Let's Talk BBQ

General => General Discussion & Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: drholly on April 02, 2016, 01:56:44 AM

Title: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 02, 2016, 01:56:44 AM
I haven't had time to do any cool cooks - 2nd job etc. so just doing cooks for regular meals. But have been thinking about what I will do when I actually get home before 10pm. Also made me think about what my family likes and doesn't.

When I met my future wife she only liked pizza (with about 700 toppings), steak (well done), potatoes (twice baked with everything in the kitchen on them), mushy veg (if she HAD to eat veg), salad drowned in Ranch dressing, fettucini alfredo, and copious amounts of beer. I am not complaining - I knew what I was getting into. However, it was my goal (when we were just getting to know each other) to expand those horizons. I decided to start with mushrooms. YIKES, that took more time than you can imagine...

So, fast forward to today. She loves sauteed mushrooms in red wine sauce. Steaks are rare to medium rare.  Grilled asparagus. Grilled / sauteed onions. Garlic. Homemade pasta. Shrimp - any which way. Crab - any which way. Lobster - NO! Chicken wings - not TOO spicy (see Taco Bell comment.) Brats - grilled and drowned in beer (no peppers though... :( ) Thai Pad, Lo Mein, Sweet & Sour Pork, Hot & Sour Soup, Egg Fu Yung.

So, some really good progress...

But....

She will NOT eat fresh or frozen beans - only mushy canned beans. She will not eat fresh or frozen peas (SHUSH muebe & Pappy!)

Taco Bell (with no sauce) is SPICY!

Fresh fish other than walleye - no!

Interesting things like capers - no!

Lettuce other than iceberg - no!

Radishes, etc. no!

BUT - she likes smelt fries (I grew up in North Dakota - smelt was bait for big northerns and muskies - not people food!)
Lutefisk - seriously? If you like lutefisk how can you NOT like anything else? Even Andrew Zimmern is not a fan of lutefisk!

Do not get me wrong - I love her dearly... but I continue to try to re-shape (ok, adapt to) her tastes...  ;D ;D ;D

The good news - our youngest daughter (now 16) was with us in Thailand 6 years ago. She kept up with me - we had goat head soup, silk worms live and preserved, fresh water shrimp (alive) on lettuce with lime juice, and barbecued rat. This is MY kid!

Bad news - oldest daughter - still likes her steak well done (might be the milk man????) The good part of that, I can buy the cheap steak for her!

Just a fun observation of tastes... it's all good!

Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: sparky on April 02, 2016, 02:02:13 AM
Your wife only eats walleye fish?. There is so much good tasting fish out there.
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 02, 2016, 02:09:06 AM
Sparky = yeah I KNOW! My kids and I have trout (store and fresh caught) steelhead - the same, salmon, cod, swordfish, on and on - I love fresh or even fresh frozen fish. Oh boy, give me some Mahi Mahi! I could happily live on fish! So do my kids. Oh well... Heck I love crappies, bluegills sunfish, northerns, etc - fish is good! My kids usually go along.
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 02, 2016, 02:14:34 AM
My wife has her own very particular tastes... Please do NOT interpret my comments as criticism. We ALL have our own tastes. I only bring this up because she LIKES lutefisk, but doesn't like things that actually taste good (ok MY bias... :) )
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Ka Honu on April 02, 2016, 03:23:19 AM
Oh well, what can you expect from a member of the gender that mostly thinks tofu and sprouts are gourmet fare?

... and then there's Kimmie (Sorry, Tommy, but it begged to be said).
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: muralboy on April 02, 2016, 04:10:22 AM
Well look at the progress that was made. Pretty good huh. I know some people, who even with encouragement, refuse to venture outside of an extremely narrow menu.  I mean like 5 items.

Kudos to your wife, and to your guidance.

And DANG!  Rat meat. Your daughter rocks!
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: ACW3 on April 02, 2016, 08:20:13 AM
Doc, you had your work cut out for you.  Very nicely done.  I have had a similar experience with my wife.  She now seats most of the things I like.  She still doesn't like most veggies or fish that might have little bones in it.  Growing up a Catholic, she thought the best fish in the world was fish sticks!  I had a Caesar salad in Anchorage with halibut bites in it.  My mistake was talking her into "trying just one". I spent the rest of dinner trying to keep her from stealing my halibut bites.  Oh, the price we pay to be good husbands.

Art
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: hikerman on April 02, 2016, 09:02:13 AM
David I heard something rather interesting on this subject several years ago. It was while I was watching Lidia, the Italian chef on PBS. She reflected on tastes, smells, and food that children like. I always thought kids liked something or didn't because of individuality. She went on further to state that in homes where families cook (rather than zap in the microwave or get take-out), children are exposed to an array of smells as they grow up, even while not eating the food yet. This starts in infants.These smells become part of their DNA, so as they get old enough to try a new food to them, it is already familiar. I grew up like this, my Italian side were all huge cooks, and I seemed to not have distastes for any food my family prepared. In fact when I was a young boy my father worked swing shift, and when he was on days he would make his breakfast at 4:30 am. It ALWAYS was bacon, eggs, and fresh brewed coffee. In my sleep I could smell those smells permeating throughout the house. And to this day those smells of bacon, eggs and coffee are extremely comforting.....because they ALWAYS were.
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Jaxon on April 02, 2016, 09:28:08 AM
Well, well, well, David....
I was wondering if we would ever hear from you again.
I can't remember the last time you posted - did I just skip them somehow?

This is a great post.

Deb is willing to try anything I cook and usually likes it - I stay away from heads and organs along with anything that crawls or slithers.
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Smokin Don on April 02, 2016, 09:55:50 AM
I would say you done pretty good David! Nancy and I are going on 50 years now and I never have got her trained! For one thing I don't think she realizes yet that I am the Boss! :) and I have never got her trained to like beans! About the only time she will eat beans is in chili or some of the soups I have made. If it wasn't for that I would have beans some way every week. Don
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Pam Gould on April 02, 2016, 10:02:11 AM
It's funny how we are..at our house it's toast with jelly for my 3 year old Maci..anyone has toast, she is on it..she will even get out of bed for toast..go figure.   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.
Title: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Pappymn on April 02, 2016, 11:33:16 AM
You are doing great sir. We almost didn't get married due to her need for ketchup on the hash Browns I just made her. I mean wrong is wrong......right?
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: TMB on April 02, 2016, 01:31:42 PM
Oh well, what can you expect from a member of the gender that mostly thinks tofu and sprouts are gourmet fare?

... and then there's Kimmie (Sorry, Tommy, but it begged to be said).

:D :D :D  She does like smoked tofu  ???, burnt steaks  ??? and beer    well one of the three I can see  ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Tailgating is my game on April 02, 2016, 01:52:32 PM
Oh well, what can you expect from a member of the gender that mostly thinks tofu and sprouts are gourmet fare?

... and then there's Kimmie (Sorry, Tommy, but it begged to be said).

:D :D :D  She does like smoked tofu  ???, burnt steaks  ??? and beer    well one of the three I can see  ;) ;) ;)

Its funny I like Prime Rib very rare or very well done.; So I can eat at your house anytime LOL
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Tailgating is my game on April 02, 2016, 01:54:00 PM
Well, well, well, David....
I was wondering if we would ever hear from you again.
I can't remember the last time you posted - did I just skip them somehow?

This is a great post.

Deb is willing to try anything I cook and usually likes it - I stay away from heads and organs along with anything that crawls or slithers.

I am with you on this one.   There is Yuk in my book
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Big Dawg on April 02, 2016, 02:42:44 PM
David I heard something rather interesting on this subject several years ago. It was while I was watching Lidia, the Italian chef on PBS. She reflected on tastes, smells, and food that children like. I always thought kids liked something or didn't because of individuality. She went on further to state that in homes where families cook (rather than zap in the microwave or get take-out), children are exposed to an array of smells as they grow up, even while not eating the food yet. This starts in infants.These smells become part of their DNA, so as they get old enough to try a new food to them, it is already familiar. I grew up like this, my Italian side were all huge cooks, and I seemed to not have distastes for any food my family prepared. In fact when I was a young boy my father worked swing shift, and when he was on days he would make his breakfast at 4:30 am. It ALWAYS was bacon, eggs, and fresh brewed coffee. In my sleep I could smell those smells permeating throughout the house. And to this day those smells of bacon, eggs and coffee are extremely comforting.....because they ALWAYS were.

Don't know about this.  I've got two daughters that are 13 months apart.  They were, obviously, exposed to same cooking smells and food options.  One is very adventurous with food, the other, well waaaay not so much!  Oh, and neither drinks coffee ! ! !

I am impressed, though, David.  While my GF would eat shrimp until the cows came home, about the only other thing out of the water she would eat came from Mrs. Pauls.

First cam a big surprise, she unexpectedly chowed down on my mom's zuppa de pesce.  I saw a glimmer of hope . . .

Now I've even got her eating Yellowfin steaks, cod, halibut, and some others.  (No to salmon, so far.)

She even ate some tilapia, well that was until that episode of Dirty Jobs . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzK-8qFKm1Q




BD
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Pam Gould on April 02, 2016, 02:47:55 PM
David I heard something rather interesting on this subject several years ago. It was while I was watching Lidia, the Italian chef on PBS. She reflected on tastes, smells, and food that children like. I always thought kids liked something or didn't because of individuality. She went on further to state that in homes where families cook (rather than zap in the microwave or get take-out), children are exposed to an array of smells as they grow up, even while not eating the food yet. This starts in infants.These smells become part of their DNA, so as they get old enough to try a new food to them, it is already familiar. I grew up like this, my Italian side were all huge cooks, and I seemed to not have distastes for any food my family prepared. In fact when I was a young boy my father worked swing shift, and when he was on days he would make his breakfast at 4:30 am. It ALWAYS was bacon, eggs, and fresh brewed coffee. In my sleep I could smell those smells permeating throughout the house. And to this day those smells of bacon, eggs and coffee are extremely comforting.....because they ALWAYS were.

Don't know about this.  I've got two daughters that are 13 months apart.  They were, obviously, exposed to same cooking smells and food options.  One is very adventurous with food, the other, well waaaay not so much!  Oh, and neither drinks coffee ! ! !

I am impressed, though, David.  While my GF would eat shrimp until the cows came home, about the only other thing out of the water she would eat came from Mrs. Pauls.

First cam a big surprise, she unexpectedly chowed down on my mom's zuppa de pesce.  I saw a glimmer of hope . . .

Now I've even got her eating Yellowfin steaks, cod, halibut, and some others.  (No to salmon, so far.)

She even ate some tilapia, well that was until that episode of Dirty Jobs . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzK-8qFKm1Q




BD
yep...poop eating carps..I  have never touched that.   .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 05, 2016, 12:20:21 AM
...My mistake was talking her into "trying just one". I spent the rest of dinner trying to keep her from stealing my halibut bites.  Oh, the price we pay to be good husbands.

Art

Art, I get it! We were in Belize a few years ago. The abalone ceviche was fantastic, but she turned her nose up without tasting. After a few "umbrella drinks" I talked her into taking a little taste. Yup, I couldn't get another bite of mine!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 05, 2016, 12:27:59 AM
Well, well, well, David....
I was wondering if we would ever hear from you again.
I can't remember the last time you posted - did I just skip them somehow?

This is a great post.

Deb is willing to try anything I cook and usually likes it - I stay away from heads and organs along with anything that crawls or slithers.

Hey BYJ,

Yeah it's been awhile. I keep watching and learning, but haven't had much to talk about. The girls are getting older (one is 16 & in a week the other will be 18.) So, two cars, more insurance, college next year, prom dresses, etc....  ??? ??? ??? Net-net, a 2nd job became a necessity for at least awhile - helps the cash flow, but it's retail, so nights and weekends are not open for cooking right now. I have to try to smell the smoke on my screen as I read the posts. I appreciate all the wonderful posts and ideas - I am bookmarking and printing like crazy.

Meantime, my daughters are trying their hand on the grill and in the kitchen. I leave one of my cameras in the kitchen and ask them to snap some shots. When they do, I will post the results.
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 05, 2016, 12:33:18 AM
You are doing great sir. We almost didn't get married due to her need for ketchup on the hash Browns I just made her. I mean wrong is wrong......right?

 :o... Pappy, as long as you are so honest, I will tell you that there is one major issue that remains a point of contention. I have hesitated to bring it up as I hope you all will meet Karen one day and I wouldn't want you to feel you have to wear garlic necklaces. But, the sad truth is...  :'( :'( :'( ... no matter what the steak is, how well it is marbled, how well it is prepared (even at Murray's) before tasting, she will dunk it in ketchup...  ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 05, 2016, 12:35:55 AM

I am impressed, though, David.  While my GF would eat shrimp until the cows came home, about the only other thing out of the water she would eat came from Mrs. Pauls.

First cam a big surprise, she unexpectedly chowed down on my mom's zuppa de pesce.  I saw a glimmer of hope . . .

Now I've even got her eating Yellowfin steaks, cod, halibut, and some others.  (No to salmon, so far.)

She even ate some tilapia, well that was until that episode of Dirty Jobs . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzK-8qFKm1Q




BD

Good for you, Dawg! I have to admit, while I can and will eat most anything that swims, creeps, or slithers in the water, and love sushi and sashimi, I have never liked tilapia or carp.
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Tailgating is my game on April 05, 2016, 01:09:33 AM
You are doing great sir. We almost didn't get married due to her need for ketchup on the hash Browns I just made her. I mean wrong is wrong......right?

 :o... Pappy, as long as you are so honest, I will tell you that there is one major issue that remains a point of contention. I have hesitated to bring it up as I hope you all will meet Karen one day and I wouldn't want you to feel you have to wear garlic necklaces. But, the sad truth is...  :'( :'( :'( ... no matter what the steak is, how well it is marbled, how well it is prepared (even at Murray's) before tasting, she will dunk it in ketchup...  ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

Coke, duck sauce & Ketchup three of the great things we have on this planet LOL

I can eat steak both ways but there is nothing wrong with Ketchup ;) ;) ;) I was once chased out of a restaurant in China Town for ordering Duck Sauce.... ???

I once asked the chairman of the board can you put ketchup on a steak & he answered   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl4Uh5nOFAg
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: drholly on April 05, 2016, 01:21:59 AM
You are doing great sir. We almost didn't get married due to her need for ketchup on the hash Browns I just made her. I mean wrong is wrong......right?

 :o... Pappy, as long as you are so honest, I will tell you that there is one major issue that remains a point of contention. I have hesitated to bring it up as I hope you all will meet Karen one day and I wouldn't want you to feel you have to wear garlic necklaces. But, the sad truth is...  :'( :'( :'( ... no matter what the steak is, how well it is marbled, how well it is prepared (even at Murray's) before tasting, she will dunk it in ketchup...  ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

Coke, duck sauce & Ketchup three of the great things we have on this planet LOL

I can eat steak both ways but there is nothing wrong with Ketchup ;) ;) ;) I was once chased out of a restaurant in China Town for ordering Duck Sauce.... ???

Well, I can't disagree on the Duck Sauce - I like it too. And I don't have a bias against ketchup - I (heresy) like it on my hot dogs... My brother wrote me out of his will when he saw that. I don't object to adding some condiment to a steak that for whatever reason needs some help - my problem is dunking before tasting (or when I splurge for a REALLY good piece of beast.) I admit that when we are at a family reunion or other event that seems to attract dry, tough, flavorless steaks, I do enjoy some Heinz 57 (I like to dunk my bread or toast as well - and it is great on baked potatoes...  ;) ;D) OK, Karen is NOT the only oddball in this family.

But, I draw the line at Coke - for me it is Ginger Ale or a good Root Beer.  ;)

One of my favorite songs of all time (and favorite crooner...) Well played, sir!
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Hub on April 05, 2016, 08:12:16 AM
That's really great progress!  I share your frustrations.  I'm an adventurous eater and will try anything and truly haven't found much food I don't like.  Love to try new recipes, approaches, and things.  Then, there's my wife.  She has a fixed repertoire of things that are acceptable (some of which I've introduced her to) but trying something new requires an act of congress and cooking two things (both new and old dish) because "she may not like it" and therefore it would be a life-threatening tragedy.  Oldest daughter is even more picky.  Younger daughter will go for some spicy things and hot stuff as will the jalapeno-loving granddaughter but grandson won't touch anything he hasn't eaten before.  The one thing everybody will eat?  Barbequed ribs, fortunately  ;D

Perhaps what we're talking about in this thread is the reason buffet restaurants and cafeterias (there are a few left) are so popular with families.  When we go to one its always me who tries everything and usually discovers something new and different and everybody else who grabs a heaping plate of stuff that's on their "approved" list.  Ordering pizzas for delivery or pickup becomes an exercise in exact selection and placement of toppings, compromise on crust varieties, and always at least one gives up in frustration and just eats whatever everyone else will tolerate (me)  ::).  Life is never boring around our table.

Hub
Title: Re: Some funny (to me) observations
Post by: Tailgating is my game on April 05, 2016, 10:36:54 AM
That's really great progress!  I share your frustrations.  I'm an adventurous eater and will try anything and truly haven't found much food I don't like.  Love to try new recipes, approaches, and things.  Then, there's my wife.  She has a fixed repertoire of things that are acceptable (some of which I've introduced her to) but trying something new requires an act of congress and cooking two things (both new and old dish) because "she may not like it" and therefore it would be a life-threatening tragedy.  Oldest daughter is even more picky.  Younger daughter will go for some spicy things and hot stuff as will the jalapeno-loving granddaughter but grandson won't touch anything he hasn't eaten before.  The one thing everybody will eat?  Barbequed ribs, fortunately  ;D

Perhaps what we're talking about in this thread is the reason buffet restaurants and cafeterias (there are a few left) are so popular with families.  When we go to one its always me who tries everything and usually discovers something new and different and everybody else who grabs a heaping plate of stuff that's on their "approved" list.  Ordering pizzas for delivery or pickup becomes an exercise in exact selection and placement of toppings, compromise on crust varieties, and always at least one gives up in frustration and just eats whatever everyone else will tolerate (me)  ::).  Life is never boring around our table.

Hub


Hub in this wonderful post of yours you may have come up with the answer mankind has been looking for.......looking for its entire history.  We need four meals a day not three.  Who wrote that we need three meals a day. The English got it half right with tea at four with biscuits but I say the He_l with tea lets have  the fourth meal between lunch & dinner we will move dinner to 9:30 & have lunch at 11:AM  That leaves plenty of time for After-lunch.  We will need a shorter work day & need to exercise more but I think it will work. This is the meal that someone else orders/makes for us.    So Tommy has a very well done steak & I eat steak without Ketchup Etc.