Angela Philipps, Contributor

'You are the apple of my eye and the breadfruit of my heart, and of all the milk, you are the most condensed.' A boy told me this when I was 18 years old, and I have never forgotten. Jamaican men love their food, and if any of them place you in the context of it, then take it as a huge compliment.

There are three types of men when it comes to eating - those who like quantity, those who like quality, and those who believe both are equally important. The bottom line though ... yuh feed him, yuh mek him happy.

Some years ago I discovered a way to entice a man to my house - offer to cook him dinner. Guaranteed, it works every time. Whether he fancies you or not, ladies, the guy will be there. I mean, he might well bring along his male mates, worse yet another girl, but you can be sure that he's coming to eat. And the more you offer, the longer he'll stay.

I don't know if the root of this stems back to his childhood when his mother looked after him, but let me stop and really think about this. If I were to write down the names of every male being I have cooked for, with a sentence briefly describing the maternal influence in their lives, would I discover a pattern? Yes, I would.

Take Boy One: He's grown up with a working mother who did not pander to her husband's every need. In fact, it's the dad who's been the one to cook family meals. This guy actually gets into cooking for himself, and he probably takes a lot of pride in his culinary abilities. He might not come to your house for dinner, but he'll invite you over to his. If you do, however, ever find yourself preparing food for him, then for goodness sake make sure it tastes good! He'll have high standards, and be quick to criticise or tease you if you're not up to scratch.

Boy Two: His mother cooked for him throughout his childhood, straight into adulthood. He moved into his own place, and still comes 'home' for dinner on a regular basis. Sometimes his mum even brings his supper over for him. He'll LOVE it that you offer to cook for him, though he might compare your talents to his mother's. However, he likes the idea of being cared for that way.

Boy Three: He had a similar upbringing to Boy Two, but his mother does not live close by. He would really like to have someone who can look after him and his appetite, but be careful that he doesn't take you for granted!

Sexy foods to work with:

1. Raw oysters

2. Steamed asparagus eaten with fingers

3. Meat or cheese fondue

4. Strawberries dipped in melted chocolate or whipped cream

5. Any comfort food like shepherd's pie or pizza

Try and find out if he has a savoury or sweet tooth. Does he like spicy food or something more like 'meat and potato'? Will a nice wine appeal to him? Did he ever mention to you that he likes a particular brand of beer perhaps? Source these 'treats' if you can. Men are up for being wined and dined, as well you know!

So what of the lady who has absolutely no clue what to do with a pot, and doesn't know the difference between a spoon and a spatula? Wing it, my girl. Go to a deli and buy some fresh bread, cheese, salami and olives. Not sure if he likes wine? Stick to a couple of ice-cold beers. Set up a blanket or rug in your living room, light candles, play a little Beres Hammond or Sanchez, and ask him to come on over. No one says you have to be a whizz in the kitchen. The journey of love starts in a man's belly and travels straight to the heart. It doesn't matter how you get there, as long as you do.

angelaphilippsja@hotmail.com