What to cook for lunch for DP's parents?

[reu2]

Okay, so this is a bit petty. Kind of wanting to cook nothing at all and tell them to go to McDonald's on the way, kinda want to cook a 7 course Michelin star lunch- can't decide 🤭😂

DP's parents are a bit impossible. Not just with me and DP but it's a family wide thing. Everything I cook for them, they'll sit there and say something along the lines of "that roast dinner was good, but next time try coating roast potatoes in something or other" or "I couldn't finish because the soup was too rich, ask (DP's sister) for her recipe, it's much nicer"

And they say it all with a smile on their face, like it's just normal to say things like that 😂 I think it's rude, but after 5 years of knowing them I've gotten used to it.

I do think I'm a good cook and everyone who I've cooked for seems to enjoy, apart from them! I feel like I'm in front of Gordon Ramsay every time I make them dinner🤣

Anyway, cut a long story short, can someone give me some good ideas for what to cook for lunch. I know it shouldn't bother me but it does! Also, I rarely cook lunch for people so my mind has gone blank!

Thanks 😊

Lunch as in a cold lunch or lunch as in something hot?

What do they make for you if you go there?

I'd be inclined to tell them to stuff it wither way to be honest!

Platter of cooked meats, cheese, bowl of salad, coleslaw, crusty freshly baked bread and real butter.

Let them help themselves

@AriettyHomily

I am one more shit comment away from telling them to stuff it 🤣. They never really invite us for tea, they invite us out and offer to pay, although DP never lets them.

As for hot and cold, anything really! I just don't have a clue as I normally just cook tea for guests!

@DartmoorChef that's a good idea, sounds straightforward too and hard for them to find something to moan about! 🤣 thank you!

1. Get DP to cook? They’re his parents.
2. Leave a little notepad by their plates for comments.
3. Just look blankly at them when they say those things.
4. Say ‘ when you make those comments I feel demoralised and upset, would you mind not criticising my food?’
5. Do a full critique of their food

I can guarantee that if you get cold meat, cheeses etc they’ll advise you of a nicer type from a different shop.

I'd focus on not having to do much work if they always complain. Nice salads, new potatoes and cold meat.

Direct all complaints to M&S. Have wine.

Sounds really rude whether or not they're smiling!

Do as @DartmoorChefsuggested, maybe with some home made dips & bits & pieces - big selection so they can pick & chose what they want.

Or

Big pan of scrambled egg. Sourdough toast. Chives & black pepper. Simple & easy but can be stunning (load up the scrambled with butter :) ) and if they don't like it, you get to eat more for yourself!

@Fanthorpe number 2 sounds especially tempting 😂 made me giggle.

DP is a shocking cook and always has been, he has dyspraxia and cooking is always something he's struggled with. I can only imagine the comments if he served them a meal 🤣

I've always wanted to say something back to them but always felt too awkward. But I'm glad people agree with me that their comments are MEGA rude!

Does dh agree they are rude? Cook a meal and agree he will pass it off as his..
Bet the don't say a word..
Or maybe they will praise him!!

If they say nothing negative keep doing it!! Make a hot chilli /curry and watch them squirm!

Really helpful comments everyone, thank you!! Tbf I'm still prepared for shitty comments no matter what I make!

One of my friends made a charcuterie/grazing board one year for a get together and it was amazing. I'm thinking of doing something similar, basically just what other posters have mentioned, cold meats, cheese etc...

@Fanthorpe they will definitely comment on the quality of the meats etc and probably suggest a local deli to me 🤣

DP cooks. That should sort it!

Sorry maybe that's not an option. Shop bought ham, bread and cheese it is. It's "artisan"!

@Sunnydayshereatlast yes he thinks they are extremely rude but no one in their family ever confronts them, except one of DP's brothers who had enough and has not spoke to them for 3 years because of how rude they are! It's a nightmare and I would be so embarrassed if they were my parents. He's used to them, but does apologise on their behalf to me (without them knowing 😂)

I'm the queen of making hot curry's, night accidentally slip when adding the chilli powder 🤭😂

Agree with getting DP to cook. Ungrateful guests!

Repeat what they say back to them,

"So are you saying this soup is not nice and I need to make it like SiL?"

"Sorry, to be clear, are you saying you don't want the potatoes?" Take them away briskly.

Bastards. I would go with cheap frozen pizza and tap water.

@turnthebiglightoff I wish he could just cook! Then I could sit back and relax with my wine, give zero shits 😂😂😂

Rude fuckers. Let your DP sort out their food, even if its just a bloody takeaway!

Ah so it’s a power trip for them. Time for some boundary setting, I would consider having a think about following the example of the brother and either just meeting for a cup of tea somewhere or being a bit busy to meet very often.

@Cismyfatarse cheap frozen pizzas and tap water 🤣🤣🤣 honestly I think that's the best way forward! If any rubbish comments arise I'll definitely be more abrupt in responding- and of course say it with a smile on my face like they do!😂

I'm just glad it's not just me being over sensitive! They are R U D E

Swig of wine after every rude comment, you'll be too pissed to care.

@MyOwnSummer takeaway is a good shout, maybe a chippy lunch😂

@Fanthorpe definitely. DP has thought about it before but said he would feel awful on the kids, I on the other hand think they'll be better off without 2 narcissistic grandparents 🤭

@IHaveBrilloHair best suggestion yet 🤣🤣

If I knew that's how they were going to be I'd just make no effort. Bog standard cheese toasties or something.

If they whinge just reply with "that's a shame, if youd prefer something else please help yourself to whatever takes your fancy from the kitchen".

Grey rock technique then, mixed with wine!
Don’t give them drama, that’s just lots of lovely petrol on their blazing fire.

@BalletShoe probably the best way forward! Either way they'll probably moan!

@Fanthorpe sounds perfect! I couldn't be bothered with a big argument and they would love it I'm sure!

dont invite them to lunch..if DP wants to see them at yours they could come mid afternoon...for tea- cake from somewhere - job done...

if tehy question just say they always say they dont like the food at yours so better option.... or your too busy

or meet out

who invited them to lunch? that person sorts out the food (my ds has dyspraxia and can cook, not a lot and is/was wincing to teach but can do basics he wont be living at home all his life )

what did your DH do before you got together? he can do that...