I think this stems from growing up in a household where salt and pepper were considered all one needed for flavor. (Not my mom's doing, but my dad's, who was raised on very plain fare. Not that Mom didn't try, but her efforts for more flavor were not received well.) I didn't know that finer foods existed until I met my future husband, who grew up on a farm, but often went on regular vacations where fine dining was enjoyed. On our first date he introduced me to fine dining. That was all it took - I was spoiled and the obsession began.
My experimenting grew exponentially with the birth of my three sons. Pleasing four people with very differing tastes is never easy, but often interesting. I never know how they are going to react to a new dish. More often than not, one or two likes it while the others do not.
I'm never offended when someone doesn't like my food so they know it's OK to tell me that they aren't fans. They only thing I ask is the they give it a fair shot. Two bites is what is required at our table. Even we adults abide by the rule and there are many times when the second bite changes someone's mind.
There are a few things you will never hear/see me cook with:
- Peanuts, mushrooms and bleu cheeses. I'm allergic. We do keep peanut butter in the house, but everyone knows that if they are going to have anything containing peanut products, they have to kiss the cook before they even touch the jar or wrapper. (It's a great way to get affection from my guys!)
- Beets, cottage cheese and asparagus. My DH hates those three so I'll not torture him by using them. I want him to like my food, not dread it!
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