How big of a snob are you?

[emilycat]

Let's face it -- as "foodies" (affectionately deemed, of course http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ), many of us are a bunch of food snobs. And after reading the Parmesan thread, I started thinking about the other things in the food world I disdain. At the risk of making myself sound like a complete snot (I'm just very self-demanding http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ),I admit, I can be a trifle high maintenence -- I shun virtually anything that's already done for me -- no pre-minced, shredded, packaged anything. Buying bottled roasted red peppers is horrifying, minced garlic, ack!
As I stated in the last thread, no domestic cheeses trying to dupicate the real thing, and if you handed me any sort of boxed rice concoction, I think I'd pass out.
Now, there are certainly exceptions -- I do buy the occasional can of beans (Phoebe, close your mouth please http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) and I definitely don't go as far as making my own curry blends and vegetable broths. So as you can see, I have a bit of a double standard.

But I wondered, what do you turn your nose up at?

Oh, and just to clarify (thanks, Kim for reminding me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ) -- I would never, ever, judge someone else for buying the things I wouldn't. It's just the standard I hold for myself, and I completely realize that everyone's priorities are ordered differently. After all, I wait to do the dishes until the next morning http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 05-20-2001).]

[BlueMoose]

Emilycat...you would really turn your nose up at my kitchen! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif My standards have really gone downhill since I had my kids. Now I figure if I get some sort of foodstuff into everyone everyday I'm doing a good job! I do dislike most frozen and boxed meal-type things. But I do cut corners where I can. I admit that I look at other people's carts in the grocery store, though, and judge them on the basis of what they are buying http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif. Compared to most people I guess I buy a lot of fresh and unprocessed foods. I am a food snob when it comes to feeding my dog. I am no longer feeding him kibble, only homemade food. I think my food snobbery (is that a word?) will get worse again as my children get older.

I forgot....I HATE muffin mixes! I eat a lot of muffins and only make them from scratch. I hate the mixes. They taste like cake to me. I also like to make cakes from scratch (not that I make that many). http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by BlueMoose (edited 05-20-2001).]

[This message has been edited by BlueMoose (edited 05-20-2001).]

[kwormann]

DISCLAIMER: I would never hold this against someone else, because not everyone is a "cook", but I could NEVER invite someone to dinner and make them, for example, spaghetti with sauce from a jar, or dinner from a box! I would be horribly embarassed!

And to all my wonderful friends who cook that way for me (they dont like to cook but want to reciprocate my invites) I love you for wanting to cook for me, NOT for the jar of sauce you open. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

And to those in my supper club, I love you for giving my yummy homecooked meals that I didnt have to cook myself! That is better than any restaurant anyday of the week! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Kim

[hlao23]

Emily,

Have you gotten the newest issue yet? Let us know if you buy a fresh coconut or just decide to use canned milk http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif.

I always check out what other people have in their carts. The main thing that appalls me though is the lack of fruits and veggies. We buy tons of the fresh stuff (which I prefer) but I would be impressed to see people loading up even on canned or frozen.

My inner snob comes out mainly when people aren't open to trying different foods. It seems like I know so many people who only eat Bob Evans type meals. God forbid that a meal doesn't include meat.

[AD]

I generally do not buy prepared foods with a lot of ingredients and chemicals I can't pronounce. I especially would not use prepared doughs, and I never use mixes for anything. (Mixing dry ingredients doesn't take that long anyway.) I will buy Lean Cuisine's glazed chicken as an exception. I do not like to cook meat, chicken or fish. I use any canned beans, vegetables, etc. that don't have added flavoring or preservatives.

I generally buy prepared foods if they have been or can be cooked the way I like, and if they don't have a huge list that looks like something from a chemistry lab.

I don't take someone's cooking preferences personally. It's just our preferred way of life. Whatever cooking and eating lifestyle works best for an individual is the one he or she should use.

[SandyM]

I'm dying here Emily - you are too, too funny.

Can I be a pseudo-snob? (Nod to Em's pseudo-vegetarianism - no offense, please). I abhorr the canned (or even deli, pre-shredded) Parmesan cheese. But I acknowledge that there are working men and women with children who don't have the time (or the inclination) to stand at the counter and shred the stuff.

Boxed muffin mix? ACK! I can't make a home-made muffin to save my soul, but I won't buy that Jiffy stuff. Again, it's just me. I don't knock the people that do.

Spaghetti sauce in a jar is another thing (enter the pseudo phase here). On a cold winter night when my DH is at school and I just suffered through a 2 hour one-way commute, I'm not into dicing the stuff required to make a fresh pasta sauce. Muir Glen does it for me, baby. Hot and ready (with my own additions) in less than 30 minutes. I sometimes find cooking relaxing, especially the prep stuff, but this commute is a killer, especially in the winter.

I make bread in a bread machine. My mother shudders at that thought. "It's not home made if you didn't knead it by hand!!!" Oh well. She was blessed with the yeast gene - and I was passed over on that one.

I've been known to make low-fat Bisquick biscuits every now and then. With this powdered buttermilk on the market, I defy you to tell the difference between home made and those. mmmmmmmm it's Sunday morning and I'm dreaming about biscuits.........maybe I need to be on the "You know you're addicted....." thread right about now..... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

There are more, I'm sure, but I've opened myself up to enough arrows here already ..... hehehe

[This message has been edited by SandyM (edited 05-20-2001).]

