By Elisa Anderson
If a box of chocolates and a dozen roses is what a woman wants this Valentines, then chocolate and roses it is.
But, if she is like the other thousands of women in this world, get this, she actually hopes you will put some thought and effort into it.
Kari Kiholm, 22, a senior from Sacramento majoring in Nursing, is one of the many who thinks traditional chocolates and flowers don''t take much thought.
'Last year, my boyfriend started a week early and gave me a gift everyday until Valentines - like the 12 days of Christmas,' Kiholm said.
So if it''s the thought that counts with women, here''s one that will soften each of their hearts: culinary innovations.
Don''t let your Valentine see this article. If she does, your idea is blown and you will actually have to reflect on ideas of your own for the special date. Heaven forbid.
If she is not reading this, cook her dinner for Valentines Day, she will be so impressed (even if you do ruin the Chicken Cordon Bleu).
Maybe the way to a woman''s heart is not through her stomach, but she will definitely think you are adorable to take the time and effort to cook for her.
While conducting research for her thesis, Janet Stocks, professor of family life/home economics education, found that food is much more than just nutrients for the body.
'It''s a source of relationship enhancement,' Stocks said. 'Food is really important in the dating process.'
Take it from Cindy Sorensen, 18, a freshman from Las Vegas, Nev., majoring in marriage, family, and human development.
'If he tried to cook anything for me, that would be romantic,' Sorensen said, 'just because he put effort in to it. Guys cooking are romantic, period.'
Last year, a male student in Stocks'' Basic Food Preparation class, made Fettuccini Alfredo and breadsticks for his girlfriend after she came home from work. So, she proposed to him. Why?
'Because it was something unexpected,' Stocks said. 'Everything was already done. When she walked in the door the candles were lit, and he was able to spend the time focusing on her.'
Stock doesn''t think extravagant meals are even necessary.
'It wasn''t that he slaved for hours in the kitchen. He put her first in his thoughts,' she said. 'A man should prepare something that is simple enough that he can focus on her and not the meal'.
Cody Jarrett, 24, a senior from South Jordan, majoring in advertising and Russian, is taking Professor Stock''s Basic Food Prep Class.
'A guy should stick with his specialties,' Walker said. 'I make a mean beef stroganoff.'
Stocks said that she has very gregarious and outgoing men in the classes she teaches. She believes the stereotypes that men can''t or shouldn''t cook are slowly changing.
So, what is the most romantic thing you could make on Valentines Day?
Sorensen said chocolate-dipped strawberries or chocolate fondue would win her over.
Kiholm agreed.
'Anthing that has to do with chocolate is romantic,' she said.
Stocks explained there is a physiological reason why women love to eat chocolate.
'There are different hormones that are secreted in the body,' she said. 'In the brain, there is a hormone that is secreted only by women that is initiated by one of the substances in chocolate. It gives a euphoric feeling, a feeling of being in love.'
What goes along with chocolate that is easy to make? Try Chicken Cordon Bleu or Veal Parmigiana -- any cuisine that is pronounced with a foreign accent.
Stocks recommends cooking cuisine that is indigenous to the area in which a young man served his mission.
'The biggest thing isn''t what you''re eating it is the thought process that went into the creation,' Stocks said.
If you are absolutely terrified to even make an attempt at cooking, Jarrett provided an alternative.
'One thing I''ve always wanted to do,' he said, 'is buy (my valentine) a dress and leave it for her on her bed with a note that says -Meet me at this restaurant tonight.'
Such an idea would succeed, Kiholm said. It is the thought that counts.
'I think that''s adorable,' she said. Otherwise, be brave, give culinary arts a try. Bon appetite.