food snob variations

[gertdog]

I've really enjoyed reading the food snob thread that emilycat started. This weekend, when my future in-laws were visiting, I learned that I'm a food snob in their eyes, not because of the brands I choose or because I make most things from scratch, but because of the sheer number of different varieties of foodstuff in my cupboards.

They counted nine types of vinegar (red wine, white wine, sherry, champagne, balsamic, rice, raspberry, cider, and white (which I only use for descaling my humidifier!)). Three types of salt. A whole cupboard full of spices they weren't familiar with. A gazillion different types of pasta and rice. Four kinds of mustard in the fridge. Etc. etc.

Mind you they weren't rude about this little inventory, just curious! But I felt like a goober each time they opened a cupboard and discovered a whole new set of food items to count!

Tell me I'm not the only one with a pantry like this! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[funnybone]

gertdog, you are not alone! I too have a pantry that is more like a grocery store.

[Alisa]

I loved that thread too and am glad to see it pop up again.
I have a friend (since moved away) who used to grab a couple of spoons and go through the condiments, marinades etc in my fridge and say things like, "What's this?" and "How come we don't have this stuff?" He deveoped a lifelong love of fresh horseradish sauce and ginger dressing this way.

[JulieM]

I think it's true testimony to your creative spirit that you have all those different things in your cupboard. It means you're bold and creative and willing to try new things! It is something to be proud of. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[hka]

Jewel, I can relate to the concerns that your mil had about the low cal/low fat conversations you had only mine is a bit different. I have a step-daughter and step-son. I feel like my step-daughter looks at me with pity whenever I talk excitedly about a low fat meal that I recently prepared. She's very skinny and doesn't really have to watch what she eats. Whereas, thunder thighs run in my family http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif so I have to watch what I eat and exercise. I don't look bad but I'm definitely not a skinny minnie like her. So, I've quit talking about the kind of food I make and just make it. I feel like, if she knows that it's low fat, that she automatically gets the thought in her head that it won't taste good and won't give it a fair try. I don't begrudge her or anything, I've just learned that it's better to share my excitedness with my hubby, who appreciates the food and really enjoys it, rather than speak about it with her because she doesn't get it. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[BlueMoose]

I think all of my in-laws were kind of freaked out when I married my DH because I was a vegetarian. They thought he would starve to death or at least become anemic (sp?). But when they found out I could cook better than anyone on their side of the family (which isn't saying much http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) they felt a little better!

[Alisa]

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

[gertdog]

Glad to know I'm not alone! I do really enjoy cooking and trying new/different ingredients. And it's obvious that many, many others on this BB do too! But this weekend made me remember that not everybody is as adventurous with food. Or has had the opportunity to try as many different things.

BlueMoose, I have had the same experience with my future in-laws... I am a vegetarian, and his mom seems to be genuinely concerned that he isn't getting a balanced diet. She's always giving him vitamin supplements (esp. iron) (which he accepts but doesn't ever actually take) and cooking meatloaf for him!

Alisa, my future FIL was opening various bottles and sniffing spices and vinegars. I should have offered him a spoon and let him taste! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Jewel]

I agree with Julie! Be proud of your creativity! I would think they'd be thrilled that their little boy is going to be so well taken care of! I know my MIL was a bit concerned during a few of our first conversations, when I mentioned a lot of lowfat and lowcal cooking, and how I make a lot from scratch as opposed to processed. After eating a few of my meals, however, she has proclaimed me to be (ahem!) the best cook she's had the pleasure of enjoying in a long time! She brags on me every time we visit. I actually ended up making my own wedding rehearsal dinner because she was having the entire family back to the house and she wanted them to 'taste this!!'.

I didn't ever consider that being snobby, I considered it being quality conscious! By the way, when I was reading your list of vinegars I was saying 'Yep! Yep! Yep! Yep!' to each and every one of your bottles! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif I've got 'em all too! Stand up proud, Girlfriend! No Tuna Casserole Tuesdays at your house!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Alisa]

Jewel,
The "little boy" was in his thirties! I'm going to email him this thread..

[Jewel]

Originally posted by Alisa:
Jewel,
The "little boy" was in his thirties! I'm going to email him this thread..

Sorry Alisa! The little boy I was talking about was Gertdog's man! My 'little boy' is 41...and his Mom was still concerned a few years back that he was going to get fed well! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif