Your pet-peeves about other people's cooking

[funnybone]

We all have friends or family members that do certain things in cooking, baking, food preparation, etc. that bother us. Here are some of my pet peeves:

My SIL going through the trouble of making her own pasta sauce, great pasta, and then sprinkling "Kraft (fake) parmesan" cheese on top

My friend inviting us to dinner when we are in town (2 times a year as she is 350 miles away) and she orders in Chinese (I'd rather just go out and eat at the restaurant)

A friend offering coffee, and then it turns out to be instant coffee (please tell me ahead of time that it is instant so that I don't gag on it and can politely say that I am cutting back on my caffeine intake)

My MIL ALWAYS serving the same food - 3 different meats, rice, potatoes and the only other vegetable dish being a lettuce salad (at least put some tomatoes in it) or offer another vegatable dish - ugh

Being invited to a cookie exchange, taking the trouble of making fancy cookies, only to find out that 6 out of 12 ladies made chocolate chip cookies, 2 made snickerdoodles, and 1 made a trip to the store.

I could go on and on, but I would like hear yours.

[KValley]

This is great!

My Dad makes the most god-awful coffee- Folgers, but he does something to make it worse (if that's possible). When we stay with them, DH and I always get up early to go for a walk- our ulterior motive is to head to the Starbucks about 1 1/2 miles away to get our morning sustenance.

MIL/DIL using ONLY lettuce- the watery stuff (my mind just went blank); never Romaine, Red Leaf, Spinach- just the zero nutrient, tasteless, wimpy stuff.

MIL/DIL storing red wine in the refrigerator. Cold Chianti-bleccckk. We had a chat about that one on the last visit.

Oh, I'm sure other MIL/DIL transgressions will occur to me, but it feels good to blow off this steam!!

[mightyh]

Hmmm... this could be a very interesting topic. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I haven't had as long to think about it, but will share one that comes to mind. We have a friend who makes decent homestyle food and happens to usually make chicken parm when she has dinner parties. The dish is average at best, but that's not my complaint... My complaint is that she doesn't "check" her chicken breasts as I do in every single recipe I make (and maybe it's just me being picky), so I ALWAYS end up biting into a bite and gagging on some chicken tendon or something.... Yeeech. I HATE that. And then I have to figure out how to politely spit it out...

My one other complaint I can think of off the top of my head (same meal) is that her chicken breasts are SO LARGE. I honestly don't knwo where she gets them. I feel like they may be a pound a piece. So I hate being a guest at someone's house and feeling like I have to clean my plate or else risk hurting her feelings....

Eager to hear more of these tales...

[emilycat]

This is such an awesome topic -- great idea!

1.I love my grandmother to death, but she cooks her vegetables until they're crying out for mercy. I don't think she's cooked a crisp-tender vegetable in her life! (Although I will say that her greens are out-of-this-world http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

2. Serving something that's been ready for a while and hasn't been kept warm. I feel just a bit rude asking to heat my plate up.

3.People who don't scrape every last bit of sauce out of the pot to go in the lasagna, or all the batter to pour into the cake pan. Arghh! If you're gonna count all the calories in the recipe, they'd better all be in there!

I'm sure everyone will remind me of others; I can't wait to see them all!

Emily

[lsdesign]

My Sister! My sister who is health conscious in many ways insists on preparing my mom's old recipes with all of the fat and calories. She will not alter these to lighten them and she knows better. I find it difficult to be around her when she is cooking, I have trouble keeping my mouth shut.

[makedah]

Not asking me what I like (I'm very picky) before loading my plate up with food.

Serving me with funky looking (dirty/yucky) plates, utensils, etc.

Touching your dog/cat while we're eating -- makes me wonder where the animal was while you were COOKING! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

I can't eat much at home anymore for some of the same reasons that funnybone gave. Overcooked meat seasoned only with pepper and salt, rice and canned peas or corn (as an afterthought) don't do it for me anymore...

And one specific experience that led me to never eat anything this friend made again...

We went to Penzey's and each bought Trinidad Marinade (It's very good. Has salt, lemon, garlic, sugar and cloves). She made some chicken with it and invited me over for dinner. I asked why the chicken looked sort of orange. She said "Oh, I always put ketchup and mustard on my chicken before I bake it." YUCK!

[valeriek]

This is great!

My old roommate used to dry measuring cups to measure water (and anything else liquid). I actually said something to her about it, but she says thats how her mom does it so that is how she is going to do it!

I also understand the need to count calories, cut down on fat, etc. But my sister insists on using fat free cheddar cheese (and all the other fat free stuff). It just doesn't melt properly, so I'm eating her burrito's or something with this cheese that looks awful. I've tried to persuade her to go at least to low fat, but she refuses (the girl is a toothpick, so I don't know what she is concerned about anyway).

I'm sure I'll think of other.

[CLCH]

I have to agree about my MIL only using the most plain Jane foods. She also buys only foods that are processed to death. In all of her casseroles, she uses Velveeta. All her vegetables are frozen, and she lives in Houston where you can get great produce most of the year.

Whenever my husband and I visit, I try to cook something, but it is almost impossible. There is not a sharp knife in the house, not to mention absolutely NO spices. I mean not even the basic ones like basil. Only garlic salt, which the whole family puts on EVERYTHING. Fresh garlic is absolutely alien to them.

I made Martha Stewart's ultimate macaroni and cheese for Christmas dinner. It calls for white cheddar and Gruyere, and they made fun of me forever for using "fancy cheese." My sister-in-law even said that she was "scared to eat it, but it's actually good."

I guess my problem is not so much the way my husband's family cooks, but rather their attitude about cooking and food. They are just so unadventurous.

[ChrisF]

Oh, this topic could really get going...!
But seriously, (!);-> I *do* try to appreciate my MIL's cooking. And in fact, I think her renditions of Eastern European recipes are delicious--BUT, hook her up with a more 'westernized' recipe and watch out!
I vividly remember her cooking a stuffed turkey early in the day and letting it sit on the counter because "it got done sooo early".
Yes, yes, I *tried* to say something! Actually, I told DH to say something too...and he refused. Needless to say, we didn't eat any of it, but no one became ill either. I have learned to just eat carbo's and be quiet!
Chris

[hka]

This is such an interesting topic. I can't think of many pet peeves right now. My SIL also uses a lot of fat free stuff like salad dressing and cheese. I don't really like that stuff either. I'd prefer low fat which works great in most things and you can't tell the difference. Also, on a different note, I noticed in some of the posts that some of you mentioned your mother in laws. I stumbled across this MIL site http://www.motherinlawstories.com/ not too long ago. It's very fascinating because it's basically a therapeutic site for DIL's who have horrible MIL's. Not that any of you do. I just thought I'd share it with you just in case. I feel very bad for some of the DIL's that write in. What's also neat about this site is you can add your advice to their posts. It's pretty cool. If you're interested check it out some time.

[BethH]

Oh my gosh--I'm actually crying from laughing so hard at the motherinlawstories.com worst gift stories. A complete riot.

Just so it is clear, my boyfriend's mother is very nice and would never treat me poorly or give me insulting gifts...this site is just funny! Check it out if you get a chance!

[Karen M]

Refridgerated Red Wine is definitely the worst.

[Leslie w]

Here's a few of my pet-peeves:

My MIL and SIL who are cat lovers and let their cats crawl on the kitchen counters while they cook. I once caught my SIL's cat on the counter nibbling on a piece of crust from a quiche. SIL knocked the cat off the counter and proceeded to serve the quiche at her buffet!

My other MIL only uses canned veggies too. Which she insists on cooking in a cream sauce. She also likes to pick on other people dietary preferences when you're eating at her table. I've been called several four letter words because I don't like mushrooms.

My dear mother will have a huge dinner party and only serve about 2 cups of veggies or half a bowl of salad, for about 10 people. Everyone has to hold back and only take a tbsp of veggies or a couple of lettuce leaves. She also insists on putting butter on everything she serves.

People who overcook a roast because "they want to get all the bugs out" It ends up like shoe leather! And my husband who wanting to pay them a compliment insists on telling them it's the best roast he ever had.

After I cook elaborate and creative meals for friends (something I really enjoy doing) they announce at the table "I don't know how you do it because I would never bother going through this much trouble" ...And they never do!

That's why I enjoy this board so much. Because none of my friends cook and I often wonder if my enthusiasm for cooking is unusual.

[schuh]

Frankly, I love when other people cook for me and have few gripes. But here they are:

The first is a "ditto" on the cookie exchange sentiment mentioned above, and to add that the people who make tiny, tiny cookies for cookie exchanges bug me.

The second are people who come to a party and OFFER to bring an appetizer/dessert (and I assume they are going to bring something fairly nice), and they show up with a purchased bread boat and bread boat dip or packaged cookies. Once, I had three bread boats with dip at a party. My thinking is that if you don't have time to make something nice, why offer?

