MiL a-salted a birthday cake

[CurtainWitcher]

DD's birthday get-together for a few family members in the garden.

I made a lovely (if I do say so myself) big, decorated Victoria sponge, which is DD's favourite.

DH handed a slice to MiL, who immediately asked for salt. She then shook salt ALL over it, before eating it.

It's not the first time she's salted sweet food. She says it's the only way she can "bear it".

Aibu to suggest she doesn't ask for cake, if she's going to cover it in salt?

She shakes or grinds the salt on really frantically, as though the food is revolting.

I wouldn't care or worry about her a taste.

I'd be very worried about the health effects of so much salt if she does this daily!

A bit wierd but it makes me want to try it. I do like a salty sweet mix. Such as sweet n salty popcorn, salted caramel, McDonald's fries dipped into strawberry milkshake, the contrast works really well. Not sure about the trifle though.

If someone makes something savoury I wouldn't automatically put salt on it, as I would think it rude. After tasting, ok, but not automatically and not in the quantity that MiL does with sweet things.

I’m with her.

I bought some Viennese whirls from Waitrose a couple of weeks ago. They were so sickly sweet I nearly threw them away, but then I decided to sprinkle with salt and they were transformed.

I’m the same with any buttercream - if you use unsalted butter to make it, it’s gross. Always used salted or add some salt. I had a friend who made the worst cakes ever, really dry and no salt in her icing. People always asked how mine were so nice. It’s the salt, sorry!

It’s strange, but it isn’t hurting anyone.

At least you have a never ending inspiration for gifts. salt shakers, grinders, pink salt, truffle salt, etc.

@CurtainWitcher

If someone makes something savoury I wouldn't automatically put salt on it, as I would think it rude. After tasting, ok, but not automatically and not in the quantity that MiL does with sweet things.

Key there is savoury

She is eating sweet foods

And wants some more salt

Goodness me why do you care?

I had some dark chocolate with sea salt the other day too. Delicious!

@Ticklemelmo

A bit wierd but it makes me want to try it. I do like a salty sweet mix. Such as sweet n salty popcorn, salted caramel, McDonald's fries dipped into strawberry milkshake, the contrast works really well. Not sure about the trifle though.

McDonald's fries dipped in the middle of a cream egg is the only combo that beats a good fries/strawberry milkshake combo

I'd just let her carry one and ignore her. Maybe she does like it, maybe she likes the attention. Just hand it to her and say "here the salt" then ignore.

Aibu to suggest she doesn't ask for cake, if she's going to cover it in salt?

Imo yes, if you actually phrased it like that. It sounds rude.
If she's asked for it surely there's no harm in her eating it the way she wants to, unless she's asking for something awkward to go with it. Most people have got salt easily available.
Or just ask her politely why she prefers it that way; she can't be unaware that it's an unusual preference.

Mind you, I always use salted butter in baking, despite many recipes calling for unsalted, and find it makes brandy butter much nicer too.
SiL asked for the recipe for my brandy butter and found it hard to believe the only "secret" was salted butter.

She sounds bonkers, but she isn't hurting anyone (other than possibly herself)

Op I’m with you

How bloody rude! Someone makes something and someone else basically ruins it in a freaky way.
I don’t care if that’s to her taste it’s just rude

Is she scottish?

I think what makes it rude here is the announcement that it’s the only way she can “bear” to eat something OP has lovingly baked for her husband and family.

I don’t understand it - if you don’t like cake, surely just don’t eat cake? Why announce that your DIL has made something so offensive to your taste buds that you need to do something fucking weird to force it down your gullet?

That is bizzare! I've never seen or even heard of anyone doing this.
It is rude. My DH smears mustard all over quite a few things I cook and it pisses me off. Same thing.

It's weird, but why does it matter if she wants salt on hers?

I hate this policing of how other people eat. If people want salt or ketchup or vinegar or brown sauce or chilli flakes on their food, then just let them! They're the ones eating it, not you.

It's not a dig at your cooking.

No, she's English.

@RyanBergarasTeeth

Is she scottish?

If she was Scottish, she'd want the cake deep fried

I'd certainly ask her not to do it in front of the DC's , normalising a very unhealthy habit.

Posted too soon. Is she scottish because i just st learned scottish people put salt on their porridge instead of sugar. Also in some countries like brazil they put salt on mangoes so not that unusual.

But i dont understand how its rude at all? Even if you cook something and someone puts seasoning on before tasting it still not rude. Its more rude to dictate other peoples taste buds and get offended that someone already knows something isnt going to be salty enough for them.

Each to their own. She’s entitled to salt her cake if she wants to.

What odds? Is she making you eat it with the salt?

I'm erring on the side of thinking she needs to get that checked. There's quite a few reasons why your body may crave salt? Not that you've said she's craving it. It might be worth having a chat with her at another time.

There were plenty of savoury, salty options. She didn't need to take cake.