banana bread is one of my favorite recipes. That bread singlehandedly got Lizzy Helmuth and Mahlon Nelson together. You can cook the jalapeños right into the bread, or if you prefer, you can sprinkle chopped jalapeños over the top for a real kick. Of course, if you rather not use jalapeños, this bread is gute served with butter and a cup of boiling water.

Jalapeño Banana Bread

Sift together:
1-3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream 1/3 cup shortening and 2/3 cup sugar.
Add 2 beaten eggs and 1 cup mashed bananas and dry ingredients.
Pour in a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Sprinkle chopped jalapeños over the top after baking (optional).