My final, and biggest, pet peeve: people who don't reciprocate on entertaining. I could rant on an on about this but will leave it at that.

[jazzcat]

CLCH!!! I was reading through this thread having some good laughs and noted your story about Martha Stewart's Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese. Could you post the recipe? I tried to find it on line MS site but no luck. Thanks. I would have to say, most of the people I know are decent cooks, except for my dear, dear grandmother cooked everything to death!!!!!!!!! I still am leary of homemade baked beans because I just think of those sad dried out beans that she spent time cooking for us. Usually I "doctor up"
a can of B&M baked beans. I still remember how sweet it was she would always make a separate dish of potato salad just for me since I don't like eggs. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[DmOrtega]

I great really frustrated when my husband follows a recipe -- to the letter, without tasting. I taste and adjust while I'm cooking. He says he doesn't have to check it, just follow the directions.

[aggie94]

These are trivial things, really, but I guess that's what pet-peeves are.

Being invited over to someone's house for dinner, and them not asking me if there is anything I CAN'T eat. I am severely allergic to shrimp, peaches, parsley, and watermelon. I hate showing up to someone's house and then having to explain that, despite how delicious their shrimp-stuffed mushrooms look, I can't eat them. Then I look like the picky, unappreciative guest. Not to mention, half the time they give me a skeptical look, like I'm lying just so that I don't have to say that I dislike something.

People who can't properly pronounce their food items, especially when ordering at a restaurant. I was at a nice Italian restaurant once when DH's friend ordered the fo-kuh-chee'-uh (focaccia). I have another friend that calls it ah-sah'-gee-o (Asiago) cheese. (Do you see an "i" between the "g" and the "o"?). And my college roommate -- and this is the one that really drove me crazy -- used to eat Ray-mee-on (Ramen) noodles. Just shoot me now.

[Grace]

aggie94 that's too funny!!!! All these posts are so, so funny. I have been laughing out loud!

I agree with the mispronounciations - for me it's chipotle (chi-pole-tee)!!! (kind of like realtor or nuclear!).

One of my biggest pet peeves, though is when we go to my sister's house for dinner. Her husband does most of the cooking, and he is more into the presentation than the food. One time he served glazed baby carrots with the meal. He figured on 5 carrots per person (and there were 6 of us), so he COUNTED OUT 30 baby carrots into the pan!! Then, of course, they have to "plate" everything perfectly in the kitchen, and then "present" your food to you. What if I don't want carrots? What if I want MORE carrots?!!! Too bad. No leftovers at all at their house. And the portions of everything are sooo small. The joke in the family is to eat before you go to their house for dinner!

The other one is when there are no good/healthy choices at all. I can't eat "cream-of-whatever-soup" casserole, or Hamburger Helper, or greasy sausages or mega-mayonnaise potato salad. I don't mind if there is at least one or two decent items, but am grossed out when that's all there is and I'm force to choke it down. YUCK.

Oh yeah, and iceburg lettuce salads. UGH.




[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 04-06-2001).]

[aggie94]

LOL, Grace! By the way, how else would one say "realtor"? I stuck with food things, but while we're on the subject, you do not "orientate" anyone or anything. That is not a word!!

And I'm glad you mentioned iceberg lettuce salads. I had forgotten to include that. Ugh is right! (and that's funny coming from me, because I used to be a diehard iceberg lettuce fan - yuck!)

[BosunsWife]

Oh my go#, I've had a lot of fun reading this topic. I think most of my pet peeves have to do with my MIL.

She (on the flip side of overcooking red meat) basically warms steak on both sides. I gagged every time until DH told his mom to cook mine "a little longer". Unfortunately she also does not cook her chicken long enough for me either. I don't know how they have avoided food poisoning for as long as they have.

All veggies are overcooked and then a (I kid you not) half a stick of butter is added to them.

I simply cannot stand to work in a dirty kitchen - i.e., lots of clutter, no counterspace, etc. This is a classic description of my MIL's kitchen. Or, everytime we would go to their house the sink was FULL of dirty dishes AND they have a dishwasher?????

I could go on and on, but fortunately we now live a LONG way from them and I don't have to put up with it anymore. I think sometimes its a generational thing (at least in her case). On the other hand, maybe not since my mom is very saavy about cooking light and healthy.

My pet peeve about DH is that although I love it when he cooks, why does he have to dirty just about every pan, etc. there is? The kitchen looks like a hurricane has gone through when he is done.

[food girl]

After reading those sadly funny stories at motherinlawstories.com I realize that my MIL could be much worse, so I will abstain from griping about her cooking.

My number one pet peeves are the assumptions that because I am a dietitian I won't eat meat, butter, dessert, cheese or drink wine.


I can't tell you how much veggie lasagna and fruit for dessert I have had in my life.

Hey Aggie - the last time I was out with my mom she ordered the salmon (pronounced with the L) filet (sounds like skillet) and Italian dressing (Eye-talian). :0 I love her anyway!

[Chefmom]

Well, I guess that I am pretty lucky, when we visit my mothers she only does a few things, either the "turkey spread", she has her hubbie cook burgers on the grill, or ham. I have given up on EVER really eating her pasta, ever since I was a kid, the noodles are cooked until they crawl out of the pot and run away, and the sauce simmers with the lid on. So it has so much tomato water in it that your plate is slippery noodles (the ones that didn't run away) with some red water under it.

Yes, I have told her over and over to LEAVE THE LID OFF to thicken the sauce, but hey, who listens to me, I'm just a Chef.

And when we visit my husbands family I do all the cooking. And so they eat like royalty and I work 24/7 on my holiday!!!! Deep down I don't mind as much because I know how we would eat if THEY cooked!!! My husband's brother did steamed shrimp one night. He popped it into the steamer and 20 minutes later I wondered into the kitchen and saw that they hadn't come out yet. He got all huffy when I entered "his" kitchen, so I didn't open my mouth (unusual for me), but you could play tennis with the shrimp!!

My husband and I offered to bring the roast for Christmas dinner so that a.) it would come from OUR favorite market and b.) after paying $80 for it, it would NOT be cooked to dead shoe leather.

This Christmas was the first year that I cooked fully for them. It was nice because his mother called EVERYONE that day to tell them that she was relaxing with her feet up while a professional Chef took over her kitchen. I didn't even do anything "fancy" I just did their normal spread, but the meat, oh, the meat. I think each person had at LEAST 2 pounds each. Even finiky me, it was wonderful.

Tami

[AndreaU]

I guess I don't have too much to complain about. My family loves to entertain, especially mom- she goes all out, only the best will do. As for my husband's family, not a problem. One SIL is a fabulous baker, so we always enjoy when she bakes! My MIL always puts out a nice meal at her house. She had 6 kids so she's used to a crowd. The only thing I can think of is not about my MIL's cooking- she is a die-hard box o'wine drinker! Sorry, I just can't do it... my husband and I always come with a bottle of wine that we're sure to crack open and help ourselves to!

[JulieM]

This is a fun topic. Many of you have already expressed most of my gripes. My biggest gripe is when I got to my Mom's for Thanksgiving. I have 7 siblings and everyone is supposed to bring something. Mom just bakes the turkey. So you'd think that since everyone only has to make one thing, it would be special, right? WRONG! Stove-top stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, cold, white, packaged rolls, canned green beans... you get the picture. That is NOT Thanksgiving.

[lindrusso]

I guess I'm lucky. I don't really have pet peeves in this area. My MIL and my mom both like Cooking Light, so we're all on the same page with cooking, most of the time. And my MIL was the one who gave me the spinach ball recipe - so I am forever indebted!!!

Certainly I've been places where I've been served things I'd rather not eat, but then again, someone has gone out of their way to prepare something, so I can't complain too much. Generally speaking, though, many people I know just aren't as creative or as adventurous in their cooking. Not really a pet peeve, but I may not drool over what I'm served.

I've been getting a kick out of reading these posts.

Aggie94 - I feel the need to comment about your allergies. I'm not trying to be critical here, but offering a different point of view (from the view of the hostess) on your situation. You really need to make the hostess aware of these allergies. Many people do not have food allergies and just don't think to ask. Not only is it embarassing for the hostess to go through the trouble to prepare these meals only to learn you can't eat them, but you could endanger yourself! Many, many dishes have parsley in them and you may eat it without realizing it. Not only bad for you, but imagine being the hostess who caused someone to be ill!!! Just my 2 cents...

[kwormann]

MIL insisting EVERYTIME ove 8 years I try a bite of what ever red meat she made......Ive never liked any red meat except hamburger and Im so content to have potato and salad, or whatever else she is having, but I always feel obligated to take a tiny bite. THEN she tells people I love her meat and always eat it!

Also people who buy instant rice, mac n cheese, etc and INSIST on following the recipe to the letter...It doesnt need NEARLY as much butter as the recipe calls for, if ANY! Another butter complaint (MIL again) who puts butter on things just to brown it.....JUST FOR THE COLOR!