[jms0310]

I do not use a ton of shortcuts but I have to use some. Precut, prewashed veggies are my downfall. I am so curious how you all get the time to make everything from scratch for every meal without any shortcuts! I don't even have kids yet and I cannot find the time, especially for my lunches that I bring to work. I think another factor is that I am only cooking for 2 people and I am hesitant to buy certain things because I know it may go to waste. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Jessica

[lindrusso]

Well, let's see - I guess I got both ways (so to speak http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ). I do not shun convenience products as a whole. If I do shun them, it's because I find that fresh tastes so much better or that the additives (such as sugar, salt, preservatives, etc.) make the convenience product less attractive.

No way I'm gonna bust my butt making puff pastry when Pepperidge Farms has a perfectly good packaged version in the freezer section!
On the other hand, for example, packaged brownie mixes just don't taste good to me, so I avoid them. Just two examples - the list goes on and on.

If they taste acceptable, I'd rather buy a convenience item than stress myself and my family out by spending hours in the kitchen. On the other hand, as I get more efficient and comfortable in the kitchen, I am willing to try more and more "from scratch" techniques (such as cooking dried beans vs. using canned).

[lindrusso]

Sorry - Bulletin Board was acting up again! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/mad.gif

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 05-21-2001).]

[sneezles]

I have to agree with Alysha on the stress part. Why would you want to set yourself up when things can be much simpler with a few convience items. But I can gar-um-darn-tee you that I can tell the difference in a biscuit made with real buttermilk and one made with the powder stuff! My SIL doesn't cook anything from scratch but passes it all off as her cooking...that boils my blood! Not a lot of fresh fruit or veggies in my cart because we shop at farmers' market for those! We have instant mashed potatoes most of the time because growing up it was my job to peel the potatoes for 8 people and we had boiled or mashed A LOT! My youngest was almost 13 before he knew that not all mashed came from a box but I don't think it traumatized him (and I found it very amusing that it shocked my MIL that he thought they did! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ).
Food snob? Yes, at times! Judging of others, not in the least!

[aggie94]

Don't throw stones here, but I am not nearly as much of a food snob as others seem to be when it comes to cooking for DH and MYSELF. If I'm having people over for dinner, no way would I use anything pre-minced, pre-shredded, pre-packaged, etc.

But I am SO short on time, that if it saves me a little time to use convenience items so that I can cook more often, rather than eating out, I can live with that. As most of you know, I was commuting 3 hours a day for work. I've since started a new job, in town, but now that commute time has been translated into work time, so that I'm away from home for at least the same amount of time, just working instead of driving. Anyway, that means not much free time to cook. Still, the only time I can cook during the week is if I don't go to the gym or exercise. It's a trade-off I have to live with, but I do try to enjoy a little luxury on the weekend by cooking things I really enjoy (and taking the time to shred my own IMPORTED cheese!).

The few things that I can say that I absolutely turn my nose up at is frozen dinners or pre-made cookie dough batter (i.e. the Pillsbury "slice and bake"). Yuck!

[Terrytx]

Like some of the others here, I go both ways. Don't buy too much prepared stuff in a box (brownie, cake, dinners, etc), but it has happened, and might again. I hardly ever use canned or frozen vegetables, with the exception or tomatoes and the occasional can of beans and corn. I also look in other peoples carts and shudder at some of the things people serve their families, but who am I to judge, I'm sure they have their reasons. But I do like the convenience of precut or prepacked fruits and vegetables (shredded carrots, cleaned and packed lettuce and spinach, etc).

I do serve my kids cereal from a box, and have on hand some of the things kids like (spaghett-os, ramin noodles, fruit by the foot, etc.) I also keep things for breakfast and snacking in the freezer (Eggos, toaster pastries, frozen pizzas, etc). But I try to have a least one good meal a day with all the things that are good for you, with lots of vegetables and fruit.

[luv2cook]

Food snob? Hmm. Let's just say that I prefer my own cooking to most restaurants. I generally buy fresh vegs, meat and fish BUT I keep convenience items in the pantry for those nights when I'm swamped or my mother has to do the cooking.

One thing that irritates me is people who pass off prepackaged stuff as homemade just because they added milk and egg.

[AndreaU]

I am definitely a fruit & veggie snob. I will not buy canned or frozen- always fresh. If a recipe calls for canned or frozen, I'll figure out how much fresh produce to substitute. Produce has to be in its natural state- I won't buy lettuce mixes or pre-made fruit salad or pre-shredded carrots and the like. We also have a juicer, so we're always buying oranges, apples, pears, grapes, etc. every week to make fresh juice. Almost 1/2 the grocery bill is produce. I also stay away from frozen meals. For a quick lunch, we have leftovers several times a week. This eliminates preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, etc. I KNOW what's in the food I make. (As most everyone else stated, this is just MY own personal food standard... I work full-time, but don't have kids. I certainly understand constraints- time and budget- that make people do what they have to do to feed their families! Whatever works for YOU, without judgement from me or anyone else, is what you should do.) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Gina O]

I have one simple rule for the food I buy: I buy what I like, no matter what. I love fresh asparagus am not even completely sure what that canned green slime is! In college, my roommate and I tried every brownie mix on the market (yes, EVERY one), found one that is fabulous and I have never made brownies any other way but with that mix since. I buy frozen Lean Cuisine type things because some of them are really good, quick and easy.

I spend a small fortune on cheese, but that includes Kraft 2% Singles for the occassional grilled cheese sandwich. Almost all veggies are fresh or high quality frozen, but I too buy canned beans. They are so handy to have on hand.

But, I never, never, ever buy cheap ice cream. When I eat it, it is going to be fabulous!!!!! (An ice cream maker is on my birthday wish list!) Gina

[emilycat]

I didn't address this at all in my first post, but I feel I must mention that I am single with no children, my commute is a traffic-free 20 minute drive, and my hours aren't hellish. I'm sure that when those things change, I may loosen up (well, maybe a little bit http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ).
Cooking is just such a creative, artistic outlet for me that I like to try to do anything I can to make it more "from scratch" and embellished (read: fun)

Tomato sauce? Hm. Well, I can't remember the last time I bought any, so I suppose I do most the time. But if it were a minor ingredient that wasn't being showcase, it would definitely be Hunt's. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Jewel]

I think I'm probably a little less of a snob than I thought!! I make fresh from scratch whenever I can, but I'm not opposed to convenience foods when they meet my standards. Most of my 'scratch' foods have resulted from necessity! I couldn't find a canned or convenience Corned Beef Hash that I considered healthy and tasty, so I decided to come up with my own recipe! We love Spanish Rice, but every boxed mix we came across was loaded with sodium and skimped on our favorite ingredients, so I made up my own! I'm not opposed to PastaRoni on occasion, and I think that 'Near East' brand rice and grain mixes are wonderful side dishes when I can't take the extra time to stir risotto.

I make frozen vegetables more than canned, but fresh more than frozen. I buy canned chicken broth, but prefer my own when I have the time to make it. I like bottled minced garlic, and I don't mind canned diced green chiles either! Jarred pasta sauce isn't bad since I tend to 'spike' the stuff with my own touches anyway.

I've come a long way from my former 'Velveeta Shells & Cheese' loving self, but I'm not against convenience foods in general, as long as they're tasty, healthy, not loaded with salt, and don't take away from MY true enjoyment of cooking. Sometimes those little conveniences like canned chicken broth or bottled garlic leave me more time to create something really spectacular! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[misstapioca]

I realized my inner snob yesterday at the grocery store. I had just lined up all my fresh veggies and fruits, recipe ingredients etc. on the conveyer belt. Along came behind me this lady in her mid 30s this is her week's purchases:
2 dozen lean cuisine dinners
1 carton orange juice
2 dozen diet coke cans
1 bunch of bananas
1 pkg oreo cookies

i immediatly judged this poor woman. I could not imagine not having the satisfaction of cooking myself a wonderful home cooked meal. One more thing...i love it when the checkout girl cant figure out what the names are of certain produce items and she has to call someone to find out the code and doesn't bother to ask me what type of produce it is!


[This message has been edited by misstapioca (edited 05-20-2001).]

[RobinC]

I am a kitchen tool snob. I realized this when I was making chilie rellanos at a friends house. I had called her on my way over and asked her to separate a couple of egg and beat the whites for me. When I arrived, she had them only beat to a foamy froth (turns out she had never beat egg whites before) with a low power had beater. I held my toungue, afterall, not everyone has a 650 watt Kenwood mixer with a 7.5 quart bowl and is willing to pull it out to even beat 2 egg whites. I then asked for some measuring cups and spoons. I was shocked when she handed me plastic measuring tools that had been warped by heat. Doesn't everyone have multiple sets of stainless steel measuring cups and spoons - both in standard measures and odd measures (3/4 cup, 2/3 cup, 1/2 tablespoon, 3/4 teaspoon, etc...) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I realized then that I really do have a "thing" for kitchen tools. I am proud to say that I am able to keep my mouth well shut when in other people's kitchens.

As for food, I am not that much of a snob. The DB and I both work and run a business out of our home. Time is very valuable to us. While we both prefer it when I cook hot fresh food, neither of us object to convenience foods. We do have some limits. I always buy higher quality items and the better cuts of meats.

I am with Gina O - when in the store, I buy what I like. Kraft Mac 'n Cheese in the blue box, fresh aspragus, beef tenderloin, boxed brownie mix, gourmet bleu cheese, and varieties of both high-brow and low-brow foods have all found their way into my grocery cart.

[kwormann]

I am also a bit of a snob when it comes to my lunches. I would never think of buying lunch at the school cafeteria, and would never bring a frozen meal. My two lunch partners eat one or the other everyday..must be nice to be so rich and must be sad to have no taste buds.....I would grab a bagel with peanut butter in a pinch before a flavorless frozen meal....at least my natural peanut butter has flavor......

[funnybone]

I guess I am one when it comes to coffee, pasta sauce, vegetables, salad dressings, cakes, and almost everything else. I only like homemade dressing (or just oil and vinegar) and no cake mixes here. I grind my beans fresh as I make my coffee, and I can't drink it from styrofoam cups. I don't eat much ice cream, but when I do, it is usually the premium brands or homestyle.

I don't consider this as being a snob though, but as just particular about what I like. I prefer quality over quantity and I don't like wasting my money on things that don't taste good, or I don't like just because it is a little cheaper.

[This message has been edited by funnybone (edited 05-20-2001).]

[Tiger]

Blue Moose- I agree with you about the kid thing. I haven't made homemade pasta since my son was born. (almost 5yrs ago)

hloo23- I do wonder if people judge my shopping cart. NO fruits or veggies. I load up at the produce store.

Sandy M.- To me homemade bread is made in the breadmachine!!

I'm not a picky eater at all! I usually don't buy prepared things because it's cheaper to make it yourself, not because I'm a food snob.

[Mbart]

I believe I have improved over the years, and quite a bit in the last few months, about the quality/freshness of food I buy. Robin, your "kitchen tool snob" post reminds me of when I was getting married. My husband had lived with two chefs while in college, so he was definitely the cook between the two of us. In fact, he still usually cooks for company, and I still call him frequently at work with a cooking-related question, after 11+ years of marriage. Anyway, I'll never forget when we were going thru the whole gift registration process; he totally ran the show! He was telling me what pots/pans, etc. to register for, and what he already had. I remember him telling me to go find a garlic press so we could write it down, and I was clueless! I brought over this plastic one, and he just looked at me in despair! Also, we had to get Henckel knives; I had never heard of them! So, I have become a little wiser over the years, but I believe I have a ways to go!

[cdm]

It kind of depends on how close pay day is for me. I sometimes want it fast and over especially in the early part of the week, and no matter what, I make sure that I have some organic stuff in the house so that I can eat more healthy. Its not so much of a snob but more healthy lifestyle. Although at work, lookout!! If I am stressing and their is candy on a desk....

[Natasha]

Well, actually, given my size, I would probably only qualify as a small food snob.

Seriously (or more seriously, anyway), my answer is mixed. I don t think I am a real food snob, but you be the judge.

I do very much value certain ingredients like, for example, fresh garlic and basmati or jasmine rice, preferring not to use alternatives unless circumstances so dictate. That s my personal preference. However, I can understand why others might want/need to take shortcuts, due to commitments or other interests that take priority. Or maybe they just have other priorities where food is concerned: for example, bottled minced garlic is fine for them, but they will insist on, say, organic produce or something. I wouldn t judge someone for having different priorities in either of these ways. Nor would that stop me from respecting them as a cook or enjoying their cooking very much!!

Okay, essay over. Sorry if I didn t break the blurb down into proper paragraphs. I am a bit tired. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[makedah]

There's a (quite good) recipe for Garlic Aioli at www.epicurious.com (http://www.epicurious.com) that calls for bottled mayonnaise. Two reviewers blasted the recipe and potential cooks for being too lazy to make their own mayonnaise. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif I guess it's all relative, isn't it?

That said, I'm sure some people would think I'm a snob. For instance, my friend who eats things like chicken hot dogs, canned white potatoes and the cheapest off-brand boxed mac and cheese probably thinks I'm extravagant with my food choices. I usually don't buy canned veggies (except for tomatoes), but I often buy frozen veggies that are out of season and/or unavailable in my part of the country. (I live in Wisconsin, so sometimes I have to rely on things like frozen okra.) I use bagged spinach and broccoli florets because of the saved time and because they last longer (unopened) in the fridge than their loose counterparts. I will never bake a cake from a box, but I will bake brownies from a mix. I won't buy cooked chicken strips, but I occasionally I get a hankering for a frozen pizza.

I'm really too poor and too busy to be a true food snob!!! And to be honest, I don't aspire to be one...

[browneye]

Well, I must tell you,
Weeknights, it's shortcuts...I will cook with canned broths, canned tomato sauce,(Emily do you really make your own tomato sauce?) bag o'salad, etc.

Weekends, when I have more time, I usually don't use processed items.
Company: all homemade stuff, every time.

However, I must say I don't use a whole lot of processed stuff. I don't use garlic in a jar, for instance, I have a really good garlic press (Pampered Chef) and don't really find that it is any more convenient to use pre-pressed stuff.
But, an occasional can of this-or-that or other convenience products are not off limits, as long as it doesn't have "bad" ingredients in it. To me, there are more things in life I'd rather spend my time doing, like visiting with the kids and dh, playing with the dog, horse, and playing music or reading a book.
But then, I travel for work, so my home time is precious to me, whereas if I came home every night, who knows? I guess everybody's life situation is different...

[BosunsWife]

Truth be known, canned or frozen veggies actually have more nutrients in them than fresh. Fact is the longer those "fresh" veggies sit out in the open the more of their nutrients go "out the window". Canned or frozen are processed usually the same day that they are picked. That being said, I still buy some fresh veggies, but not as much as I used to since I'm finding both the freshness and price here in Hawaii isn't worth it. Its pretty pathetic when your fresh broccoli doesn't last two days when you pay over a $1.25 a pound! Salad ingredients not included.

I'm like a few others here, before having a child, I did most of my cooking from scratch. I simply do not have the time to do that anymore. I keep a fairly well stocked pantry, canned beans, veggies, stocks, jarred roasted peppers, and gasp, yes, jarred spaghetti sauce. I draw the line at the boxed dinners and bagged frozen dinners - way too much sodium and preservatives. If I have time, I will try and do a spaghetti sauce from scratch and freeze it, but that free time is few and far between.

I would not serve prepackaged anything to guests however. If we are having guests, I cook from scratch.

I love to bake and DO NOT use anything that comes from a box.

I guess you could say I'm definitely not a food snob.

[SandyM]

Originally posted by BosunsWife:
Truth be known, canned or frozen veggies actually have more nutrients in them than fresh.

Ummmmm.......really?

[cchhbb]

I guess I'm becoming a bit of a food snob. I've always been a red meat snob. I grew up on a small cattle ranch and got spoiled. There is nothing like good red meat that you know was raised on corn with no hormones. I was in the grocery yesterday and they had beef round roasts on sale really cheap. I looked at the meat and couldn't bring myself to buy any.

I still use canned and frozen things a lot. I do think that the freshness is very good especially when out of season.

I rarely use a mix for anything anymore. I guess you guys have helped to teach me to value the food I am eating.

[hlao23]

hloo23- I do wonder if people judge my shopping cart. NO fruits or veggies. I load up at the produce store.

Ooh! That never occurred to me. I'll have to be more careful (and less judgemental). It's funny, I'm currently trying to find out if there is a produce store in our area too - so maybe people will soon be wondering why I'm not buying veggies. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[BlueMoose]

It's true that canned and frozen fruits and veggies often have more nutrients than fresh, exactly for the reasons BosunsWife said.

[BethH]

I'm really not too bad of a food snob--well, OK, I am a little bit. I try to keep that part of me hidden away and would never, ever make a friend or family feel bad for doing something food-related that I would never do. However, I have been known to show up at a friends house with my food processor in tow. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

But, what really grates on my nerves are those pilsbury (sp?) commercials where the background music has lyrics which say something about cooking up something special for the kids and/or hard-working husband (the whole 'our heart to yours' song) and then show a woman opening up a can of biscuits or breaking off some cookie nuggets from a refridgerated package. I yell at the TV every time I see one of these ads. For me, doing something special for family does not equal breaking apart pre-sliced cookies. I think that indicates some snobbery on my part! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Tiger]

I also remember on TV the explaination of why frozen veggies can be better than fresh.
They freeze frozen veggies at their peak and they stay that way. But fresh veggies lose nutr. everyday. (I still perfer fresh)

[KLynn]

I'm with Gina O - I buy what tastes good for me and my husband, be it canned, frozen, fresh or otherwise. However, I do find that my palette has evolved, so to speak. I am becoming more picky about my ingredients as I get older.

One major exception: Coffee. Only the best, always.

[jazzyjas]

I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade and this isn't snobbery as much as my concern for you. In my continual dating looking for Mr Right (OK Jewel maybe I should make that trip to Pittsburgh) I went out with a guy who works as a dietician for Nestle and used to work for Dole. [B if you buy bagged salad wash it carefully B]. He used to inspect the factories and warns against bagged salads. I won't go into any details as I know many of you use them.

jas

[jazzyjas]

Originally posted by jazzyjas:
I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade and this isn't snobbery as much as my concern for you. In my continual dating looking for Mr Right (OK Jewel maybe I should make that trip to Pittsburgh) I went out with a guy who works as a dietician for Nestle and used to work for Dole. [B] if you buy bagged salad wash it carefully [B]. He used to inspect the factories and warns against bagged salads. I won't go into any details as I know many of you use them.

jas

[gertdog]

No parmesan cheese in the green can for me, no canned fruits and veggies (except tomato products and sometimes beans)... it's a texture issue! I'll do frozen corn, spinach, or peas, but no other frozen veggies. I'll do cake and brownie mixes, but always doctor them in some way. No garlic from a jar, ever. Only fresh ginger. I always make my own salad dressings, although I did taste Ken's Light Italian recently and it wasn't bad at all.

I lived with 3 other graduate students a few years ago, and we shared shopping and cooking responsibilities. I wasn't allowed to shop because I had too many food/brand preferences and therefore spent too much money, according to one of the guys!

On the other hand, I LOVE Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and Annie's Alfredo Shells and Cheese. And Pillsbury crescent rolls. And sweetened kids' cereals (I eat a bowl as a sweet, low-fat snack; not for breakfast). And Near East rice pilaf.

Funny how our snobbery can be so specific/selective! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KValley]

Like most who have responded, I have some personally acceptable food shortcuts, others that I will not compromise on:

Not snob

Bagged, pre-cut greens for salads (jazzyjas, I don't even want to know about the evils of bagged greens, although I will wash mine from now on... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif)

Bottled roasted red peppers
Canned beans
Canned diced tomatoes
Canned broth
Progresso soup
Shredded parmesan cheese from the deli
Quick cooking multi-grain cereal. Quaker has a brand that I adore and it's the only way to get DH to stop for a good breakfast
Eggo Nutri-grain Waffles

Total snob

Coffee- we grind our own from a local roaster- no Starbucks or other mass-produced, thanks.
Wine- it does NOT have to be expensive to be good, but we will not buy mass-produced California types
Rice or other grains- no mixes, no instants
Garlic- only fresh pressed
Ginger
Fresh fruit- never canned nor jarred
Olive oil- I prefer Spanish. Always extra-virgin

Frozen veggies I keep on hand in case I have no time to make dinner- I can boil some rice, heat up some frozen veggies and microwave a soy burger and have a filling, nutritious dinner that took about three minutes of preparation. Frozen fruit I use for smoothies.

I cannot go to bed with dirty dishes in the sinl http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif and I do look at others' grocery carts, not always in a kindly way.

It's been said before, but it is a matter of time and priorities. I'm blessed to have the time and energy at this period in my life to cook as much as I do- it hasn't always been this way and there will come a time (children, a change of job) where my priorities may have to shift. My goal is to never lose sight of what is healthy and balanced!




[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 05-21-2001).]

[Star]

Hello my fellow food friends! I think one of my biggest pet peeves in terms of being a "food snob" is canned frosting!! I am more of a baker than a cook and I believe that homemade is the best made. Don't worry though...I don't judge anyone, even if they buy frosting http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[olive101]

I think the question should be, "You know you are a food snob when..."

1) Many of the things you eat or bring to gatherings are labled as "weird". Such as, fresh mozzarella, lentils, goat cheese, etc. Thus, you never know what to make for others because all of your favorite things will be left uneaten.

2) At family gatherings or when you eat at someone else's house, you make mental notes about all the dishes, "Are there no fresh vegetables?!?"

3) You are hesitant to eat at other houses because you are nervous about what will be served; (recently was invited to a friend's house for dinner and the side dish was pre-flavored Uncle Ben's rice. It tasted ok, but I would never serve something like that to guests.)

These are my signs that I am a food snob. Mainly I am a snob about entertaining. I do not entertain too often, but when I do, it is good. I am freaked out by people who have parties and there is not enough food and drink!

[LGBurns]

Originally posted by BosunsWife:
Truth be known, canned or frozen veggies actually have more nutrients in them than fresh. Fact is the longer those "fresh" veggies sit out in the open the more of their nutrients go "out the window". Canned or frozen are processed usually the same day that they are picked.

I believe this is only true for frozen, not canned. Canned vegetables usually have been cooked and are often way overcooked, depleting them of nutrients. Plus, canned often have added salt. Frozen aren't cooked (except possibly blanched) and don't contain added ingredients.

My snobbery is sporadic. I will not eat the green can parmesan cheese, canned vegetables (except tomatoes and beans--not green but kidney, black, etc.), most frozen dinners, frozen vegetables with added stuff (like butter sauce, etc.), packaged cookies (except Pepperidge Farms), mass-produced wine or beer, iceburg lettuce, most bottled dressings, bottled minced garlic. I have no problem using bottled roasted red peppers, frozen vegies (especially from Trader Joe's), frozen fish (if it's been vacuum-packed), pre-shredded cheese, pre-shredded vegetables (like carrots, red cabbage, etc.), pre-packaged salad mixes, etc. The other day I served the Mediterranean Lasagna to friends and it has canned artichoke hearts, bottled red peppers, pre-shredded mozzarella, and no-cook lasagna noodles. We loved it, they were impressed, and I had no guilt feelings. I think for me the loss in flavor has to be substantial (e.g., Kraft Parmesan compared to fresh) for me to turn my nose up at something.

[greysangel]

the only frozen veg I do is spinach

the only canned stuff I use is corn, beans and chopped tomatoes

I'm a total cheese snob..my feeling is if I'm going to spend the points/calories, I'm going to make sure it's good!

I do admit to eating an occasional frozen meal for lunch but it cannot have meat in it...that cant be frozen chicken in there! What the heck is that stuff? And salisbury steak in a frozen meal? BLECH!

As for processed/package stuff...I admit I really like stove top stuffing http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Other than that I pretty much do my own!

JeAnne

[erinl]

Nothing I bake comes out of a box. I've got a couple of great brownie recipes that are quick and easy and better than anything prepackaged. Recently I took my favorite chocolate brownies (they are absolutely sinful) to an in-law family picnic. This is a recipe that I got from my mom, and they are the only kind she made when we were growing up. I'm very proud of them. Anyway, a cousin also brought a plate of brownies, obviously a box mix. An aunt took a bite of hers and complimented me on them. I was horrified that she thought they were my prized family recipe. It was all I could do to control my voice to tell her that mine were in the kitchen.
Does that qualify me as a snob?

[ashley]

I guess I'm a pseudo-snob, as I do use some short-cuts. My rule is you can use frozen and/or canned vegetables if they aren't a main ingredient in a dish, or it won't compromise quality. I would never serve canned or frozen veggies on their own as a side dish - they have to be fresh. I always make my own salad dressing, pie crusts, cakes, cookies, and muffins. I prefer homemade brownies, but will occasionally use a mix if I'm in a hurry (usually when I'm making them for one of my homeroom student's birthdays - they don't seem to appreciate the difference in "real homemade" anyway!)

When I have company over I'm much stricter with my rules - everything from scratch, no convenience items, etc. I've been known to be more lenient if I'm only cooking for myself and I'm in a hurry. Cereal, pasta with jarred sauce, a couple of varieties of Lean Cuisine, even the occasional Kraft Mac n Cheese have all been used on those occasions!

[Kelli Kerrigan]

Food snob? I'm not sure, although I tend to believe I'm not.
Almost everything I have ever made has been from scratch. My brownie recipe is from the 8th grade, and my Mother still requests them. I do make all my own curries. (Emily you should try them. The spices are toasted before grinding, making it far different from store bought curries.)
With that being said, I have only made 'homemade from scratch' spaghetti sauce a few times. By this I mean cooking down the tomatoes.......while I do make my own sauce from canned tomatoe products. I used to make homemade jelly, but I have decided to purchase it as it's just me now and I don't eat much of it.
I have been known to pick up a pasta/rice a-roni once in a blue moon. I typically toss in leftover psycho or beer-can chicken and vegis.
I do look at people's carts and I'm concerned what Americans are feeding their children. Processed foods full of fat and sugar and nothing else (like fresh fruit)is loaded in carts. It disturbs me that a cereal aisle and an "e-to" (frito's, cheeto's, dorito's...you get it "e-ot mix") aisle is as long and dense as it is. Are all those really necessary??? How many ways can rice or corn be processed and flavored with sugar and salt? (just like the female products aisle. Thong liners! Wings! Deodorant! I almost need an hour to figure out what I don't want and find what I was looking for.)
I'm a total snob when it comes to someone not trying a food and passing judgement. My father can call me from Madison and ask what I'm eating. If I reply with something that isn't meat and potatoe, he goes off about how awful it is and how can I be eating it? Glad he lives far enough way so that he wouldn't have to finish his plate at my house!
I also don't like rolling things out. So sometimes I don't make my own pie crusts...

[HDgirl]

I'm with Olive101. I tend to be an entertaining snob. I do most of the "from scratch" things..but when it comes to entertaining.. appetizers to me are not a bag of Cheetos. It's mostly certain family members that I am a snob with. I'm working on trying not to be too critical. Not everyone is into cooking.

[growlingbelly]

I heard the frozen vegetables are just as healthy, if not better for you than fresh. Canned, however, I have never tried. Other than tomatoes, I guess.

In my family, you can be disowned if you say you like Miracle Whip.

This was a great conversation starter. My contacts are dried out from reading about everybody's inner snobbery.

[HedyL]

i've always wondered if people look at my cart and wonder why there are no veggies! I usually get them at a farm stand, or I trek to a place called "Delicious Orchards" and get really great produce there. I usually don't like supermarket produce

[emilycat]

Well, I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of these responses -- although I have apparently erroneously judged the degree of snobbery on this board (I think a bunch of you are hiding out there, though, afraid that you'll be mauled for your airs http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ).
I can particularly relate to the fear that people in the "regular" grocery store will wonder where all my produce and interesting ingredients are. I feel like carrying a sign around that says, "I only come here when I have to -- I buy all my good stuff at Harry's." I know, how shallow is that??

[aggie94]

Emily,

I can relate. I've often found myself wanting to say, in response to strange looks from people who are clearly judging me based on what is in my cart, "That's for my husband."

[lorilei]

Oh, alright Emily, I'll come out of the closet http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif But just for you.

I knew I couldn't be the only one who gawked into other people's carts at the grocery store -- and then wondered how they LIVED on some of the stuff they bought.

My little evil secret is that while grocery shopping, I often make comments out loud to my husband. Things like: "Gosh, isn't it appalling how many convenience foods there are out there? blech!" OR "Can you believe people would actually buy prepared pasta with sauce in a box?"

I can't say that I NEVER have reason to buy convenience products... but I avoid them on a regular basis.

My food snobbery is based heavily in my belief that fresh produce is KEY to a good diet. I also don't scrimp when it comes to veggies, pasta, certain cheeses, and good quality meats. I'm certain I have other snobberies... but for now, I'd prefer to step back into my dusty little closet http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[JennieL]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BosunsWife:
[B]Truth be known, canned or frozen veggies actually have more nutrients in them than fresh

This is partially true. Frozen veggies - yes, are usually higher in nutrients than fresh. Canned - no. Canned food is processed at very high temperatures which destroy some of the nutrients.

My degree is in nutrition. I remember testing this in a lab in college.

[JennieL]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BosunsWife:
[B]Truth be known, canned or frozen veggies actually have more nutrients in them than fresh

This is partially true. Frozen veggies - yes, are usually higher in nutrients than fresh. Canned - no. Canned food is processed at very high temperatures which destroy some of the nutrients.

My degree is in nutrition. I remember testing this in a lab in college.

[funnybone]

Originally posted by emilycat:

I can particularly relate to the fear that people in the "regular" grocery store will wonder where all my produce and interesting ingredients are. I feel like carrying a sign around that says, "I only come here when I have to -- I buy all my good stuff at Harry's." I know, how shallow is that??

Is there anyone left on this planet that can actually shop at one store, and one store only??? I have yet to meet such a person.

[emilycat]

My little evil secret is that while grocery shopping, I often make comments out loud to my husband.
Things like: "Gosh, isn't it appalling how many convenience foods there are out there? blech!" OR
"Can you believe people would actually buy prepared pasta with sauce in a box?"

That is too funny -- I swore I was the only person who would actually say things like that out loud, and in the hopes that some poor Rice-a-Roni fan would hear!

Oh, and funnybone, I guess what I meant was that I think there are tons of people in this city who only shop at supermarkets -- maybe not the same one every time, but I definitely know loads of people who don't make weekly trips to the farmer's market (although Harry's is more like a glorified gourmet farmer's market), so what would make them think that I do?

[kwormann]

I end up at 3 stores each week:

Fiesta for produce - until Central Market opens or I can find a suitible farm NEARBY, they have the best prices

Kroger for stuff - altho Im about to find someplace new...the employees either ignore you or are downright rude to you...Im about to think the excellent service and smiling faces at Whole Foods are worth the high prices!

Whole Foods for gourmet or bulk - until Central Market opens next week and I see their prices.....Im hoping for a LOT from this new market....hope Im not disappointed!

Kim

[heatherfeather]

I am a military wife and we usually don't get to live in areas with a great selection of any type of food. I primarily shop in a military commissary which has limited selections and doesn't always keep on top of new products. Depending upon where we live, the product is great or horrible - the same goes for meat. And obtaining fresh seafood & fish means catching it yourself more often than not.

I tend to purchase what I like. Sometimes I don't get a choice- if I want fresh basil, for example - I can't buy fresh leaves and don't always get to have a garden. Therefore, I have learned to adjust to using the jars of presliced basil. I would definietly use fresh leaves of basil if I could. Also, I don't have any problem using the jars of prechopped garlic, bagged salads, etc. Bagged salads are somtimes the only way I can get some of the varieties of lettuce my commissary doesn't sell by the head ( especially watercress, arugula etc.) I do make my own bread by hand from scratch as well as in my bread machine. I do make my own spaghetti sauce, but also use high quality bottled sauces as well when I don't have time to cook my sauce. I do make my own broth - but also use canned broth. I would hate to not be able to try a recipe that I just watched on tv because I didn't have homemade stock lying around. Yes - I am one of those people who watches a tv cooking show and then makes the recipes I just saw. I do make my own curries - you people can buy such items in a store!!??!!

Some things I tend to avoid because I don't like the tase of them are: Hamburger Helper, frozen spinach, frozen chopped onions, boxed muffins (although I do buy blueberry muffins just to get the tin of Maine blueberries), frozen fish, cheap coffee, fake bagels.

