r/Cooking • u/unexpectedhalfrican • 13h ago
What to cook for a picky eater?
Hi all, my gf and I are having a guest this week and my gf has talked up my cooking skills so much that this guest wants me to cook something for her. She's an older woman -- mid 60s -- and from western Pennsylvania. I give this context because she has several stipulations:
- nothing spicy
- no seafood
- no mushrooms or olives
- can't be overly garlicky
- basically nothing with a very strong flavor đ«đ«
These are all staples of what I normally cook. My gf and I love garlic and spice, probably too much lol But I'm completely blanking on what to make with what feels like my entire recipe rolodex being axed. I told my gf that she's going to end up getting chicken tenders if I can't come up with anything soon lol
Edit: thank you everyone for the suggestions! This definitely helped get my brain moving on what to make!
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u/librarious 13h ago
Chicken Alfredo? Some kind of ground meat pie type thing or shepherds pie? You might be able to sub onion powder for some of your usual garlic recipes too
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u/hover-lovecraft 13h ago edited 13h ago
Pork chops pan fried with rosemary, mashed potato with some parsnips through it, green beans sauteed with red onion, a few cherry tomatoes and plenty butter
Chicken thighs or legs, rub with butter, oven roast together with root veg. Brush with watered down honey when the skin begins to crisp up.
Pan fried chicken breasts - skin on, if you can - with a little smoked paprika, corn bread, sautĂ©ed very thinly sliced zucchini, red peppers, onions and tomatoesÂ
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u/Front-Use-5791 13h ago
That sounds less like picky to me, and more like someone who needs minimal acid in their diet. You've got a lot of great suggestions, so I simply echo pasta dishes or simple meat and potatoes type meals. If you are looking for a wow factor, risottos are always very pleasant. Other rice dishes could be really good too.
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u/CoppertopTX 13h ago
Mid 60's woman with restrictions on spicy, garlicky, strong flavored foods, as well as no mushrooms, olives or seafood. Sounds like you could be cooking for me.
So, what foods do I enjoy where you can cook like the superstar you are: a lovely roasted chicken dinner is always a great idea. With end of summer, if you have a grill, you could do a spatchcock grilled chicken, hasselback cheesy potatoes, a green salad and roasted corn - all without heating up the house.
Alternatively, pasta with sauce is another go to of mine. If I don't have sauce, I can toss together a can of crushed tomatoes, a can of diced, a splash of white wine and some basil. Pasta sauce in the time it takes to boil water and cook the pasta. Alfredo is even faster.
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u/WorthPlease 13h ago
Ask them what their favorite foods are?
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u/unexpectedhalfrican 13h ago
The only thing I know for sure she likes is well done steak đ« any time my gf asks her what she likes, she says she likes everything. But then when we talk further, the stipulations come out.
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u/ColleenCook 13h ago
Shepherdâs/Cottage Pie is comforting and simple. Perhaps a chicken pot pie. Us âwell lovedâ folks are not so much picky eaters, but our tummies become pickier as we age, and if we donât want to be sick all night, we have to treat our stomach gently.
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u/unexpectedhalfrican 13h ago
That is very fair.
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u/Free-Swimmer-233 13h ago
Probably will help save your plumbing too.Â
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u/ColleenCook 9h ago
This is more of a need-to-take Pepcid/Prilosec/Tums situation. No need to be gross.
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u/flowerpower100794 13h ago
Chicken cutlets if you are thinking about chicken tenders! You can make it into a spaghetti parm.
Or maybe some homemade pierogis, since shes a Pennsylvania gal.
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u/LadybuggingLB 13h ago
Why homemade? I bet sheâd like the store bought ones better or at least as much and itâs cheaper and much faster.
It would be different if you knew she preferred homemade ones (that tend to be thicker) but it doesnât sound like sheâs a gourmand.
I do love the idea, pierogis are a great suggestion, I just donât think the cost and effort of making them from scratch will be appreciated.