Oh yea, forgot to add MIL doesnt see any reason not to leave leftovers out all day (turkey at Thanksgiving, hamburgers at Fourth of July....makes my stomach turn to think of it!)

Kim

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 04-06-2001).]

[bluebird]

I almost didn't turn on the PC but am glad I did after a baaaad day at work. My DH came to the den just to see why I was so hysterical.

We have a very dear friend who also loves to cook the vegies until they are unrecognizable and mush. Some of the vegies (canned) get heated in the micro until the water has evaporated, and they begin to dry up. Her roasts are super well done, so much so that you chew and chew and chew and chew. The next time we visit her, I KNOW I will be thinking about this Board. Thanks for the laugh!

[Emdg]

Wow, after reading these posts I realize how blessed I am. Everyone in my family and DH's are good cooks. The meals aren't as low-cal as I would like, but thats the point of entertaining sometimes. My mom does do the iceberg lettuce route, but she puts ton's of other veggies in too. My MIL never does the same recipe twice, so noone (including her) knows if it's going to be any good.

My nightmare meals take place at one friend of mine's. The cats are on the counters, food in their fridge smells weird, and one time I saw her drop a piece of stew meat on the floor, pick it up, and put it back in the pot http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif Not to mention her timing is so off that you are either starving, or you have just arrived and are not ready to eat.

Cleanliness of other peoples scene is what bugs me most...I can't ever quite get beyond it. In fact, we have one friend who always volunteers to do the dishes, and we always have to think up some excuse as to why she doesn't need to help!

[This message has been edited by Emdg (edited 04-06-2001).]

[funnybone]

LOL, I had no idea this would turn into a MIL thing.

I have friends with food allergies, so I always make sure to ask the question when inviting new friends over. I even ask my kids friends the question!

I have another story - I had a friend who was on a strict diet and gave me a list of things she could not have. Well, I made chicken for her and I (she's allergic to seafood and could not eat red meat on this diet), and the men had steak. Well, she actually asked her husband for some of his steak as well. She said she couldn't have bread, but I had rolls out for those who could have them. Well, she ate about 2 of them. Needless to day, I don't really pay attention to her food needs any longer. I always put out enough that there is plenty to choose from.

[Grace]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by aggie94:
LOL, Grace! By the way, how else would one say "realtor"? I stuck with food things, but while we're on the subject, you do not "orientate" anyone or anything. That is not a word!!

A lot of people say real-a-tor instead of ree-al-tor, just like nu-cue-lar for nu-clee-ar. Unorganized is also not a word (it's disorganized), and neither is irregardless!! EK-specially always bugs me to no end too, as does expresso (for espresso). Those are HUGE pet peeves of mine, but you're right, completely un-food related (sorry)!!



[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 04-06-2001).]

[makedah]

My mother makes great cakes, sweet potato pies, greens and dried beans. She makes biscuits without a recipe and fries beautiful chicken and fish. I learned a lot more in her kitchen than my friends did in their mothers'. BUT...

She loves to stew chicken with the skin on. And as I said earlier, she only uses salt and pepper on it. She adds onion to this, but it doesn't help much. The chicken skin ends up so slimy that my sister and I won't touch it.

She has a cabinet full of spices, BUT I lie to you not, most of them have been around since I was a kid (I'm 28). I remember those same tins of marjoram and celery seed quite vividly -- but she won't throw them away!!!

[crlykat]

What a great thread!

I hate to pick on my poor mother but when we go over to their house for dinner I find it hard to control myself from taking over. She has never liked cooking and it shows. She will start a dish on the stove and then leave to do something in the back of the house. Needless to say it starts to get overdone or burns.
She also has this funny thing with the kitchen--if she is in there cooking, no one else can be in there with her! She will chase them out! Almost to the point of being rude. Makes it very difficult at holidays when I'm helping with side dishes.

I know lots of MIL peeves were mentioned, but luckily, my MIL is almost a gourmet cook. I can always learn something new from her. And she always remembers to make something special for me (I dont eat chicken or beef) when they are celebrating with traditional holiday dishes (they are Hungarian/Romanian) that are heavy on the beef/pork.

[mariakj]

This is hilarious! I'm glad that some many others have problems with the MIL's cooking. My MIL just doesn't cook anymore since all of her kids are long gone, so maybe she just forgot how. One of my biggest peeves is when we visit she insists on making us breakfast even though we tell her we will just have fruit or toast. I like my eggs scrambled hard with no slimy stuff in them. Runny scrambled eggs make me want to vomit. Every time she makes eggs for me she makes them runny on one side and burnt to a crisp on the other. It's like she just pours the eggs in the pan and that's it. They are so nasty, but I have to eat some of them so I don't insult her.

She also likes to leave meat defrosting on the counter all day. She will take chicken out at 9 am and not cook it until 7 pm. I too can't believe that they don't get food poisoning more often.

This is the worst! Last summer when we visited she decided to have a cook out when we arrived. She grabbed some burgers which had been defrosting on the counter all day and fired up the gas grill that must be 15 years old. This thing is so old that the grill rungs are thinning out in the middle. But they don't see the need to get another grill. When she brought the burgers over to the table, I noticed that there were little, rusty flecks of metal on the burgers. Tiny little pieces of the grill surface that was disintegrating had come off on the burgers. Needless to say I wouldn't eat them.

[schuh]

Oh, mariakj, you reminded me ... my MIL (who is a very very nice person and otherwise a decent cook) also leaves meat out to thaw all day (or sometimes overnight). Even cooked meat she takes out to bring to room temp before putting it in the oven. I can't figure it out -- I know she reads newspapers and magazines and I have to believe she's seen the warnings. I think it's that "it never made anyone sick before" belief...

[luv2cook]

Number one pet peeve: People who arrive late for dinner or don't show up without calling I actually have to tell my SIL to be here 30 min. before everyone else. Sometimes 45 if it's a holiday.

Number two: When I make something for someone and they don't bother to (a) acknowledge they got it (b) tell me if they like it. Not that I want a pat on the back or a thank you, but I certainly don't want to give something to someone that they don't like. I'd rather know the truth and I've told them as much.

Most of the pet peeves mentioned above, too, and people putting glass on glass in my house - when I used to have glass coffee tables, etc.

As far as eating at someone's house whether it be friend or family, I just accept the way they are, be grateful I'm not cooking it and try to be positive about everything else - because let me tell you, eating at my grandmother/aunt's house is an exercise in patience!

o - my cats are NOT allowed on the counters or dining room table, kitchen table, etc. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[aggie94]

lindrusso - Good point. I should try to make a more conscious effort to tell people before they start to plan their dinner, but I usually don't think about it, since I never cook with the things that I can't eat. But you're right -- I just hate to sound like the picky, unappreciative guest before I even arrive! (especially if I don't the hosts all that well)

Grace - You and I clearly have the same pet peeves about pronunciation! I had to laugh when I read your list. I could go on forever about others (i.e. supposably), but that would be a whole 'nother thread...

[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 04-07-2001).]

[ama47369]

I was laughing out loud with these stories! What a great topic!

I would say my biggest pet peeve is about one of my friends who always puts unpitted olives in her dishes. So, when I eat her food, I am always having to pull the pits out and put them on my plate....It's just one of those things I'm embarrassed to do.

[This message has been edited by ama47369 (edited 04-07-2001).]

[CheerLiz]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Leslie w:
Here's a few of my pet-peeves:

My MIL and SIL who are cat lovers and let their cats crawl on the kitchen counters while they cook. I once caught my SIL's cat on the counter nibbling on a piece of crust from a quiche. SIL knocked the cat off the counter and proceeded to serve the quiche at her buffet!

Oh my gosh, Leslie, I thought my MIL> was the only person in the world who did that! She also let the cats crawl onthe KITCHEN TABLE -- sometimes even while we're eating. I caught the cat licking a ham once-- thank God I'm a vegetarian.

My pet peeve is a MIL who makes beef stew for her darling son and then tells me to "just pick the vegetables out."

Or how about a FIL who doesn't wash his hands after going to the bathroom (right next to the kitchen, so you can hear) and then wants to hold my hand at the table during prayer? EEK!

This thread is a riot! I just hope my MIL doesn't catch me!



[This message has been edited by CheerLiz (edited 04-07-2001).]

[Star]

These are great! I think one of my pet peeves is when people (ok it's my mother) uses the same serving spoon for different dishes. Being a vegetarian, I hate it when she'll serve me rice with the spoon she used to serve my father's chicken! :P Tell me though, is this too picky or is this an appropriate complaint?
~Diona

[Karen from VA]

Your stories about cats on countertops (one of my HUGE pet peeves)reminds me of one of my favorite stories. More years ago than I care to remember, my husband and I and another couple were invited to our governor's mansion (not in Virginia) for dinner to discuss an upcoming tradeshow in Japan where DH and colleague would be representing our state. The dining room was at the end of the huge living room and held a long table that would seat probably 24 people, but was set with fine white linen, Lenox china and stemware for just the 6 of us. Prior to dinner we were sitting in the living room facing the fireplace having a nice conversation with the governor and our most gracious first lady when she all of a sudden got such a stricken look on her face and quickly got up to go towards the dining table. As we turned to see where she was going, we watched as their family cat proudly pranced down the center of the entire length of the table. She was so embarrassed, but handled the situation very graciously by picking up the cat, putting it in another room and appearing very perplexed as to how the cat had gotten into the dining room. We all laughed it off and the incident was forgotten--for the evening. But I'll never forget it and have enjoyed telling many times.

Karen

[This message has been edited by Karen from VA (edited 04-07-2001).]

[catharine]

You guys are hilarious! What a great study break for me to sit hear reading this thread- such humor http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif It had me making a list while I read:

Pot luck thing - went to a holiday "pot luck dinner" for my office while I was an undergrad, during final exams mind you. I slaved away making a double quantity of my famous vegetarian chili (8 quarts of it). I get there, and I am the *only one* who cooked. Other items included store bought veggie and dip, store-bought cookies, packaged rolls, soda, utensils, napkins, etc. Shameful. But I enjoy cooking and would have done it anyhow. Heck, there would have been no meal without my chili.

Pasta - my DH cooks pasta on HIGH heat by throwing it into a pot of boiling water and letting it sit. It comes out stuck together, and sometimes not thoroughly cooked, as most of the water has evaporated because of the RAPID boil. I keep explaining the whole thing about water boils at 212 and that if you make the heat higher it will just evaporate faster, not cook the pasta faster. I have a male friend who does it the same way. Men!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Dirt - lived with a family for a year that were not clean-freaks like me. Their theory: you eat a pound of dirt before you die. Not me (although I think I had mine while I lived there). I saw her drop a lamb chop on the floor and pick up and put it straight back in the pan.

Gross pots - I just can't eat something when I see it was cooked in a disgusting pot or one with the finish coming off. Not sanitary [okay, I am being to sound a bit compulsive].

Finally, my MIL's pot roast. It tastes good, but her strategy is to cook it a little (a couple of hours) every day for like a week.

How the heck does that not kill us? I won't eat leftover meat that is more than two-three days old. She is cooking this roast for seven. I was joking with my DH about it and when she mentioned at the table her secret about cooking it over such a long period, and I was stifiling my laughter. She asked what is so funny and we (DH and I) couldn't help laughing. I was going to make something up but he goes ahead an blurts out my concern. I covered, but it was really funny.

Okay, thats it. I feel better getting that out. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[makedah]

These stories are great. But they keep reminding me of stuff!

My father doesn't cook at all anymore, but he used to cook sometimes when we were kids. He (retired now) was in the sciences, and was obsessive about cooking meat until it was "done" because of parasites. (I see that is a common obsession. I only recently got over it, myself.) Well, he also has it in his head that every meat has to cook over a slow (low) heat for an extended period of time. He would say this slowly, too, with emphasis "A SLOOOOW HEAT." That meant EVERY KIND of meat, cooked in any kind of way. Pan-fried steaks came out wet and tough, pot roasts were crispy and he even made me fry chicken like this when I was in high school. The temperature of the oil was so low that when a bubble of chicken skin burst and sprayed my face with oil, it didn't even burn. That was some yucky chicken.

He also made chili for us several times: ground beef, onions and a couple of cans of chili beans. I'm sad to say that it wasn't until I was a grown woman of 23 that I realized that making chili required tomatoes/tomato sauce as well (among other things!).

As my mother once said, with all seriousness: "I don't think your father's tastebuds are very sensitive."

[foodiedelite]

What an entertaining topic! Here's a few of my pet peeves:

1) Runny salad. Rinsed but not drained, or floating in salad dressing. Yuck!

2) People that salt and pepper their food without first tasting it. I know a lot of people do this, but it annoys me to no end!

3) Overuse of condiments. We had one of DH friends for dinner and he proceeded to saturate his filet mignon in ketchup.My DH had grilled the beef to perfection.

4) Overcooked meat that taste like beef jerky and you pray you don't have to perform the heimlich maneuver during dinner.

5) Chef's that itch and scratch and then use the finger dip test for tasting sauce. Seen this done at a friends house.

6) Guests that don't reciprocate\; individuals that don't RSVP until after the time allocated and you end up scrambling for additional seating/dinnerware and smaller portions at the last moment. Guests that bring along additional people without your knowledge. Surprise!

My list could go on and on. Basically, people that don't entertain often--don't realize the time and effort the host and hostess put into the event/dinner to make everything look like it was pulled off effortlessly.

[Chef Cindy]

I am pretty easy going about most things but I do have a few pet peeves. Cooks that over salt food, guests who are chronically late and food safety.

[SueK]

Wow! I hadn't visited the board since yesterday afternoon and have now just read all these posts. What a hoot! I'd like to say a special thanks to hka for the mother-in-law web site!

Many of my pet peeves have been mentioned already. Being on time (or at least a bit early) for a meal is fine. My DH's family is chronically late for every meal.

Regarding MILs---at my bridal shower, the guest were asked to bring a dish. Everyone brought something yummy and homemade. My MIL walked in (late, of course) with a tiny little celophane-wrapped thing of cheese cubes from the local grocery store. Fast forward to my baby shower.....again, everyone brought homemade food---we were all joking--"Wonder if ______ will bring cheese cubes again"? Didn't she walk in (late again) with another tiny thing of wrapped cheese cubes?" I had to run into the other room because I was laughing so hard.

Last year I hosted a holiday dinner here. My husband said "What should my family bring"? I told him a clock, so they might actually be on time, and God forbid, no cheese cubes!

[Kristilyn1]

CATS ON THE TABLE OR COUNTER. Grosses me out to no end!

My MIL is a sweetie and I love her--but they make coffee in a pot in the morning--then they put the pot in the frig. and microwave it by the cup all day long! Yikes.

Kristi

[sneezles]

You guys are killing me! I have laughed so hard over this thread my DH was a bit concerned since I was the only one in the room!

Definitely guests/relatives that don't reciprocate! My SIL & BIL now live on the ranch with us. It ounded like a good idea at the time but unfortunately things are not going well but I just have to grin and bear it. Anyway, they lived in our tiny house everyweekend for 9 months while we renovated the house they were moving into. Spent over $20,000 in renovations, cooked three meals a day, introduced them to all our good friends, took them out to dinner on many ocassions. Not one word of thanks from either one. No dinner invitation to their house (it's just across the driveway). Nothing, nada, zilch! Doesn't even invite us when my MIL is up to visit!

[catharine]

SueK,

I am laughing hysterically! Thanks for the great story! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I will try recommending that guests bring...."a clock." He, he, he!

[Lynn B]

LOL over here!!!

WELL... how about the folks who when you are at THEIR house for dinner, you help clear the table, load the dishwasher, straighten the kitchen, etc... BUT when they are at YOUR house, they eat, get up, and proceed right into the living room?!!! Hellllllo?! What is wrong with THIS picture?!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[ginia]

This is a great topic! I did not grow up in a cooking environment and have taught myself over the past 10 years. Unfortunately, I started with recipes on boxes, like Rice a Roni. I've been trying to upgrade my cooking ever since.
I love to entertain, so I found the comments about alergies very interesting. I don't know anyone with alergies (besides cats) that I'm aware of, so I wouldn't think to ask! I hope that persons with alergies do not take it personally when the rest of us don't ask. This is not "don't ask, don't tell." Please volunteer this information when you're invited to my house!! In fact, in my group of friends, they know they can ask for their favorite foods, desserts, and beverages; I try to accomodate everyone. (You should see how many types of soda I have in my garage.)

That brings me to my 2 pet peeves:
1. People that hint to me that I should have everyone (themselves included) over for dinner, but they never reciprocate!
2. People that finally invite us to dinner (usually a barbecue) and don't offer beverages that they don't drink. I actually take beverages for my husband (who drinks an unusually large amount of regular soda) and myself (who drinks an unusually large amount of water) to one friend's house. All they offer is Diet Sprite. I just want to say to them, "Did we just meet? Are you not aware of our lifestyle at all?"

OK, since I'm already here, I have a third one. Every summer, we have a barbecue, with burgers, chicken, hot dogs, brats, the whole spread. It never fails that someone asks if we have any steak. I do not eat steak, I do not like steak, I do not cook steak. I want to be a nice hostess, but if you have known me long enough to be at my house, you know that I don't like steak, so why would you think I know how to cook it? Bring your own and cook it yourself if you really can't find something you like at my house. (You would have to be pretty picky...)

Keep em coming; keep me laughing!!

