My inlaws are coming down to NC for 4 days next month. They are staying at a hotel, will be taking us to dinner on two of the nights, and I invited them here for dinner on the other two.
They are great - really nice people, but his mom is THE cook of the family - Italian matriarch type who has spent her life in the kitchen!
I am a decent cook, in the process of learning alot, but I cook mostly ethnic and tofu based recipes for us - we are vegegetarians 90% of the time and only eat fish and chicken when we do eat animal.
They are real meat and potatoes and pasta types. Theres no way I am making anything Italian, so that leaves me with chicken and carbs.
I'm thinking of making chicken cutlets in a white wine sauce with mushrooms (sorta chicken marsala) with wild rice, salad and a veggie. lame?? good in law meal?
I'm wondering if I should buy Rachel Rays new cookbook, as mentioned in another recent post - are there lots of chicken recipes in it?
I'm just stressing. Tell me your cooking-for-the-inlaws story!
burningwithlove
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Re: Have you cooked a meal for your in laws?
I did cook for my in-laws and they loved it! I was a little worried since my FIL doesnt like to eat anything unusual and sticks to the basics. I cooked lemon chicken with artichokes and capers with rice pilaf and string beans with a little garlic and butter on the side and it went over well! They both really liked it! I would be happy to share the recipe if you want....also rachel ray is awesome and I LOVE her cookbooks, but she does tend to cook a little spicy. Sometimes she has a little too much hot sauce or hot pepper. I usually scale it down when I cook her recipes.
Happybride2005
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Re: Have you cooked a meal for your in laws?
they just love my cornish hens. i made it for them 2x's. for the holidays, i told dh that i'm making something different. i made a brisket that they loved
AnniesSS
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Re: Have you cooked a meal for your in laws?
Haven't cooked for them yet since they're on LI and I'm also in NC lol They came down for a few days, but stayed with my bil....
My FIL is a chef, my MIL is a wanna-be chef, my BIL and SIL are chef's.... my DH is aspiring to be one at home But, they all know I'm not big into cooking, but I do an ok job with DH helping out. lol
2BeAMrs.
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Re: Have you cooked a meal for your in laws?
What about linguini with clam sauce. It's italian and has seafood instead of meat. You can go to the fish market and get fresh clams in the shell and all for decoration.
nferrandi
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Re: Have you cooked a meal for your in laws?
I think your menu sounds good. I know how you feel though about being somewhat intimidated about cooking for your MIL, I feel the same way. When I do cook for them (which is seldom because we always go over their house to eat) I just try to stay away from things I know she makes. One time I just made mussels fra'diavalo and a salad and ordered pizza. It was easy and everyone enjoyed it. Plus it helped that I knew I couldn't screw it up. Another time I had a brunch and made all brunch/breakfast foods, it went over great. I don't suggest trying any new recipes on them, just in case it doesn't work out as planned.
hmpena
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I haven't cooked for them since being married. But we did barbecue for them last year and they liked it! DH's father cannot eat red meat so MIL and FIL loved the turkey burgers I made for them.
o17range
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Bunny--I think the meal you posted sounds great! Can you set the table for 1 more? DH is out of town....
Anyway, to answer your subject...no I have never 'cooked' for my inlaws. They are very similar to yours--very Italian/heavy food kind of people--opposite of my 'bland is better' philosophy. Although DH and I aren't vegetarians, to put it succinctly, I'm a terrible cook, even more so under pressure, so I resorted to the 'reheat.' Purchase already made meals at the grocery and simply threw them in the oven.
Bunnymonkey
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Re: Have you cooked a meal for your in laws?
you guys rock - I'm feeling much better.
I'm thinking I'll try out a few recipes in the next few weeks - test them out on hubby and see how they come out....
and maybe buy a new cookbook for inspiration.
Mrs. Powell
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I have cooked for my in-laws a few times and they love my cooking. I do love to cook so it is never a big deal for me.
Blu-ize
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Your dish sounds wonderful. You should go with a dish you know you make well and tastes good to you. They will love it. After all, they love you.
When I stress about stuff like this, I resort to grilling. I make lamp chops on the indoor grill and risotto. Very easy and always a hit. You could even try a roast in the oven (simple). Keep it simple and you will do well.
Let me know if you need any recipe help. I'm a cookaholic and I don't follow recipes for the most part. I've experimented over the years on DH and have learned a lot.
lanabean
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Re: Have you cooked a meal for your in laws?
Yes! I made breaded pork chops in a mushroom sauce, white rice, and grilled asparagus. Damn, it was good!
