I think we all just cook too well

[judydawn]

I don't mind the cooking part its the deciding what to eat is the hassle, sometimes after dinner I ask them to give 6 meals they want to eat next week and the answer I always....always get is ...but everything you cook is so great, cook anything. Somehow they don't get its not the cooking part I want help with but the choosing part!

Oh, I understand that completely Deeau.  When you practically do the thinking for those you care for (a MIL who lived with us for a couple of years some time back, my Mum just around the corner whom I keep an eye on and of course DH who gets everything done for him) your poor brain just needs a bit of help at times.  I can remember asking MIL if she wanted tea or coffee - whatever is easiest for you would be the answer but surely you know what you really feel like.  I wouldn't want a cup of tea if I felt like a cup of coffee.  I just want them to have what they want at times, not what I feel like giving them. It can be so frustrating and you just want to scream 

[fundj&e]

+ the tip too 

[obbie]

CP, order pizza for him next time he is in town.

I love cooking, and usually get good comments from people.
The hard part is what to have for dinner each night.

Robyn

[CreamPuff63]

Oh I couldn't do that (but I smile at the thought). Its just annoying. Last time he came, he actually brought a bottle of white wine for me cos I don't drink red. I'm sure the meals mean more to him that he's willing to let on, but this cook just likes to know her efforts are a gastronomic delight 

[judydawn]

Of course you do CP and rightfully so too.  We complain about these type of people but we continue to feed them and it's a real bonus if they do actually bring something to contribute to the meal, especially a bottle of white. I have had some oohs and ahs coming from some guests who are usually more sedate in their praise - I then knew I had served them up something really special.  I think it was a standing pork rib roast which just melted in your mouth and obviously not something they had ever had before. I put a pat of garlic butter in the vegies and even that got the same reaction - it was quite funny really.

[Halex]

Oh JD that is too funny, a pat of garlic butter in the veggies got oohs & aahs!!! That just cracks me up.
CP at east you got the wine, I bet he loves to come but doesnt want to appear keen.
H

[gertbysea]

I don't mind the cooking part its the deciding what to eat is the hassle, sometimes after dinner I ask them to give 6 meals they want to eat next week and the answer I always....always get is ...but everything you cook is so great, cook anything. Somehow they don't get its not the cooking part I want help with but the choosing part!

Oh, I understand that completely Deeau.  When you practically do the thinking for those you care for (a MIL who lived with us for a couple of years some time back, my Mum just around the corner whom I keep an eye on and of course DH who gets everything done for him) your poor brain just needs a bit of help at times.  I can remember asking MIL if she wanted tea or coffee - whatever is easiest for you would be the answer but surely you know what you really feel like.  I wouldn't want a cup of tea if I felt like a cup of coffee.  I just want them to have what they want at times, not what I feel like giving them. It can be so frustrating and you just want to scream 

I could not agree more. Please someone make a decision. When I ask DH to PLEASE tell me what he would like for dinner he ALWAYS says sausages.   Scream??? you must have heard me in Adelaide JD.

Gert

[cookie1]

My mob very rarely say they have enjoyed the meal. This does bug me sometimes but they do tell me when they don't like it. Occasionally they will say 'that is nice.'
The other night my brother's partner was gobsmacked that I had made a 'woven' loaf to have with the entree and then naan with the curry. Everyone raved about the Beef and Ale pie. I think the reason being that it has Umami paste in it and of course they didn't know that.
They all thanked me when they left. It was then time to wash up as we don't have a dishwasher. (other than DH). The guests did offer.

[Tan]

OMG  - don't get me started on this topic - my DH is not a FOOD person - says it doesnot matter what he has - but he is quite difficult to cook for with a few allergies, intolerances and Crohn's.
Although he has become a bit more adventurous since we have had the TM and are growing a lot of our produce.
Asking him what he would like for dinner is always met with the same respone - " surprise me "   There have been the odd occasion where i have said - " SURPRISE - get your own dinner tonight" !!!!
I love food, and love to cook, and agree that a - thankyou or that was great after all the love and effort that goes into cooking meals makes all the difference.
Im sure over the years that my step daughter has also just become to expect great meals, and forgets to say thanks.
I know that  they appreciate it on some level - but i think they just beleive its part of our role  to provide great food day in and day out.

 i did have lots of house guests over easter and they were very thankful for all the yummy food that tm provided

Tan
 

[mab19]

We had family for lunch this week and when I was clearing the table 3year old GD came up to me and said thank you for the nice lunch nana, now can I have some chocolate please.  Bless her little heart, how could I refuse.

[RosieB]

My DH always thanks me after each meal and comments on what I have made.  It is great and very much appreciated and our DGS now does the same even tho he ofter has a different meal (Asperger's fussy)
If DH didn't like what I made he gives constructive criticism, with why and what he would prefer.
He is not great in the kitchen but handy around the house and good in the garden etc.
If left up to him to decide what we would eat it would be cereal 3 meals a day , 7 days a week.
.
My ex was the typical male who expected the meal to be made and presented on time every day regardless..
He often had male friends visit who treated me the same  Grrrrr.
One asked me to get him a beer and I refused.  i was busy with small babies.
My ex glared at me and and stated.  Visitors in this house get what they ask for.!!
Ohh boy that did it.   I walked out and said "Great.  The fridge is in the kitchen.  he can get whatever he wants.  He doesn't need to ask"

I left the relationship soon after that.  

[CreamPuff63]

at least you knew what to look for and got it right the second time Rosie 

[gertbysea]

RosieB  over  6000 members and  over 6000 stories, some  are good, some are bad , some are sad and some are glad. What a great community eh?  A safe place to visit.

Gert

[RosieB]

RosieB  over  6000 members and  over 6000 stories, some  are good, some are bad , some are sad and some are glad. What a great community eh?  A safe place to visit.

Gert

Soo true.  My story is meant to be a glad one.   

CP63.  He is wonderful and definately a keeper.   

[Merlin]

Is it just me or is grunting the standard language of teenagers? Whenever I make something for my 19yo step daughter and her friends, the food gets wolfed down in 10seconds flat and the only words muttered afterwards are 'err, it was alright, s'pose'. Teenagers are definitely another species!