[luv2cook]

Originally posted by Lynn B:
LOL over here!!!

WELL... how about the folks who when you are at THEIR house for dinner, you help clear the table, load the dishwasher, straighten the kitchen, etc... BUT when they are at YOUR house, they eat, get up, and proceed right into the living room?!!! Hellllllo?! What is wrong with THIS picture?!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

ohmigod, lynn, you reminded me about my grandmother's house - that's how it is every holiday except it's the MEN who go sit in the LR and watch TV to "digest" after we have all slaved to put it together.

The thing about allergies and likes and dislikes for me is fueled from another source - I hate waste and food is so expensive so what I have done in the past is if I am having a dinner party, I either tell everyone what I'm making or send out invitations that I've made on the computer - just for fun because it seems like no one sends paper anymore, just e-mail - and I put on there if you don't like something, let me know and I'll be happy to change it. I want to make everyone happy with the meal and at the same time avoid waste. I try to remember everyone's likes and dislikes but I slip on occasion http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif so shoot me!

Oh, and when we bought new furniture, we bought leather so that there wouldn't be too much cat/dog hair around so anyone who was sensitive wouldn't be as miserable...

[This message has been edited by luv2cook (edited 04-07-2001).]

[BosunsWife]

Pronunciation problems are sometime the difference between living on the East Coast versus the West Coast and the Midwest also. I've lived on both East and West Coasts and have noticed different variations of speech patterns. Most people on the East Coast say they have no accent, that the West Coasters do and vice versa.

[Jewel]

And I thought I was the only one with the complex about other people's kitchen habits?

My best friend was a wonderful cook at one time in her life. That was before she married the man that is never through building something onto her home, started taking care of 5 stepkids, a 3 year old of her own, 5 cats and a Rottweiler. Now, through no real fault of her own, she uses frozen EVERYTHING, and when it comes out of the pan it instantly gets a cream sauce or a slab 'o butter slapped onto it because her new hubby won't eat it any other way. The only spices her DH and stepkids like are salt, garlic salt and onion salt, and Heaven forbid if she tries to sneak in cayenne. I simply hate to eat at her place now! It's sad that she's had to turn more into a convenience cook that caters to other's tastes and ignores her own. When they come to my house, she's in Heaven and he barely eats because of the 'icky stuff' (basil) in his sauce! Oh well! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

My mother and MIL both have dull knives, rutted cutting boards, veggie peelers and cheese graters bought in 1958, no garlic press, pots and pans that they used to boil our baby bottles in, and both like to cook meat until it's nothing but a casualty of war sitting on my plate. Last Thanksgiving at my MIL's house we ate a TURKEY ROLL http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif and last Christmas at my mother's we had a well done prime rib roast. Yes...you read that right. A well-done prime rib roast. My mom can't stand ANY pink in her meat, so she feels we like it the same way! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/confused.gif $80 piece of rubber!

I'm having both of them to my house for Christmas next year to show them how it's done! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[kwormann]

Most of my guests need clocks too...I have several who I give false times to (45 minutes early) just so they'll MAYBE be on time!

Kim

[Terrytx]

As to the MIL- she used to visit and just take over the cooking duties. She would make things that my family wouldn't eat in a million years. She never asked first to see if we liked what ever she planned to make, and would get her feeling hurt when the kids turned up their nose.

Pet peeves - salting food at the table before tasting and putting ketchup or any other condiment on food that doesn't need it, or shouldn't have it.

The salting reminds me....This was many, many yrs. ago. My uncle (Mom's bro.), was really bad about pouring salt all over everything before tasting. He was invited to dinner one time and my Mom decied to "fix his little red wagon". She fixed everyone plates, brought them to the table, and she had already put extra salt on his portion, alot of extra salt. As you can guess, he proceeded to pick up the shaker and add more. My Mom tried to warn him that the food was salty enough, but of course, he said, "I love it salty". He took a bite and it was all that the rest of us could do not to burst out laughing at the look on his face!! Well, she took pity on him and fixed him another plate, and he did not reach for the shaker first at our house again.

[jmarie]

I went to a birthday party at the neighbor's once. Her oldest daughter, who was in her early 20's came in and picked up the family cat held her over the birthday and then stuck her (the cat's )face in the birthday cake and was cooing to her....Baby wanna piece of cake? Awwwwwww. Baby wanna piece of cake? I was so grossed out...couldn't stand the thought of taking a bite out of THAT cake! and didn't. In fact, several of us who witnessed it, politely declined. Never accepted a dinner invitation there again. They just liked their cats too much! I don't mean to offend anyone who loves cats....I know there are those of you who would die before allowing their cats to roam the table or counters...It's just that...Well. I hope you understand!

[Meg O'C]

This is a good topic -

not to pick on the MIL - but her food is very bland (no herbs, spices, etc.). I understand trying to cut out salt for health reasons but to use nothing at all?

Recently my husband said, "I can't ever tell my mother this, but I really don't like to eat her food anymore. It's always the same stuff and it doesn't taste good anymore." (Same salad with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, chickpeas, olives and onions; same soup with bland broth, tortellini, chicken and carrots; same manicotti/lasagna.)

The evil daughter-in-law in me was almost happy to ear him say this! Of course, I didn't say, "I agree." But inside I felt better about my cooking and also thought, "ok, I'm not crazy for thinking what I think about her stuff."

The bad part is - his parents are very old school, Italian. They are mortally offended if we leave their house after a visit without eating something (no matter how full we say we are or if we're headed out to dinner, we must eat something). Usually we give in, just to get his father to calm down!

[schuh]

Terrytx (regarding the salt incident), I would like your mother!

[Luiza]

This thread is really funny!

I'm really fortunate to have no concerns about the cooking of my family and close friends -- we all like good food and it shows. There were a few incidents regarding my MIL and a box of salt, but they were mostly accidents (and I am particularily sensitive to salt).

I do have a few particular pet-peeves (and it's really the Romanian in me speaking):
1) People that invite me at their house at dinner time and do not provide anything to eat or snack on.
2) People that tell me snacks will be provided, and I discover when I get there that snacks mean a bag of vinegar chips, one of pretzels, and a bottle of coca-cola. Huh? This is not a snack. By my book, this doesn't even qualify as edible. 'Course, by the second visit I learn to eat in advance and everybody's happy.
3) People that serve (and expect you to eat) food they know didn't come out right. I mean, how can you possibly miss that the cream of chicken soup got scorched? Just the SMELL...

Add to this some of the other pet peeves already listed (pets on the table, people that don't reciprocate), and I guess I am not that forgiving after all! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Luiza

[HDgirl]

I have problems with people who don't reciprocate and when you do this big formal dinner (all the china and silver come out) You do everything from scratch and certain people (SO family) don't "get it".

My mom WAS a great cook...she passed the spatula to her kids. My sis/BIL and I have culinary wars, always trying to one up each other. SO's mom...she has cooked twice in the almost 6 years I've known her and I am all set with canned ham. SO said she can't boil water. And his married sibs are big into store bought...so I would rather do everything. I don't even ask them to bring beverages....afraid of box-o-wine!!!!

[MrsReber]

Wow-All of these stories get me thinking! My MIL doesn't cook for us at all. She will pick up things or bake something if we invite her for a holiday, though. And don't you know, her cheesecake is better than mine because it doesn't require a springform pan.

Well, my SIL's ex-boyfriend comes to visit us on occasion (much to my dismay). And guess what he brings us? I swear I am not making this up- the man brings rotten fruit and veggies!! He says they're fine, just cut out the bad spots. Last time he did this, we had fruit flies for 3 weeks after he left. He figures if he's coming for the weekend, he doesn't want the stuff to go bad in his own fridge while he's away. He has taken a plate that had raw meat on it- not washing the plate off, mind you- and placed it over the salad bowl to "toss" the salad with. I passed on salad that night. My favorite is when he brings venison (meat in a bucket of cold water) and he puts his beers in the water to keep them cold. Then offers beer to my husband! I was hysterical!! So we joke about his rotted food and his beer in buck blood. Poor guy. He means well, I suppose.

Oh, we did visit him once. He said he'd get food for us. He got me a package of 10 whole chicken legs (which apparently was for lunch and dinner for 2 days) and they ate fish (which I don't like). For breakfast? Eggs, bacon, and buckmeat on the grill. Oh, and dont' forget the pancakes. Just pour them on over the grease and mix them in with the eggs and bacon. Then he wanted to put the grese in our dogs' food as a "treat". He left us for about an hour and we searched the whole house for a green vegetable. We didn't find any. Well, I haven't been back to visit him since. I'm scared.



[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 04-10-2001).]