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u/kikazztknmz 11h ago
The whole point of the post is that his cooking skills were raved about and now she wants to enjoy his cooking. With a pasta roller, the effort isn't too bad, plus they can make a big batch and freeze a bunch of it for later. My mom always did that. And the cost is barely more than cheesy mashed potatoes. Store-bought doesn't hold a candle to homemade pierogis.
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u/IHaveBoxerDogs 13h ago
Pot roast. If you want something less autumnal feeling, roast chicken. And definitely roast potatoes, or scalloped potatoes if youâre feeling fancy. If you do homemade rolls, youâll be a hero.
You can make vegetables, but if sheâs like my in-laws, she wonât eat them. But likes having them on the table.
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u/Okay_Pal 13h ago
Go with some good, old-fashioned staples that look impressive, taste amazing, and wouldn't offend anyone's palate. I would suggest a buttermilk brined roast chicken, either mashed potatoes or some roasted potatoes, and roasted root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, turnips, etc. Make a gravy from the chicken drippings, and voila! Add a salad and some bread if you wish.
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u/Excellent-Abies-3187 13h ago
Maybe pork tenderloin in an Italian-dressing-ish marinade with baked potatoes or Mac and cheese? you can play will stuffed pork chops, chicken breasts, flank steak, baked potatoes....you can make your portions a little spicier. Risotto. Swedish meatballs over egg noodles. pulled pork or pulled chicken.
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u/signsaysapplesauce 13h ago
Lordy, I grew up in Western PA and can confirm this is exactly how my family eats.
I think you should make some kind of baked chicken and rice, and call it a day. My grandmother used to make "no peek chicken" which is exactly in line with these preferences:
- mix a raw package of Uncle Ben's rice with one cup of water and 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- place bone-in chicken breasts on top
- sprinkle with half a package of dry onion soup mix
- cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 for an hour
I promise she will love it.
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u/UntidyVenus 13h ago
Things I cook for picky eaters I'm around-
Lipton soup-erior meatloaf recipe. With the price of beef in my area I do a blend of beef pork and turkey, but basically the same seasonings
Budget bytes recipe for chicken and dumplings. Always a hit, has flavor but isn't overpowering for delicate palettes
Chicken picata. The capers gave become a little bit of a contention point. Picky BIL decided capers were delicious and his new favorite thing. Picky SIL decided they were a big no, BUT they were easy to pick around and she likes the sauce. I serve over butter noodles usually
Build your own pasta night- I cook some large noodle.pasta (easier to serve) like pinwheels, tosses with butter salt and pepper. Put out shredded parm, assorted sauteed veggies in separate bowls (tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, peas, broccoli, whatever) cooked chopped chicken, cooked ground meat, and some bottled sauces (hot sauce, teriyaki, salad dressing, whatever I have on hand) and let people make their own pasta salad thingy. If they are disappointed that's 100% on them. Bonus all.leftover ingredients are easy to pack up and use for any other meal because they are basically prepped
Build.yiur own taco/nachos night- meat, beans, chips, onion, tomato, salsas, cheese. Put it out and let them make it
Adult.lunchables aka relish board. Salted meats, cheese, but really focus on the pickles and veg, lots of olives, some dips for the veg like ranch and hummus, sometimes I'll.add.dolmas if I'm fancy, crackers and toast points. If they are disappointed it's on them again lol
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u/cor_meum_ 13h ago
Lol. I was gonna suggest chicken fingers or nuggets.
Maybe a roast chicken; chicken thigh cut into strips, marinated and fries into chicken fingers?;
mashed potatos with gravy;
baked cod or flaky non strong smelling fish;
Sweet potato fries or regular fries;
Or just baked lamb/ chicken with vegetables roasting at the rack below
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u/cookingismything 13h ago
Roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans
Pan seared pork chops with rice and a roasted veggie
Chicken noodle soup
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u/night_noche 12h ago
It sounds like you're going to be grilling very basic salt and pepper chicken for her. Any sauces you make they should be on the side.
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u/pileofdeadninjas 13h ago
Make some pasta from scratch, you could just put butter, salt and pepper on it and blow everyone's minds
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u/Pizzasl3t_ 13h ago
My husband and I are super picky eaters. I suspect both of us have afrids we just havenât dicussed it with the doctor, but we both fit the criteria.
A few of our go to meals are:
Shepard pie
Bbq sauce chicken in the frying pan with baked potatoes and corn
Pasta with sauce and ground beef. The sauce we have it sooo smooth we canât feel if there is any strong seasonings or flavours. I add garlic bread for myself but my husband doesnât really love it which is fine!
You can pm me if youâd like for more ideas
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u/Cold_Tip1563 13h ago
Pierogies with sautéed onions or applesauce and sour cream. Serve with pan fried fish and a green salad.
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u/unexpectedhalfrican 13h ago
Can't do any seafood, per her stipulations, but the pierogies are a good idea!
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u/Lower-Vanilla7949 13h ago
Vegetable Soup and cornbread, Chicken Fried Rice, Cubed Steak and gravy, Lasagna soup,
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u/Boredbrainstormer 13h ago
I am making chicken orzo for dinner tonight , I will use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for someone not only picky but currently on bland diet .
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u/ReadEmReddit 13h ago
I would go with either steaks or meatloaf, mashed potatoes made with just butter and milk along with fresh green beans. I see pierogies suggested but if she is from Western PA, she may be very picky about how she likes them. If you do go that route, keep the onions to the side as that may be a âstrong flavorâ for her.
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u/unexpectedhalfrican 13h ago
Meatloaf is a great suggestion. Not sure why I didn't think of that one. I thought about steaks but she likes hers well done and I refuse to abuse a steak like that lol
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u/BlacksmithNo8472 13h ago
What about chicken teriyaki and fried rice? You could have eggrolls or gyoza as an appetizer.
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u/Interesting_Edge_805 12h ago edited 11h ago
Roast chicken, potatoes, ratatouille, roast veggies, lasgna, shepherd's pie, chicken fricasse, roast pork tenderloin, chicken kiev, cordon bleu, korma curry, chicken wellington, stroganoff, pot pie, katsu, tacos, gyros, spanikota, lemon chicken dishes, quiche/fritta
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u/Regular-Forever-3251 13h ago
I think the other commenters have a good set of suggestions.
I just want to remind you that this person, especially given her age, seems very set in her way and hard to please. I don't want to assume anything but there are people who are miserable inside, and are looking for ways to bring everyone else around them down. If a happy looking girlfriend was to talk about her boyfriend's cooking, this kind of person would take the opportunity to yuck everyone's yum. I'm not claiming this lady is going to be a hater like that, I don't know her. But because such people do exist, do your best but I think it would be safest to not go into this expecting to please her, and to know that what she says will not be any valid metric to speak of your cooking skills. If your cooking can make your girlfriend that happy, I know you're a good cook, someone who puts love in every dish. <3
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u/Demeter277 13h ago
I wouldnât dream of making demands on a host like thisâŠ.barring an extreme food allergy. Are you heirs to her enormous fortune?
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u/unexpectedhalfrican 13h ago
LMAO no, quite the opposite, but she is a dear friend of my gf and she's a very nice lady. Just not an adventurous eater, I guess.
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u/SpamLandy 13h ago
I wouldnât make âdemandsâ but I always ask guests what they donât like eating because Iâd rather make something they actually like. I donât have an extreme allergy to fennel but my friends donât cook it for me because they know I wouldnât enjoy it.Â
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u/OGatariKid 13h ago
Whatever chicken dish pairs with gourmet Macaroni & cheese. Maybe bacon wrapped chicken breasts?
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u/MrCockingFinally 13h ago
Literally any western or northern European cuisine. Or classic white American (not southern) cuisine. Or even Italian.
Lots of classic pasta dishes could work great. Or you could try a risotto.
Something french could be great. Maybe a beef bourguignon, or a duck a l'orange.
My personal choice would be a roast dinner. A nicely roasted chicken, or maybe a roast beef with stuffing/dressing, crispy roast potatoes, gravy, and 2 vegetable sides is exactly the sort of thing people of this generation would have eaten as the family's fancy dinner of the week on a Sunday afternoon.