[ hmmm... she considers for a few seconds. there are heavier things on her mind, to be sure, but anything like that is... probably a bit much on a first meeting, even for a Professional. ]

I think I'll start with a small question, to test your advice-giving skills.

The rations here are very dull, but I'm not accustomed to the use of the automatic cooking fire or mechanical oven. What do you recommend I start out with, if I want to try cooking?