[donleyk]

This is a riot! I have really enjoyed reading this post. I guess my biggest pet peeve is a double edge sword. (And that IS pronounced sWord http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

My BIL and SIL can not make it on time to anything. We aren't talking about 30 or 45 minutes we are talking hours. I get so upset because me and another SIL work very hard to get everything together then the sandwich buns arrive 2 hours late. Last Christmas I can imagine the look on my face when I was told who was bringing the buns again http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

The double edge part... My BIL is a p*g. I know he was taught some table manners. I will not eat when he is the room. You can't. I get shivers thinking about it.

DH's family is big on the homemade egg noodles over mashed taters. My BIL actually gets upset when he brings them, 2 hours late, and they don't get ate. HELLO!!!!

[mmkeim]

1992, Sunday dinner at the in-laws. I moved to their town in June, we got married in September. We quietly decided to live together rather than spend the money for a second apartment.

My MIL made mutton. I've never had it before or since. She also cooked the asparagus until it was slimy. And instant mashed potatoes! My FIL had no teeth, and would not waste good money on dentures, so everything must be cooked til mushy.

As soon as we entered their house, I started to feel nauseous. By the time dinner was served, I was having serious trouble. And I am thinking, three weeks of living together and I am pregnant! But alas, it was the mutton. Fortunately, I made it through the meal without embarassing anyone or myself!

And what could top the meal off? Gingerbread with spray canned whipped cream. I said no whipped cream on mine. My FIL was very concerned that it was too dry, and said, don't you want some butter on that? So he cut himself another piece and spread 1/2 a cube of butter on it!

Mary

[lorilei]

I must come to the defense of all of these poor people who are taking a beating at the expense of our fun...

Everyone has their own cooking habits and preferences. Seems to me we should celebrate all this diversity and be glad that everyone in the world doesn't cook exactly the same. That would be a BORING world indeed. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[jliah]

My biggest pet peeve is when a visiting woman will put her purse on my kitchen counter. I have visions of that purse being on public bathroom floors, etc., and the idea of that filthy thing on my clean kitchen counter makes me ill!

[lsdesign]

My dear MIL also has herbs and spices with labels and their prices that are from when I was a kid too, only I am 45 years old! This summer when we had to stay with the inlaws for three weeks while we waited to move into our new house. I gratefully did half the cooking and bought new herbs/spices that I needed for whatever I was making that day and threw out the ones from 1962. If my MIL has noticed she hasn't said so.
During this same visit I also tried to make some near-veggie entrees, a bow-tie pasta with mushrooms and chopped ham from a summer issue of CL. My FIL told my DH afterward that he needed a microscope to find the meat in that dish! I think that that is a generational thing also.

[Kristilyn1]

Regarding the reciprocating: to be honest--when I cook a meal for someone--it's because I want to. I've never expected someone to reciprocate meal for meal. But then, I want to do the cooking when I go to a friend's house as well.

As far as not liking something that is served--of course that happens to us all. But I honestly don't understand how something that was purchased to consume is an affront. To me, cooking is like sewing. Some people do it, enjoy it and do it well and the rest....don't.

[BethH]

My SO's very sweet mother, whom I do think is wonderful pronounces parmesian cheese as par-meee-sian like 'persian' rug with a par-meee. I always try very hard not to laugh. She also says 'th-yme' not 'time'. So funny!

My personal pronounciation pet peeve is 'wolf' as 'woof'--there is an 'l' there for a reason!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[KellyD]

This is hilarious - I used to think I was the only one who had issues with family and friends. I think I'm really lucky when it comes to my Mom - she has always subscribed to Bon Appetit/Gourmet/etc and is really the one who infected me with the cooking bug. But these days, we have other issues with her - the sanitary kitchen issue. Maybe we do really go overboard these days, and we just have too much information, but she will cut meat and veggies on the same cutting board with the same knife (sharp knives - great boards, mind you!). When I start cleaning up (I've learned not to actually comment), she'll comment about how she forgot I was worried we'll all die from a few germs... And then remind me that in my whole life not one of us ever got sick... And she's right. Who knows. Second pet peeve with her is the woman is 90 pounds dripping wet and loves her veggies sauteed crisp tender in about a pound of butter! I'm unfortunately built like her mother, not her and can't eat like that! She's cut back, but still uses more butter in one meal than DH & I use in a month! But ya gotta love her anyway!

[GayeC]

I am starting to feel neurotic about the things that I may do that annoy other people!!!

Both my mother and my MIL are good cooks. My mother can cook 'good ole food' (i.e. fried chicken) very well but she also knows how to cook ligher fare. My MIL is a good Southern cook, which is fine -- I know what to expect when we are eating there. The thing that irks me about my mother's cooking is that she often uses hugely high fat cooking techniques when lower fat techniques work just as well -- and she knows it! An example is her country fried steak, which can either be browned in 2-3 T. of oil (that's what I do) or browned in a cup of Crisco (that's what she does). It makes me furious and I can barely eat it.

My other pet peeve is a kitchen (not cooking) thing. My mother visits us for several months each year. She cleans up the kitchen a lot, which is great, but she puts things away in a completely random manner. Like instead of glasses on one shelf, coffee cups on another, and small plastic containers on another, everything is just jumbled together. And let's not even get into the way she loads a dishwasher....

[BeckyM]

Several of these posts have made me laugh out loud! And that's not necessarily a good thing, since I'm reading this at work, and people may wonder!

I don't have too many food difficulties with my mother or mother-in-law. Both like to cook and are fairly adventurous, though neither as much as I am. My MIL has started cooking healthier, and she has learned to do those dishes when my husband and I are there and save her shepherd's pie and other really heavy meals for other times. My only peeve with her kitchen habits is the sanitary thing. She has an old, grimy sponge she uses to clean everything, wipe counters, etc. And she just uses water with it -- no soap or anything. I have also seen her use this same sponge to wipe things off the floor, which just grosses me out! I was raised to NEVER use a rag that has been on the floor on a dish or countertop. So whenever I'm there, I use a paper towel to wipe things up -- that sponge scares me!

I think the only problem my mother and I have with each other's cooking habits is in how much we rely on convenience items and how much we want to make things from scratch. Since we live half the country away from each other, this isn't a problem very often. But when we're together, she is usually the one who wants to go the easy route and just buy something pre-made, whereas I want to make the whole thing from scratch. At Christmas, she even made the suggestion that we get a Sara Lee pumpkin pie, because it didn't seem we'd have enough time to make one from scratch! My sister and I both balked at that one! But we did compromise and use the refrigerated crusts. Really, I think I'm sometimes too extreme in wanting to make the entire meal, so I can learn something from my mother, but it is frustrating when I want to make something special, and she suggests substituting store-bought!

The only other peeve I can think of has to do with my husband. It has become more of a joke between us now, but he seems to think having people over should always revolve around some sporting event on TV. So heaven forbid we should ever have people over during a sporting event and not have the game on! Our last dinner party was during the college basketball tournament, so my husband insisted the men would be disappointed if the TV weren't on. Fortunately, he did agree to turn the sound off, so we could just listen to music and talk. And everyone was enjoying the company and conversation so much, that they only peeked at the score occasionally. I don't mind having the occasional superbowl party or something like that, but I'm hoping we can have the TV completely off the next time we entertain!

[Wendy w]

This has got to be one of our funniest threads ever! I am in thorough agreement with the cats on the counter thing and would like to add that allowing pets in the kitchen in general is a major peeve of mine.

I have to say that going to my sister's house for meals can make me crazy. We usually gather at her house as she has the most room. She has good intentions but not a clue in this area and refuses to go out when I suggest it.

When she does the cooking for any family dinner, she waits until the 11th hour until she goes to the store to get the items and is very disorganized and gets cranky.

One Thanksgiving, she planned to do most everything herself with my BF's & my assistance when she got really stressed out and we had to finish making the meal.

When I cook at her house (which she will gladly let me do), I try to do as much preparation at my house as possible as it is difficult to find things (her very minimal counter space is cluttered with knickknacks that have nothing to do with cooking) and her refrigerator and pantry are in a chaotic state. I have found things in the fridge from Thanksgiving on New Year's Day http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif !

I joke with her and threaten to get one of those signs that say "Martha Stewart does not live here" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif .

An afterthought: Once when I was a child, my Dad took me to a BBQ at an acquaintance of his house. Her solution to the dishes issue was to have the children pick straws to see who would do the dishes. Unfortunately, I was one who had to do dishes and found it to be very intimidating-especially to someone who was deathly shy. I know, I'm grown up and should get over it but even if I didn't pick the short straw, I would still find the practice highly tacky.

If the dishes are a problem, don't entertain as guests are guests no matter what age they are.

[This message has been edited by Wendy w (edited 04-09-2001).]

[Beth H]

Well, I'm afraid my pet peeves are mostly with my mother-in-law. When I first went to their house for a meal, she announced, "food tastes better cold." I soon discovered she said this because she didn't know how to "time" a meal, and nothing was ready at the same time. She uses a lot of convenience foods -- in fact, my in-laws were in town this weekend and were marveling over the fact I made a salad that wasn't from a bag! (not to say that I don't use the bagged lettuce sometimes) My other big pet peeve -- something my MIL and my SIL are guilty of -- is not having snacks/drinks/food in the house when you have guests. I was raised in a house where you made sure your guests had anything they needed. Often, when I visit my MIL, my husband and I end up running to the store for provisions!

