Nachos are easy to make. Men can’t mess that up, right?
In the meantime, here are three writing prompts to provoke thought.
🍳 Prompt 1: The Culinary Catastrophe (Humorous Fiction)
Prompt: Write a short story about a character named Stan who has promised his family the “best dinner ever” for National Men Make Dinner Day, despite the fact that his culinary experience is limited to microwaving popcorn. Describe the escalating chaos in the kitchen as he attempts to follow a complex recipe. Focus on the sensory details—the smell of smoke, the sound of dropping pots, and the look of pure terror on his partner’s face when he pulls out the blowtorch (for “caramelizing”).
Focus Points:
- Conflict: Stan vs. The Recipe.
- Climax: The moment the family realizes they might be ordering pizza instead.
🤔 Prompt 2: The Meaning of the Meal (Reflective Essay/Memoir)
Prompt: Explore the significance of a non-traditional cook taking over the kitchen for a night. Write a reflective essay or a piece of flash memoir from the perspective of someone who either made the dinner or received the dinner. What does this simple act represent in the context of their relationship, family roles, or personal growth? Is it about stepping up, breaking a routine, or simply showing appreciation?
Focus Points:
- Theme: Effort, Appreciation, or Breaking Gender Norms.
- Tone: Sincere and thoughtful.
🔪 Prompt 3: The Secret Ingredient (Mystery/Twist Ending)
Prompt: Write a brief, suspenseful scene about a character who has been tasked with making dinner. They are attempting a family-famous dish, but there is one secret ingredient that the original cook (Grandma/Dad/Aunt) always refused to reveal. Describe their increasingly desperate search for clues in old cookbooks, hidden notes, or dusty pantry corners, leading up to a surprising revelation about what the ingredient actually is (it could be anything from a bizarre spice to a bizarre ritual).
Focus Points:
- Mood: Tense and investigative.
- Resolution: The unexpected discovery of the “secret ingredient.”
Download the Writing Prompt PDF here.