Things I'll pay more for to get the best quality: coffee, bagels(I order them from NY), fresh veggies, spices(I don't like the no-name brands), fresh seafood(although I do eat frozen shellfish if that's the only way I can get it), special order meats (the difference between a frozen gourmet steak and what I can find in my commissary is unbelievable)

[Jacque O]

I am soooo jealous. I would so love to be able to say that I completely eshewed convenience foods for fresh.

But, the truth is, I'm a single mom with three children, a more than full time job, and a schedule that just barely accomodates balanced sit down dinners (a rule in my house) on weeknights. Most nights, we don't get home until betweeen 6:15 and 6:30 and my youngest child's bedtime (she's 8) is 8:30. In between we have soccer, girl scouts, dance classes, and the typical school events. I try to prepare meals in advance and when I can, that definitely helps. My kids are really getting into cooking and on weekends, we often spend lots of time in the kitchen cooking and baking. And they love going to the produce stand (we often win the prize for the people who spend the most money there in a given day). But if I tried to prepare everything fresh from scratch on a daily basis, I think that would put me over the edge.

Hmmmm, so does all of this guilt over not always cooking from scratch qualify as food snobbery?

[daner94]

Okay, I thought of one.

When people stock up on those rich, fattening muffins and pastries and cakes that you buy in the bakery dep't of the grocery store. I know what goes in them, and the icings on the cakes are just sweetened Crisco!

I love to bake so I always feel a little superior when I see people buying that stuff instead of baking. And it is all soooo expensive!

However, I am way guilty about a lot of other items people above have named- Kraft Parmesan cheese! Bottled Tomato Sauce!
Hee hee. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Dana

[mandarin2j]

I'm a major fresh fruit, veggies, & meat snob. I grew up in a farming area in Oregon, and if the raspberries/blackberries/strawberries ...okay, any berries, are not locally raised, fresh, and ripe, I won't go near 'em. The huge strawberries at our local grocery are always tempting...and always disappointing. And don't even try to feed me a mealy apple or pear! I want my yummy Hood River Valley tree fruit. What can I say? I'm spoiled! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Same story with tomatoes. If they're not totally ripe and fresh, I'll go without until I can get them that way.

We raised pigs and our neighbors raised cattle, so I'm the same way about most meat. Sausage can be processed, but only bacon, steak, ham and hamburger from our favorite butcher shop will do. I won't even buy steaks from our local gourmet grocery because it doesn't live up to what I'm used to. Good thing, too, because I'd have steak every day if it was more convenient. As it is, I wait for the good stuff (the butcher shop we go to is 1/2 hour-45 minutes away, and closed Sundays, making it a task to get to), so I only have red meat a couple of times a month.

-Amanda

[lindrusso]

Kim - Have you ever been to a Central Markets? If not, I assure you, you won't be disappointed! I've been to the one in Austin and it was fabulous! Much bigger than the Whole Foods in Austin and full of fresh seafood (a huge, long counter - do you know how much I miss that in IN??? Where it is devoid of seafood - not counting lake fish).

Not to mention the zillion kinds of pesto, "homemade" raviolis, oh well, I won't go on. It's similar to Whole Foods in the variety of ethnic and health foods, but it has a larger produce department. How I miss those bins FULL of wild mushrooms....

Sigh....

[kwormann]

Alysha...I havent been, but they sure have played it up....is it cheeper than Whole Foods??

[lindrusso]

Kim - I don't remember for sure, but I'm guessing it wasn't. But it's been 4 years since I lived there, so I couldn't say for sure. But it was worth it.

The CM in Austin had a café/food court as well. That's the first place I had pesto pizza with mushrooms and artichokes - yum! They also offered cooking classes, maybe even wine tastings, and live music on special dates. You could spend your entire life there! And like Whole Foods, if you go on the weekend, you can sample your way through the store...yum...

Let us know how you like it when you finally go. I can live vicariously...

[SusanT]

I'm a snob about any recipe that calls for cream of mushroom soup, velveeta or is topped with crushed potato chips!

I also echo other posters' distain for baked goods bought at the grocery, especially that nasty frosting on cakes. I like my own baking so much better.

I do use Kraft Parmesan cheese, though! I think it tastes fine for everyday cooking. I do use Parmesan Reggiano for special dishes.

[heeter]

Emily - I do only shop at Harry's or DeKalb Farmer's market for vegetables, and I plan to try the State Farmer's market by the airport this summer (Have you ever been there?). But the thing that irks me the most is luke warm food that is suppose to be HOT, and, most casseroles. Heather

[Gail]

Originally posted by emilycat:
...although I have apparently erroneously judged the degree of snobbery on this board (I think a bunch of you are hiding out there, though, afraid that you'll be mauled for your airs http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ).



Okay. Why didn't you just say something really subtle, such as, "Gail! This means YOU!!"

I'm not going to bring up the issue of convenience foods. Much as I love making things from scratch, there are certain products I DO actually buy without apology. This I wholeheartedly admit. My snobbism runs in other directions.

To wit:

1. I will only buy beef and seafood from either Whole Foods or from Bristol Farms. (Southern California gourmet grocer)

2. I only buy cage-free eggs.

3. I only buy produce from one of the above stores-- organic preferred.

4. If I buy packaged cookies, they are either European or Canadian with the notable exceptions of Pepperidge Farm or Archway products (and my kid insists upon occasional Oreos.)

5. Odwalla OJ rules!

6. Certain mass producers of breads should be ashamed of themselves! I avoid those like the plague.

7. I find myself shopping at one place for general groceries, other place for meats or fish, another for bagels, another if I need delicatessen items. All this running around is worth it to get the best quality I can get.

Does that qualify me as a snob? Oh, yeah...