[AvrilH]

Hmmmmmmm. Not hard to add to this thread!

My Dad: Used to BBQ burgers until they were black on the outside, purple on the inside. Then he'd be mad when I didn't want to eat it.

My Mom: she is a GREAT cook - truly gourmet. However, she is still wayyy to fond of cream, butter, chicken skins..... As well, she invites our family to Sunday dinner, and I end up giving the kids cheese and crackers for their hunger bc she CANNOT put a meal on the table before 7 or 8.

My MIL: Sigh. Everytime she visits she tells me about a certain Mushroom recipe that is to die for. It's like that's the only thing she cooks! That, and pre-fab french fries that are supposed to be baked, but she fries them, and she makes Jello for the kids using milk. Blech. She also says that we have too much cake in our diet - Arghh! She just happens to visit every summer when there are several birthdays that I make cake for - HERS included!

And my dh: He is a good cook, and has inspired me to be more experimental - except that sometimes his experiments really FLOP. And he always experiments when I am starving, and then this late, horrible dinner is presented (example: Chicken Almondine made with almond extract). Blech.

And about being late: My mom (the one who always feeds us really late at her house, even on a SCHOOL NIGHT) is NEVER on time. I put the meal on the table at 6:15 (I give her 15 mintues leeway) and she is welcome to join us whenever she arrives. THis really pisses her off - especially when she calls (around 6:13) to say she's on her way (she lives 20 minutes away). What - like everything an just wait for her?

[Laura B]

Originally posted by GayeC:
She puts things away in a completely random manner. Like instead of glasses on one shelf, coffee cups on another, and small plastic containers on another, everything is just jumbled together. And let's not even get into the way she loads a dishwasher....

LOL. Sounds just like my husband...

The only thing that bothers me is sanitation. My mom really does things that scare me like leaving stuff out to thaw all day on the counter. Or grabbing the pepper grinder to season raw meat she has been handling (without stopping to wash her hands first). She stayed with me for a week last year, and tried to pay attention to those details because she knows it freaks me out! She would go back during cleanup and wash my salt and pepper grinders off!

Like many of you have mentioned, we never did get sick from her cooking growing up. But I still prefer to be better safe than sorry.

And I won't even START on my MIL's complete lack of cooking ability. Let me just say that Minute Rice and canned green peas showed up at every Sunday dinner.


[This message has been edited by Laura B (edited 04-09-2001).]

[jd]

This post is too funny - I love catching up on all the additions each day. I don't have any horror stories to add, but am very reflective as I just started teaching myself to cook last summer (with lots of help from the BB), so many comments applied to me not long ago. Mainly the convenience foods - not the sanitization ones!!

[makedah]

MrsReber -- YOU WIN!

[MrsReber]

Thanks makedah! The guy means well, but he's been the butt of many jokes between me and my husband. We find him to be a great source of entertainment. Hey, at least I don't overeat when he's around!

[SusanL]

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif
Eegads Jliah, thank you for telling me about the purse thing, I do it all the time! AHHHHH, never again!
Even DH will help me with groceries and put my purse on the counter. I DO wash it a hundred times a day, but the purse thing is TOO GROSS!
Boy, am I embarrassed but thankful to you!! In our family, I was known as the Queen of Clean, hope I am not dethroned!!


[This message has been edited by SusanL (edited 04-10-2001).]

[SusieO]

This has been too funny.

Several years ago, my husband and I were having dinner in the home of a new acquaintance. She started cleaning the table with a spray cleaner as soon as the dishes were cleared, but while my water glass was still on it. Needless to say, I left there very thirsty. Yuck!

Also, my husband has a relative who seasons everything he cooks with jalopeno peppers. That's it. No salt, no herbs, no seasonings, just jalopenos. Everything tastes hot but otherwise flavorless. This relative is always amazed at how filling his food is because we're always "stuffed" after just a few bites, and can't eat any more. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[food girl]

These are too funny! I told my husband about the bloody beer bucket and he howled!

Since cats have taken a bashing I will share some peevish situations involving dogs- my husband went to a friend's house to have some of his wife's "famous chili". My husband spied multiple open cans of Hormel on the counter when he arrived. To really top things off, the bowl he was served in was plastic and had the undeniable marks of being chewed on by one of their dogs. Ewwww.

Once we were eating with some really neat, nice friends of ours. When dinner was over they told us to just put our plates on the floor so that the dogs could lick them clean! The dishes were washed in the dishwasher afterwards - but please!


Lisa

[MrsReber]

It's funny to see that we may be guilty of some of these things! I never thought about my purse, either! that is kind of gross!!

We have 2 dogs and a cat, and though we try to keep the hair to a minimum, well, it sometimes flies around. I do ALWAYS wash my hands before I cook. It's the first thing I do.

Keeping the pets out of the kitchen? Well, that's a task. They like to be by "mom" and they are always looking to snatch any food that falls- they grab it first and ask questions later. Kind of funny when you drop something they really don't like. I'd NEVER serve anything that my cat was munching on, however. Yuck!! He can have some food when we're done, but WE are the people!! If the pets can't behave when we have company, they are sent away- to the basement or outside. To us, they are just family, but not everybody has pets so we try our best to think of others' feelings.

[lsdesign]

This last post reminds me of an old Ann Landers story where writer to Ann had a problem with the neighbors showing up constantly at dinner time and hanging around until they got an invitation. The cure: Ann had them (in the presence of these neighbors) give the dirty dinner dishes to their dogs to lick and then promptly put them back into the cupboard unwashed. They never had freeloading neighbors at dinner time again!

[MrsReber]

I love it!!!! Leave it to Ann Landers!

[MrsReber]

I told my husband last night that I posted those lovely stories. He was hysterical! We had a good laugh over it. Yes, he is a disgusting houseguest, but he honestly doesn't know any better. Oh, my husband did remind me of one thing- when we were at this guy's house, searching desperately for some kind of food that wasn't meat- we opened the vegetable crisper and it was full of bologna! This guy is the father of our nephew. Poor kid. We all wonder how he eats when he goes to visit his dad! I have friends who want to meet him out of curiosity.

[lsdesign]

MrsR, Your friend seems like he grew up in the woods or at least has been on a perpetual camping trip all of his life.

[Binny]

I have to tell you some food horror stories--

1) My MIL is 87 yrs. old and doesn't cook as much as she used to. My MIL is what we call a "cat collector." At one time she had 10 cats in a small condo. Sometimes after eating at her house I would have intestinal problems. Wow, could it be from cats climbing on the counter and stove?? Years ago when we would visit my MIL and SIL would spend all day in the kitchen cooking for Christmas Eve dinner. Menu: Swift Premium Frozen Turkey Roll with gravy, instant mashed potatoes, some sort of iceberg lettuce with beet juice on it, soupy green bean casserole and some sort of cranberry jelled thing. They kept the cat litter boxes in the dining room--lined with newspaper no cat litter. They always put me away from the litter boxes at the table. Thank you! At least now when we visit we order from Boston Market. At least the food is edible.

2) Last night at the grocery store's lunchmeat counter the clerks were sweeping the floor with brooms while a cart with at least six shelves full of lunchmeat (some wrapped some not) was right beside them. I politely asked them to move the cart, which they did but not far enough away.

3) Long hair on food preparers. A county health law states that hair should be secured.

Mrs. Reber with the beer bucket wins the prize. Totally gross. This thread made me laugh all day.

[Lynn B]

OHMYWORD! This just gets funnier and funnier! I am LOL over here!

Catharine,
Your story cracked me up!!! Cooking a roast for 7 days?!!!!!!!! This may be a bit off topic, but I once knew a girl who would wash her hair and put it up in curlers on MONDAY for a date on FRIDAY!!!!

Lynn

[funnybone]

I just remembered how I always hated corn on the cob as a kid. Well, its because my grandmother used to live with us and cook it for at least 2 hours. Years later, I found out that it should only be cooked for a maximum of 10 minutes. She would never eat mine. LOL

[sk8ingmom]

I guess my pet-peeve has to do more with the fact that I CAN cook.

Have you ever noticed that when someone at the office has a birthday, everyone pitches in $1 or $2 to buy a (yuck store made) birthday cake? Well, people I worked with found out I cook pretty well and asked me to start making the office birthday cakes. I didn't mid the time & effort involved - but NOBODY offered to pitch in $$ for the ingredients! AND they always requested "Turtle Cake", which my family has come to refer to as the "$12 Cake". I was losing a fortune buying the cake mix, pecans, caramels, chocolate chips and all the other stuff for these cakes!

