On my recent stroll through the mall, I ran into a wonderful romantic opportunity: I found a sweet cookbook at Williams-Sonoma for couples called the Bride and Groom Cookbook. To my surprise, there are many other cookbooks around for couples such as The Newlywed Kitchen and the bridal edition Betty Crocker cookbook.

Cooking is a wonderful activity to do as a couple, and it’s full of romantic opportunities. Here are a few ways to enjoy cooking together:

Take Classes
Some local bakeries, wineries, and cookware suppliers offer cooking classes for both beginners and advanced students alike. Spend an afternoon at one of these classes, getting to know other couples and enjoying your new culinary chops. For “homework” create a little intimate meal for two using the skills you just learned.

Cook (and Clean) as a Couple
Once a week, spend time making a meal together. It can be as simple as her making the salad and him making the chicken. Discuss ingredients, restaurants you’ve had similar meals in, and memories of being in the kitchen from your childhood as you put together meals. Encourage each other in the culinary realm. (Don’t tell them “how to do it correctly.”) Set the table together, and then sit and enjoy the fruit of your labor. When you’re done eating, clean the kitchen and wash dishes together. This will make the work go three times as fast and make it hardly seem like work!

Cook for an Event or Holiday Together
Bake sale coming up? Large family gathering approaching? Get together with your sweetheart and bake sugar cookies or cakes to decorate for your next big event. Have an assortment of food dyes for frosting colors, and edible decorations for gingerbread houses on hand. Enjoy one another’s creative sides.

Become Hobbyists
Do you and your sweetheart have a common interest in the food realm, such as wine, chocolate, or tea? Become food hobbyists together! Explore different venues that provide whatever culinary treasure you like to share, keeping journals on what you two like and dislike. This not only creates great date opportunities, but it also creates great conversational topics and a personalized gift wish list.

Know any great couples cookbooks or romantic tips in the kitchen? Write them in our comments!