"Awe" is a very strong word.

[Balancing the spoon takes more effort than she would have thought, but at least she isn't spilling. Wobbling, maybe, but-]

But I was trying to compliment you.

[Just... in case it wasn't clear. She feels her words are often misconstrued by her fellow shard-bearers, so. Just in case.]

I know few men in my world capable of cooking decent fare. Most leave it to their women.