thanksgiving...my mother in law is cooking...?

Question

a thanksgiving dinner only problem is...I dont like the way she cooks! her meat most of the time is dry and her food really doesnt have much flavor! if i could cook a turkey dinner i would! so my question is should i look up my own recipes and do it myself or just suck it up and eat what she makes...

Answer 1

Take a couple of dishes because you are so thoughtful. And complement her on everything because you are such a gracious guest. Get up and clear the table and wash the dishes because you know what trouble she has gone to. Kiss her cheek and tell her thank-you for everything and tell her that, next year, you would like to relieve her of the duty...if she doesn't mind...but make her promise to tell you how she made EVERYTHING - so you can do as good a job. One day you will mean it, once you get to know and understand why she is the way she is, you will be glad you were not antagonistic. And your husband might not seem to notice as he is sleeping to the game while you are earning your angel wings - but in the end, it will be worth it. Oh, and tell her you are thankful that she was such a good mother to your husband.

Answer 2

Suck it up and eat the dry turkey. It's an investment in your relationship with your mother-in-law and more importantly, your husband. After you've developed a solid relationship with your mom-in-law (yes it might take a while, especially if you live far away), then you are in a position to influence--and be influenced--on turkey and other good stuff.
Others may suggest buying a ham or turkey or similar ideas but that's not what's important. This is your husband's mom. That "till death do us part" part things she'll be your mother-in-law for a while. Just remember--invest in the relationships. Not eating the turkey, or criticizing it would be taking a withdrawal from the relationship. Being polite invests in the relationship.
If nothing else, it sounds like a good excuse to bone up on makin' a yummy turkey--which isn't as easy as it looks, might I add--and inviting her over. Never fear, though, here's a good reference to get started from Alton Brown on the food network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_8389,00.html

Answer 3

I feel for you. I got the same problem. Although this year she decided to invite my family and have everyone bring the main dishes, appetizers, and dessert. My father is law is making the turkey. The only thing I know she is making is the salad. Now I call that unfair. I've already griped about it to my husband, but he continues to take her side and says "I don't know why she is doing that this year". She does make dry turkey and nobody likes her cooking, but why invite when the host wont be doing most of the cooking. My family is very upset and offended about this setting, because we have never experinced a Thanksgiving like this. Anyways, I learned alot from all of you, so thanks.

Answer 4

How about gordon ramsay's steak diane? It's quick and delicious. There are a bunch of sites with the recipe. I have one here. Nice when served with peas and sautéed potatoes. 4 x small sirloin steaks, approx 7 oz. 3 shallots, peeled 4 ounces crimini mushrooms, cleaned (if crimini unavailable use button mushrooms instead) 1 tablespoon salted butter 1 garlic clove, peeled 1 -2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/3 cup brandy or cognac 1 cup heavy cream Small handful of flat-leaf parsley Using a rolling pin, roll out the steaks to flatten and cut off any excess fat. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet pan large enough to accommodate the 4 steaks in one layer. Quickly sauté the steaks for up to a minute on each side then remove from the pan and set aside to rest. To make the sauce for the steaks, heat some olive oil in a separate pan. Slice the shallots and add to the pan, allow to soften briefly before slicing and adding the mushrooms with a tablespoon of butter. Crush in the garlic using a garlic press. Add the Worcestershire sauce, then the mustard and heat through for a minute. Turn up the heat and tilt the pan away from you. Pour the brandy into the far end and allow it to ignite - be careful that the flame that flares up doesn't singe your eyebrows! Once the alcohol has burnt off, swirl the juices around the pan. Add the cream and allow the sauce to thicken before turning down the heat. ntroduce the steaks back into the pan and cook a little further depending on how well done you would like them. Chop the parsley and add half to the pan. T o serve, divide some sautéed potatoes between plates with a spoonful of peas. Arrange the steaks alongside, spoon the sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining parsley.

Answer 5

It's one day...it's really about the company, conversation, sharing with loved ones ~ ~ ~ let the food thing go. Take this as an opportunity to tweak up your polite social skills and just, as you said, "suck it up". How would you feel if it was reversed and you didn't cook well and another didn't eat your food or bring their own food and ate only that? Just eat allot before you get there.

Answer 6

Fortunately my mother in law was a wonderful cook!But I have had a few friends who were awful! I accually gagged at one's house while eating & was so embarrassed!
I would very kindly tell her that you wish she would try this really great "recipe"you found in your grandma's recipe box & see if she would go for that.
If it is really that bad,I would have a talk with my husband & have the bird at home & invite her there!Tell her she needs to rest this year or something!

Answer 7

For the sake of your marriage, suck it up. You can always volunteer to bring something that you like to eat, and just load up on that when you fill your plate. The less you have to choke down, the better.

Drinking might help curb your appetite... not to mention making a day with the mother-in-law easier...

Answer 8

you say your mother-in-law is cooking. Wouldn't it be weird for you to show up with a turkey and stuff? Bring one dish to contribute to the feast, and "pretend" to enjoy the meal. It's best to keep the peace. You are her guest.

Answer 9

make a special dish and surprise her.go over and help her have a chit chat and when shes not looking spice things up a tad.making a turkey is very easy in a oven bag and is very moist. or you could load up on the gravy. hapy holidays

Answer 10

Welcome to my club My mother in law can most likely beat your mother in law when it comes to lousy cooks. She can even ruin a can of Campbells Tomatoe Soop. Do what I have done for years, eat before you get there and then pick at her food.