Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

So my brother's girlfriend is a very good cooking. She loves cooking and baking and she's a perfectionist. We go there many times for dinners. I am not much of a cook. I can make some easy, signature dishes. When we've had my brother and his GF over we've grilled or just ordered in or I've cooked with her.
She usually takes over and likes her cooking best.
What do you do with people like that when you invite them? I want to make something for them bc she's always cooking for us, but I just know she won't love it. I've heard her say she likes her sauce best when she goes to other people's.

Just wondering how you handle that?

Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

Well first off I think that's rude. I'm a picky eater and most of the times I don't like peoples cooking but I would never let that be known.

Maybe ask her if she has anything specific she would like you to make. If she tries to take over say I'm hosting you. Sit back and relax. Offer her wine. Hopefully she will get the hint.

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

I totally get what you are saying. My BF is a trained chef and I HATE cooking for him. But you know what? I just try to do the best job I can and that's all that matters.

TBH- Guests should be gracious about the meal served whether they like it or not and your brothers girlfriend is no exception.

I'm sure whatever you come up with will be great.

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

I wouldn't break my head over it. I understand being passionate about cooking, but that does seem pretty rude IMO. She's not being a very gracious guest.

Just do something simple that you feel confident making.

Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

Id learn from her. If she so bent on cooking them I'd riddle her with questions and learn then say "I want to try this on my own" and force her to stop and watch.

We LOOOVE to cook and we feel helpless when we can't help out or cook something ourselves. But we'd never just push in. We literally traveled with all our tools and foods to a home and prepared thanksgiving dinner! They bought nothing, we even brought the turkey! Unfortunately we set a bar that said they expected it, but that's another story...

Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

I would just order in. Make it easy on yourself :)

Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

I would order in. And honestly, I think she's a food snob. My brother is a trained chef and he would never in a million years make someone feel uncomfortable about their cooking if he were an invited guest. That's just rude.

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

Make what you feel comfortable with and don't worry about the food snob.

Quite rude of her to comment about liking her own cooking best.
Then she should stay home and eat alone.

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

taco bar! have a ton of fixins, and grilled chicken, ground beef and/or steak. Definite crowd pleaser. Make a pitcher of sangria or margaritas.

Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

I'd make something easy that you can't really screw up. I'd prob make a nice al dente linguine, with white clam sauce and a few dozen fresh clams thrown in. A nice salad with an easy homemade vinaigrette and good Italian bread and wine.
It presents really nice, and is really easy and filling.

Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

I would make what you love and what you are proud of. At dinner I would also say something like Sally I know i'm not a passionate cook like you. Would you ever like to come over and teach me some easy meals that are your favorites or my brothers?
You are acknowledging she is a good cook and you aren't where she is in a humble way and it may make her less catty and more helpful. Did she say she likes her stuff best to the cooks? If so that is rude, but if she said it to you in private, to me, that sounds like she likes and trusts you. Rude it still is, but try to see the silver lining and take advantage of learning if you are interested!

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

Thanks all for the responses. She is very nice and always saying she wants to help me so I don't think she means harm. Just more self conscious when it comes to my cooking for some people. I will either order in or make something I know well.

Also want to add I will take advise from a PP and take advantage of her good cooking when we're together. Ask questions, etc.

Message edited 12/9/2013 11:45:48 AM.

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

I would make everything ahead of time so you just need to reheat. That is what I usually do.

You could make a lasagna. I usually make it a day in advance. It tastes so much better the next day. I also separate the meat from the sauce and layer the meat that way. It never comes out very wet. If you want help I will come over one day and you can do it all while I watch

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)

Posted by JerseyMamaOf3

I would make everything ahead of time so you just need to reheat. That is what I usually do.

You could make a lasagna. I usually make it a day in advance. It tastes so much better the next day. I also separate the meat from the sauce and layer the meat that way. It never comes out very wet. If you want help I will come over one day and you can do it all while I watch

Re: Noncooks cooking for very good cook (please don't move)