Is this the result of a better-rounded, gentler group of guys raised by working moms?

Or merely a ploy to lure unsuspecting babes into the lair?

I've heard stories from men who have learned how to cook one spectacular date-night dish, as a means of impressing the ladies. (And, make no mistake guys, we are impressed.) Of course, the initial thrill might wear off just a teeny bit if we learn your culinary repertoire includes just two selections: rack of lamb with asparagus tips or microwaved flash-frozen Buffalo wings and leftover pizza.

Dan Dement, Kitchen Casanova and PR Director at The Art Institute of California in San Diego says, "Tips I've learned from our chef instructors have most definitely assisted me with landing my lovely fiancé. From cooking tips and great recipes to acquiring a chef's coat to wear while whipping up a meal, I was able to convince my sweetheart that I'd be a capable and talented producer of delicious meals."

Most women who have been bringing home the bacon for more than a few years find it's pretty delightful to finally meet a guy who knows where the frying pans are. And truthfully, cooking for us is one of those sure-fire heart-melters, on par with wearing a tuxedo while committing acts of chivalry, or making googly faces at a cooing baby.

And while some guys view cooking for a woman solely as an element in the certain seduction arsenal, most of the Kitchen Casanovas I interviewed were actually more interested in creating a romantic, memorable date than in wielding a spatula simply to score.

A Kitchen Casanova from New York (who prefers to keep his identity secret, just like the real Casanova) says, "I usually won't prepare a meal for a girl without learning what foods and types of cuisine she likes first. You can have a lot of fun starting things off for a date or dinner by going to the market and figuring out what you want to make together (one of my favorite date ideas). Like many things, confidence is the real key to becoming a talented cook. The willingness to try new ideas is all it takes to develop into a real Casanova, with or without the kitchen."

Of course, most guys who cook have had some not-so-great experiences. The most common slip-ups? Picking recipes that are too complicated or getting so involved with the conversation that you forget about the food until the smoke alarm goes off.

Here's how to keep from getting burned in the kitchen:

David Lawrence, a private chef in Beverly Hills and the author of Boy Eats World! A Private Chef Cooks Simple Gourmet, says, "I always advise kitchen newbies to choose a menu that they're familiar with, one that has an end result they can visualize. For example, most of us know what a steak should look like and how we like it cooked. Fewer people are familiar with the preparation of fresh, live lobster or would be comfortable creating a recipe that features calamari steaks. Obviously, that's not the recipe to tackle when you're just finding your way in the kitchen."

He suggests new Kitchen Casanovas stick with elegant but simple dishes like the ones found at www.chefdavidlawrence.com. "With very little effort (and cooking prowess) you'll definitely have your date thinking you're a kitchen rock star!"

Kevin Roberts, author of Munchies: Cook what you like, eat what you want. Finally a cookbook even you will use, says, "Cooking a delicious dinner is hands-down one of the most impressive feats imaginable; if you do it right and if it doesn't win her or him over, the person probably isn't worth dating anyway."

Chef Roberts' advice: