'I can't even cook cheese on toast'

[NaughtyLittlePassport]

Prepared to be told IABU.
Having coffee with a relatively new friend, I said something about making Christmas dinner, she then said that she 'couldn't even make cheese on toast'. I was visibly gobsmacked and as it turns out she really can't cook anything!
She was really offended that I was so surprised, and told me she'd always been too busy to learn. I've offered to help her with some basics but she's ignored my message and cancelled our DS's playing together
To not drip feed I was really shocked, going 'what not even. ....' and questioning what her kids eat probably a bit too much.
But really, wouldn't you be shocked if a 40 year old couldn't cook anything at all?

At least it's hot.

So is food from McDonald's. That doesn't make it healthy.

McDonald's is hot but you've already said that's not an adequate meal

What is it with me and cross posting at the moment! That's the 5th time in an hour!!

Oh ok so as long as it's hot it's a decent meal? I'll have to tell my kids that turkey twizzlers and chips are better for them than a sandwich and salad because it's hot.

Ginger

On that note, I'm getting myself a coffee and an after eight. I don't care if it's healthy, by the way. Just so's ya know.

I go back to, this is not a gender issue, all people should be able to make basic meals!! Also being unable to do so is really nothing to be proud of.

I do try to give them at least one hot meal a day. Usually their tea. If that happens to be a McDonald's once in a while, I'm not going to go and cry in the corner.

Because I know they have had a decent lunch. Usually consists of

Ham/cheese sandwhich OR cheese toastie
Half a pear each
Half a banana each
Handful of grapes each
And half a packet of crisps each. One bag between them.

So whatever they have for their tea is an added bonus

A jacket potato with cheese is nothing like McDonald's. Neither is beans on toast.

No. But they are hot, as you said. Like McDonald's.

You're being deliberately awkward Navy, what I said was that a sandwich and salad had more nutritional value than your suggestions. My kids have cooked meals every night in winter, less so in summer.

I go back to, this is not a gender issue, all people should be able to make basic meals!! Also being unable to do so is really nothing to be proud of.

Once again, for our studio audience:

If she cannot provide a simple meal for her children - problem. If she cannot cook a simple meal, but is able to provide one - no problem whatsoever.

Please note that "make" and "provide" are not the same thing. Likewise "cook" and "provide" are not the same.

My point is that if you're going to behave like you're an authority on a subject and far superior to other parents, at least make sure your suggestions back up your assertions.

What would be wrong with a sandwich and a salad in winter? I would prefer that meal to a jacket potato or beans on toast (I'm not British and I find the latter virtually inedible). And it would be a much more balanced meal (assuming the sandwich is not chocolate spread ) with fresh vegetables as well as protein and carbohydrates, etc.

But why ginger would anyone avoid a normal life skill? It's just silly

Coffee and after eight is 50% ok as the coffee is hot?

I find catering for kids is a toss up between what they will eat, what you're prepared to feed them, where you are and how much time you have. With the first being the dealbreaker.

If they're having a cooked lunch, then a sandwich and soup in the evening isn't so bad.

Yeah. I believe this was already pointed out to the "People must be able to cook Police" PAGES ago.

My kids love soup and a sandwich for tea, homemade lentil soup and bread and butter. Or chicken/turkey sandwich with salad. They won't touch baked beans, the sauce puts them off.

And chucking some frozen peas/mixed veg in a pot couldn't have been included?