I'm 49 and have NEVER tasted a Chef Boyardee product

[ttoommyy]

None of these items were ever allowed in our Italian-American household while I was growing up and I've never been tempted to have it as an adult. Same with Manwich sloppy Joe's The first time I ever had a sloppy Joe was about 3 years ago and I made the mix from scratch.

What about you? Is there a popular name-brand food item that just about every other person you know had as a kid but you've have never tasted?

[The Chowhound Team]

Hey, folks, this thread is getting awfully nasty all of a sudden, so we're going to lock it now.

[deroumanie]

Consider yourself lucky! Chef Boyardee is disgusting. Especially the ravioli. I don't know why any parent would buy such crap for their children. The meat literally taste like cardboard... I only tried it out of curiosity. My nephew was eating some and had the happiest look on his face, I had to find out why...let's just say that a little of me died that day.

[MRS]

Well, I confess, I didn't understand why she didn't just cook up some pasta and put sauce on it- even jarred, rather than give them that. Growing up in a kosher home, there were some very specific restrictions that combined w/ my mom's "shtick" ( i wasn't allowed sugared cereals, fruit punch, soda, and variety of things that are now considered "good parenting" but in the late 70"s and 80's were "quirky") precluded us from eating a lot of things. My husband, who also grew up in a kosher home, but lived all over the world and US as a pro athlete gets a good laugh about all the foods I have never eaten, all the chain restaurants I have never set foot in.

[ferret]

My parents were always willing to indulge my curiosity in things I saw on TV that would otherwise be off their food radar. I was exposed to a broad spectrum of convenience foods - never made a habit of it, didn't ruin my interest in "finer" foods. I'd like to think that attitude served me well through my life. I also tried to instill that sense of curiosity in my kids and one of my pride points is that they don't turn up their nose at anything.

[alanbarnes]

Very well said. I grew up with convenience foods as "forbidden fruit"; they were appealing, not because they were good, but because they were off-limits. I'll still enjoy a bite or two as a guilty pleasure.

My kids get the stuff occasionally, and it's far less of a big deal to them. They haven't asked for canned pasta in years. (OTOH, I'm somewhat disturbed by my younger daughter's insatiable hunger for Top Ramen - if allowed, she'd eat it for all three meals and her after-school snack.)

[ferret]

My younger son went on a multi-year ramen jag but rarely bothers with it anymore. There was a year in high school where I had a tuna sandwich nearly every day. Can't recall what started it or stopped it but it passed (although I still enjoy a tuna sandwich).

[ttoommyy]

I've stated this throughout the thread (but it's so darned long now that I doubt anyone will read it all), but we ate all kinds of convenience foods while growing up and I still try them now and then. It's just that because we were Italian American that we were not allowed Chef Boyardee and other convenient Italian-type foods. We had Spam almost weekly in my house while I was growing up!

[ferret]

500+ posts makes it a little difficult to keep current. In any case, time to bite the bullet if for no other reason than to speak authoritatively on pop culture reference points.

[ttoommyy]

"In any case, time to bite the bullet if for no other reason than to speak authoritatively on pop culture reference points."

I have no idea what that means, but I'm still not gonna try it. I want to keep something sacred in my life. :)

[MRS]

We never had Chef Boyardee growing up, although I do recall seeing commercials for it on tv, seeing it in the grocery store, etc...A friend once gave her children Spaghettio's some years ago, and I recall thinking it was awfully "florescent" and rather shiny.

[FoodFuser]

Five hundred posts later, one may give wonder
to appeal of the taste of Chef in the Can.

I'd thought this debate was politically settled down in South Africa
more than a century ago in the Boya Wars (Boer?). Must be my dyslexia.

During the years of road trips and "car camping"
There were lots of smiles garnered
from the Chef;s Beefaroni.
That's where the kids learning cooking on campfires
chanted mantra "stir... so it don;t burn".

I will always have chuckle for recentmost years
where Sam Fujisaka and I softly deabated
when mired in a conference, and thus a hotel room,
best way to extract ravioli straight from cold can.
Chopsticks? Cracked pepper? And just how much cheese?

While the Chef pictured smiling and printed on can
does not rest on my home shelf
Still when I pass down his place in the grocery aisle
I give him a grin and a smile.

[ChowDoYouDo]

Love it, FoodFuser! It seems that our finest hours are often spent with really crappy food. :)

[joonjoon]

You mean really great canned food!

I have a special place in my heart for SpaghettiO's (with meatballs please! And a ton of garlic powder and crushed pepper), Chef Boyardee, and Dinty Moore Beew Stew. They are especially rewarding after imbibing in some drinks and, um, herbs.. :D

[cmztrav]

You got it! That's where I got my early love for Dinty Moore. :)

[buttertart]

How about this must-have cookbook, mio amico ttommyy? A granddaughter.
http://www.amazon.com/Delicious-Memor...

[ttoommyy]

I've seen some of those recipes excerpted in the newspaper and they look good. They ARE NOTHING like what I assume comes in a Chef Boyardee can! :)

[buttertart]

I'm sure, I just couldn't resist. The last time I was anywhere near one of those canned things was a long time ago.

[buttertart]

If you're on FB it would be worthwhile sending a friend request to Marcella Hazan (if you haven't already) to see her comments on the subject. ;-)

[joonjoon]

It's never too late, ttoommyy. You've been missing out!

[NellyNel]

Although, i wouldnt agree that you are missing out about canned pasta products, I would definitely agree that you should at least try it once in your life!
You really never know!

I never had the slightest interest in trying SPAM -I assumed that I would taste it one day...but certainly never sought it out.
Then one night, when I was well into my 40's - I went for a Chinese hot pot meal.
On the platter of meats - there it was.
Me, being the food curious person that I am - and afraid of nothing, decided to try that first. Well, I was immediately in love, and as I recall, I ate every piece of SPAM on the platter. It was (to me) delicious.
I kind of thought "Where have you been all my life, Spam?...."
lol
So, anyway... you never know, and I just can't think any person who loves food would dismiss anything!

[tatamagouche]

Spam musubi came as a delightful surprise to me likewise.

[alanbarnes]

My elder daughter is a SPAM musubi evangelist. She'll take it to school for lunch and throw a few extras in her backpack. She's converted dozens of teenagers from "yuk" to "yum."

[ChowDoYouDo]

NellyNel! tatamagouche! alanbarnes! I'm from Hawaii originally, and Spam is considered Hawaiian Prime Rib out there...lol Spam musubi (rolled with rice and seaweed much like sushi), available in drugstores, restaurants throughout Hawaii everyday for an easy lunch! (Hot dog musubi too!) I miss it. The Spam is marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce and pan fried, so it's crispy, sweet, salty against that soft, sticky rice. YUM!

I've had it in everything, from Spam and eggs, spam fried rice, and spam kim chee sandwiches...lol My friend used to make them when we were teens - white bread, lots of mayo, kim chee, fried spam! She also made ones with white bread, mayo, American cheese and sliced Spam from the can. Now THAT'S a good friend. ;)

I would say to anyone that hasn't tried it, that this is such a historical American food, you really should once. (There are even low sodium and low fat varieties.) I suggest it fried in a pan though, not out of the can, although it's cooked and you can. It's better sliced up and cooked in an Asian noodle soup or pan fried and crispy.

I guess I'm realizing through this thread, thank you ttoommyy, and from recovering from the surgery, that a CH or foodie can enjoy all foods, without boundaries or excuses. It's not about status, it's just a love of food - all kinds of food. When I'm craving Kraft mac n' cheese over homemade, it's not because Kraft tastes better, it's because loving food isn't always about whether it's homemade or from a fine restaurant, it's about how it makes you feel. :)

I'll never feel ashamed for eating those Spam and kim chee sandwich again! lol

[joonjoon]

As a Korean I also have a fondness for Spam Musubi....and I love sneaking in a slice of spam into my loco moco. That's heaven.

[ChowDoYouDo]

THAT, joonjoon, will be the same heaven I'm going to!!! ;)

[NellyNel]

Chow - thanks for explaining what Spam Musubi is - it sounds AMAZING!

[ChowDoYouDo]

This is such a great thread! Thank you for starting it ttoommyy! Here it is, May 2011, but it looks like people have still been replying since last month. :) I confess that in my youth and early adult years I have tried every packaged food made that I ever wanted to try, with the exception of something called Circus Fun cereal that was much like Lucky Charms, I think, and is no longer being made.

I also wanted to address what became the most passionate part of this thread. I'm 43 and am gratefully home after a hysterectomy due to endometriosis the size of a guinea pig on one of my ovaries that spread to a lot of other organs. Recovery has not been easy, and due to 4 hours of general anesthesia, I was sick a lot and couldn't eat at the hospital for 6 days. When I got home and things started to calm down a little, guess what I craved? Soft, warm, comforting, kid food. Nothing wrong with my throat, and I had no food restrictions, but there you go. DH brought home Spaghetti O's with Meatballs, Kraft Mac and Cheese, chocolate pudding snack packs, fruit cup snack packs, etc. Nothing fresh or homemade, that I usually prefer, would do. I have been happily slurping up this easy-to-eat comfort food for a few weeks now and am finally ready to change my diet back to "real" food, but this stuff made recovery so much easier on me.

