Proposals with every other recipe? The Marry Me recipe title trend is overused AND every bit last season. Plus, we can find better alternatives to make our recipe titles shine. Let's look into this and get creative.
Content:
Have you spotted a million "Marry Me" recipes floating around the internet lately? Seriously, they're like everywhere you turn!
This trend is huuuuge. Every food blog under the sun seems to have a "Marry Me" recipe these days. Just a quick Google search, and you're bombarded with Marry Me Chicken, Marry Me Lasagna, Marry Me Pasta... heck, even Marry Me Muffins?! It's like Marry Me EVERYTHING has taken over!
With these recipes all over Instagram and TikTok, I kind of understand that influencers are jumping on the bandwagon. But it's not just them! Even big-name newspapers and magazines like the New York Times and Huffington Post are picking up the trend, snowballing this whole "Marry Me" thing.
How do you feel about this "Marry Me" recipe title business? Does it just feel a tad... off to you?
I saw this trend blow up on Instagram a few weeks ago, and I was like, "Wait, what?! Why is everything named Marry Me something?? Is proposing the new thing?!?"
Ah, nope, I get it, the Marry Me recipe title is catchy. And hey, a good marketing strategy is a good marketing strategy, right?
BUT. Do we need this type of marry-me message in the 21st century?
How It All Began
Apparently, a story claims a man loved a woman's chicken dish so much he exclaimed, "I'd marry you for that!".
Thus, the (in)famous Marry Me Chicken was born, becoming the recipe title king, the poster child of the Marry Me recipe craze, dominating dinner tables, Pinterest boards, and Google Trends alike.
🐓 Let's pause for a short sec and talk CHICKENS – but not the edible kind!
As a proud vegan, I adore these feathered friends (no eating involved). They're quirky, lovable creatures, and did you know they're closely related to dinosaurs? Yep, mind-blowing stuff! So, when I say Marry Me Chicken, I'm envisioning the vegan rendition. And trust me, there are tons out there – just google "Vegan Marry Me Chicken" and prepare to be amazed. Yesss, even Marry Me Tofu exists!
This Marry Me Chicken recipe title gets a bit...well...weird upon closer inspection. Could it be interpreted as someone proposing to a chicken? Or, using "chicken" as slang for a woman, implying the desire to marry the cook? Cue the CONFUSION!
It's time to set the record straight: these recipes are supposed to make you want to marry the cook, plain and simple. The most common assumption is that this dish is so good it'll inspire the eater to propose to the chef.
And guess who the chef usually is? Statistically, it's a woman. Most "Marry Me" recipe creators online are women.
Doesn't this whole trend feel ... outdated?
Absolutely!
A Reddit user perfectly captured it, and I couldn’t agree more:
“I don’t like it cuz it has a very 1950s vibe. Like oh let me cook a meal for a man to show him I’ll be a good housewife”
Fast forward to the 21st century: Women have equal rights, and their culinary skills shouldn't be a marriage proposal waiting to happen.
We need to champion equality and respect in everything, including the kitchen and food culture. Language choices matter! Even seemingly small ones like recipe titles. They can reinforce outdated ideas and stereotypes, after all.
Cooking Mastery ≠ Matrimony
Ah, that time I whipped up a vegan version of Nadiya Hussain's baked double-cheese mac & cheese? My family devoured it faster than you can say "cheeeeeese!"
My mom declared it the ultimate compliment: "Now you're ready to get married!"
Wait.
Would she have said the same if I were a guy?
Maybe, maybe not.
I can’t say for sure; I don’t have a brother. But it shines a light on how societal expectations can linger.
My mom was raised in 1950s and 60s Romania, a time when women were expected to be domestic goddesses. So, her compliment, while intended sweetly, stemmed from ingrained societal norms.
I know she meant it as massive culinary praise. But: a small part of me winced. Saying things like that, even jokingly, can plant a seed. A young girl might internalize the idea that her cooking skills are the key to being likable/lovable/marriageable.
My inner voice screeched: "Hold up! I want someone to love me for who I am, not because I can whip up a mean mac and cheese!"
I think we can all agree that love & respect should be the foundation of any relationship, not a woman's ability to cook or manage a household.
Why "Marry Me" Recipe Titles Need a Refresh
Alright, my concerns are real, but let's unpack this further.
Why are "Marry Me" recipe titles problematic, especially for female chefs?
Here are a couple of reasons to ditch the trend:
- Diminishing Women's Worth
It's like we're stuck in the 1950s, with the idea that a woman's main gig is to please a man? Cooking and fulfilling domestic duties shouldn't define women's worth! - Seeking Male Validation
So, the dish's sole purpose is to make a guy so wowed he pops the question? Um, no thanks. Women are more than just a meal ticket. - Downplaying Culinary Skills
Sure, the title sounds playful, but let's not forget the serious skills behind the dish.
The playful title trivializes the chef's expertise and reduces the recipe to a mere tool for luring a partner. It's like slapping a "Marry Me" sticker on a unique piece of art or mastery. Imagine any author titling their novel 'Marry Me Masterpiece' because they think it's so good you'll propose! - Mixed Messages
A female chef using a title that emphasizes male approval contradicts the very idea of women being independent and celebrated for their achievements.
Let's celebrate women's achievements sans the marriage pressure, shall we?
Endless Alternatives: Let’s Get Creative!
The "Marry Me" recipe label might be catchy and all, but it's overused AND problematic.
There's a whole world of creative alternatives waiting to be explored!
With a million possibilities beyond "Marry Me," we can craft titles that are just as catchy and powerful while highlighting the culinary goodness we've created. The way to go for any chef today (regardless of gender)? Using empowering titles that celebrate the dish itself without relying on outdated notions.
And hey, you CAN totally have fun with the recipe titles, too. If you're in for an amusing twist on the Marry Me recipe label, why not come up with something that celebrates your beautiful self or love in general?
Here are a few fun examples to get started: :)))
Vegan Lovebird Chicken
Falling for Lasagne
Perfect Pairing Pasta
Sleeping Beauty Brownies
Self-Love Muffins
Respect Me Ratatouille
Supreme Esteem Shawarma
It's such a blast coming up with these! What do you think? Got any favorites? More ideas? Share below; I'd love to hear your thoughts!
The Only Time You Should "Cook Up" a Marry Me Recipe Title
For everyday recipe titles, we can all ditch the tired "Marry Me" trend. Let’s focus on the dish’s deliciousness and celebrate the chef’s culinary expertise.
Now, there might be a specific exception: the CULINARY PROPOSAL!
There is a rare instance where a “Marry Me” food title holds water.
Let’s journey to Brittany, France, for a beautiful Breton tradition: Legend has it (and some sources claim it continues today) that Breton women used to bake a specific cake called Kouign Amann (Breton butter cake) for their intended.
Here’s the twist: The cake itself served as the proposal. If the man accepted a slice, it signified his acceptance. Refusal meant a swift exit for the woman.
WOW! Now, that's what I call a true Marry Me recipe! And for a change: How cool is it that women took the lead in making the proposal?!
Would you propose with a cake? Or something else food-related?
Back from Brittany and to our beautiful, amazing lives. Taking inspiration from the Breton proposal tradition, let's explore how you could incorporate a Marry Me recipe into your plans.
Is your partner a foodie? Are you considering a proposal? If so, adding a proposal element to the food itself could be a delightful touch.
Here are some ideas for the TRUE Marry Me creations:
- Marry Me Cake
Bake a cake with a clear message like "Will you marry me?" frosted on top. - Marry Me Muffins
Wrap muffins with cute notes, one containing a ring. - Marry Me Cookies
Decorate cookies with loving inscriptions like "Marry Me?" or your partner's initials. - Marry Me Cheeseboard (vegan, of course ;))
Yes, it's totally a thing. Just google "Marry Me Cheeseboard," and prepare to be amazed by the most charming, cheesy (in the best possible way) proposals that'll pop up on your screen.
Let's chat! What are your thoughts on the "Marry Me" recipe craze? Love it? Hate it? Somewhere in between? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I can't wait to hear from you!
Here's to blooming love & planty of empowering eats!
Ramona
Psst ... you'll also like these amazing 5 Best Women's Charities and the Ginger Choc Muffins With Pears.
______________
(Image at the top by Nordwood Themes via Unsplash)
Letty says
There is nothing degrading about a woman who can care for her family. Part of doing that is through food, and if it can be through good food than her family will be happier. There are so many women today who cannot cook, it’s unfortunate, so their children end up eating junk food. Again it’s a beautiful and proud worthy talent to cook, and who would be the most important people to cook for? I would think her husband and children. A woman’s power and love is partly her ability to care for her loved ones. Cooking is a huge part of that, simply because we eat everyday. It’s the persistent daily care and cooking that is a significant feminine strength, one unfortunately unappreciated today.
Ramona says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Letty! I completely agree that cooking can be a wonderful way to care for your loved ones, and it’s a skill that deserves appreciation.
I also believe that cooking is a vital skill for everyone, regardless of gender. Whether you’re a man or a woman, the ability to prepare healthy, delicious meals for yourself and others is something to be proud of. Cooking is a labor-intensive task that requires time, patience, and creativity, and I think it should be honored and respected equally for all who contribute.