I'm a SAHM right now, but I think when I go back to work I'll tell my co-workers I do catering on the side so they'll PAY me for the cakes!! Mind you, I didn't want to make a profit, I only wanted people to kick in for the ingredients!

[MrsReber]

lsdesign- you are right on the money with your comment! This guy is VERY backwoods. That's how he grew up. He's still looking for a little woman to take care of the home and cook for him!

[lorilei]

I know, I know -- I'm going to sound like I'm moralizing here... But don't you find it a shame that one of the longest threads on this board is one where we're trashing our friends and relatives and the way they choose to do things?

Some of these stories are really sad... and some of them are just a matter of personal preference. Why are we being so judgemental?

[funnybone]

Originally posted by lorilei:
I know, I know -- I'm going to sound like I'm moralizing here... But don't you find it a shame that one of the longest threads on this board is one where we're trashing our friends and relatives and the way they choose to do things?

Some of these stories are really sad... and some of them are just a matter of personal preference. Why are we being so judgemental?

I look at it as a learning experience. Many of you posted you did certain things (putting the purse on the counter) without realizing it. We all do things differently, and probably more so because we saw it done in an unappetizing way in the past. We have come a long way since the cavemen days, and we still probably have a long way to go.

[HDgirl]

Lorilei,
I agree with you....in my case SO's family...it's all they know...thank goodness my man wanted to experience more. I can't begin to tell you how many things he hadn't known about before. That's why I would rather do all the cooking. His mom recently asked me to help with a shower she is giving her DIL. It was nice to know she is starting to appreciate my obsession with cooking. Does that mean I have to do all of it.....the stress!!!

Karen

[Grace]

I think if we can't laugh a little at our own and others' idiosyncracies, than it's pretty sad. These are meant to be FUNNY, not nasty or mean spirited. Some of my favorite shows are Frasier and Seinfeld and even some (particularly older) Saturday Night Live skits. They all poke a little harmless fun at people's idiosyncracies. The people who's habits bug us a little are not bad people, and we don't hate them, we're just a little "irked" at some of their habits! I LOVE my sister to death, but I hate when she only serves me 5 carrots! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Danielle]

I can't stand it when my friend looks over my shoulder when I cook and critiques my technique, spice selection, etc. And while she's eating the meal I've prepared she'll go into lengthy detail about how SHE would have prepared it. Ugh.

[Mbart]

I have been smiling at many of these stories, too. However, even if our friends/family don't cook or bake as we would, it is really the warmth and companionship that we are there for...the food is secondary (even though I am the first to admit I LOVE eating). It is wonderful to be invited into someone's home, and know that they think enough of us to invite us, plan in advance (some more than others) and prepare their house and a meal for us...even if it might not be what we would choose to eat. Food is often just the excuse for bringing people together. I think my best memories from childhood are family meals, birthday meals, holiday meals, etc., but it's not the food I remember. It's the people.

Okay, end of sermon. I know we all know this...just thought I'd remind us all, including myself!!

[valeriek]

Binny,

I have to admit being guilty of the long hair thing. I hate to even admit this, but a few years back, I made a big pot of chili for a work event. I have long hair (about to the middle of my back). Guess what, somebody found a hair in the chili pot. I was mortified. From that point on, I never cook without my hair pulled back, and I always look at restaurant employees to make sure theirs is back as well. Gives me the creeps!

[sneezles]

OK, maybe it's just me but I think that people who make requests on this BB and then don't recognize those responding are probably right up there with anyone's MIL pet peeve! I know that most do say thanks but those that don't kind of irk me! I know this board moves very quickly but if you post a new thread requesting help then be kind enough to thank those responding!

[tobykitty]

SusanD-
I must confess to saying "sherbert". What's wrong with that? Apparently I have a pronunciation problem that needs help!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

I have to take a moment to defend some of us cat owners. When we do have company over or I am cooking something to take my kitchen gets completely sanitized from top to bottom and the tablecloth, napkins and placemats come fresh from the laundry. My cat is part of the family and we don't worry to much about the cat hair etc, but I do realize that many people object to this so I make the effort to make sure the place is spotless. Even if I just cleaned the day before it gets competely disinfected. Just so you know, that some of us pet owners try to be ultra considerate.

I have to agree with putting your hair up. My hair just seems to fall out of my head while I'm standing there doing nothing. My mother and sisters have teased me about it quite often, so it is always in a ponytail or clip.

My pet peeve -
My mother knows that chicken on the bone and with skin makes me incredibly nauseous. Can't stand to even touch it. Her and her husband have us over for dinner and he cooks chicken legs for dinner. Hello? Remember me!

[Grace]

Originally posted by tobykitty:
SusanD-
I must confess to saying "sherbert". What's wrong with that? Apparently I have a pronunciation problem that needs help!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

It's pronounced "sher-bet" - no "r" at the end.....but I wouldn't worry about it. Most people say it with the "r"! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Jessica]

This is the funniest survey yet. Just a couple notes from the north...

My husband has these friends that invite us to parties, then ask us to bring nearly everything. Once, the hostess told us we would have ice cream and fresh raspberries for dessert. After supper, she brought out ice cream and a small bowl with about 2-3 raspberries per person. She ate the rest, she said.

Another time, she was telling me about this wonderful herb-and-onion bread she had baked. I said it sounded delicious. She said she had half a loaf in the pantry. So...I expected her to offer me a small taste. Instead, she said, "I don't want to give you any, but you can smell it." And she opened a Ziploc bag of bread under my nose!!

My MIL and SMIL (stepmother-in-law) are fine cooks. Not everything is always to my taste, and they refer to Jello as a "salad" but it is well-prepared and reasonably healthy food and I never go hungry when we visit. But...they LOVE rhubarb. I am not a huge fan and can eat it once in a while, but they make everything with rhubarb--cake, bread, pie, muffins, sauce, even pork. I am slowly developing a taste for the stuff.

One last thing. My stepfather claims to be on the low-carb diet and thus eats small amounts of bread and potatoes, but then has a slice of pie with ice cream for dessert, or some cookies.

[SusanD]

EEEEK! I plead guilty to the purse thing...but never again! As for the dog thing, I admit that we sometimes scrape our leftovers into his dish, but we would NEVER feed company (or ourselves) out of one of his dishes...blech! Of course, his dishes have little paws all over them, so I think it would be pretty obvious...

MrsReber's story wins the prize for the most disgusting houseguest. Gross!

I have no complaints about my mother or MIL's cooking. They're both excellent cooks, and they love to be my guinea pig when I want to try out a new recipe. The biggest food pet peeve that I can think of is a good friend of mine (I love her dearly but...) who's motto in life is "the more fat, the better!" I go to her place and it's whole milk, full-fat ice cream & salad dressing, red meat at every meal, etc. She can't possibly understand why anyone would eat anything low- or non-fat, and thinks it's absolutely disgusting when she goes to a wedding or luncheon and they serve chicken instead of beef. Breakfast at her place is bacon and eggs, as opposed to cereal with skim milk which I prefer. And then to top it off, she's always telling me that I don't eat healthy enough!

And here's my pronunciation pet peeve of the day..."Sherbert". ARGHHHHH!

[aggie94]

Originally posted by Jessica:
Another time, she was telling me about this wonderful herb-and-onion bread she had baked. I said it sounded delicious. She said she had half a loaf in the pantry. So...I expected her to offer me a small taste. Instead, she said, "I don't want to give you any, but you can smell it." And she opened a Ziploc bag of bread under my nose!!


Omigod!! Are you kidding??! Who would do something like this?? How rude is that??!? My jaw would be hanging on the floor from the shock.


On the pet comments:
We absolutely treat our animals as members of the family. They are our kids, and we treat them like people treat their children. That means they're allowed in any room of the house, on the furniture, they sleep in our bed, etc. (We're not so extreme as to let them eat off our dinnerware, or anything). I know a lot of people don't get this, but our easy solution to that is that some friends we invite to our house, others we don't. With the friends that don't get invited to our house, we still are happy to get together with them, just at their place or at a restaurant or somewhere else.

[MrsReber]

Ah, the hair thing. I am also guilty. I guess I get so busy in the kitchen that I forget to tie my hair back. I can't tell you how many times my poor husband has found my hair in his food. I do worry about it. Even if I do have my hair pulled back, that sometimes doesn't stop it from getting in the food.

[SusanD]

You're not alone! I always pull my hair back when I'm cooking or cleaning because it drives me nuts otherwise, but I still manage to lose one or two sometimes.

[brendat4]

My pet peeve is also about my MIL. Especially at Thanksgiving (but other times too) she will offer to bring the dessert to our gatherings. Every single time she shows up with a frozen pie, store-bought cookies or something equally "non-homemade". She's not known for her cooking but likes to tell everyone she does know how to cook. Putting a frozen pie in the oven to bake counts as cooking, right?

That's the first thing that comes to mind!