Now, my mother didn't serve any of this, I was not so lucky. :) She was more the June Cleaver mom, while I would have been more suited to Rosanne as a mom. lol I did indulge at friends' houses, and thought they were the most fortunate children on earth to eat such exciting food. When I was 18 and got my first apartment, it was stocked with every processed food imaginable. As you get older and become more health conscious and develop different tastes, you often grow out of it. But, it's still comfort food for me, and so many others.

The thing about canned Chef foods is they don't promise to be authentic Italian food, nor should anyone open a can expecting it. I mean, really. :) It really is kid food, so you have to be in the right frame of mind to try it for the first time as an adult. Think about the commercials for these items; they aren't geared for adults. They are a more simplified, sweet, soft-textured product that children enjoy. The pasta and meatballs are soft so little ones can chew it easily. The sauce is mild, like Campbell's tomato soup, not spicy or exotic. (The ravioli sauce is a little less sweet and more seasoned though.) Chef didn't start out that way, but that's the demographic now. Originally, white American housewives didn't know much about "real" Italian tomato sauce, so this was a big deal for adults too, and served proudly. I have some old magazines with ads, and this was considered gourmet stuff. But, so was sliced white Wonder bread. :) This would have made all the Chowhounds lists in the 30's and 40's!

It won't kill you to try it. I wouldn't have any high expectations of loving any of it, it would just be for the sake of knowledge! :) I think some of the people that said they never ate fast food or Chef type products made others feel that they were looking down at them. Like folks who say they never watch tv. There's something insulting that folks take personally when someone just rejects popular culture. It feels snooty, even if it isn't meant to be, and makes us feel guilty too, for indulging in expensive-and-bad-for-you fast food, and filling our minds with tv garbage instead of reading a book. Some of the comments about trying things at least once, etc., stemmed from that.

These foods are indeed part of American culture, for better or for worse. I'd be curious to try them, if I never had. I once tried some MRE's and I'm not a soldier, but I was curious. Oh, and I tried freeze-dried food too, camping. I love food and was curious. I think there are adventurous eaters, but I also think people like enjoying things that are part of our culture, even if they aren't the best thing you ever ate. We eat for many reasons, not all of them nutritive or for fuel. We eat for social and emotional reasons most of all. I think it makes me feel part of something that everyone else "gets", just like being in a club or something, when I say there are times when nothing else but Kraft mac n' cheese will do. (Other times it's three cheese homemade mac n' cheese!)

Also, it makes you feel YOUNG, ttoommyy! The good old days when you could eat anything and not worry about weight or health...sigh! Something so deliciously (sometimes) evil and carefree when you eat a bowl of Cocoa Krispies at night, watching a movie with your husband. :)

There is a time for Twinkies and a time for Tiramisu! :)

[ttoommyy]

"Also, it makes you feel YOUNG, ttoommyy! ...Something so deliciously (sometimes) evil and carefree when you eat a bowl of Cocoa Krispies at night, watching a movie with your husband. :)"

Don't get me wrong Chow, I do eat certain packaged foods like you mentioned; it's just the Chef Boyardee and other products like it that I've never had. This is due to the fact that I grew up in an Italian-American family where it was forbidden to have it. As I got older and went out on my own, I never had the urge to taste it. My original post was just an observation on how I made it to 49 without ever tasting something most everyone I know has. I don't think I ever put down Chef Boyardee, and if I did, I didn't mean to.

"The good old days when you could eat anything and not worry about weight or health...sigh! "

Ah, but I was overweight until I was about 20 or so. I had to worry about weight and health.

And by the way, I am now 50 and still have NEVER tasted a Chef Boyardee product. :)

[ChowDoYouDo]

Ha! That's right, I had forgotten that you would have made it to the big 5-0 by now! :) Happy Birthday, ttoommyy! :)

Change that to Chef Boyardee instead of Cocoa Krispies - same idea. I was addressing others' comments as far as other packaged foods too, just because the thread went in that direction, but I didn't mean to imply you'd never had any packaged foods, very true, my mistake. Never thought you were bashing Chef B, but other posters did, and other posters were offended, and I was just trying to state my thoughts about that.

For example, a lot of people think vegetarians are snooty because of the way some state they won't eat meat. When something is said with disdain, people can be offended. Not saying all vegetarians do this, but some do. There's a sort of exclusive club feel about it then, perhaps it's an anti-social thing too that irritates people. I use that as an example to possibly explain some of the reasoning behind some of the posts where junk foodies felt offended by those who said they never had any, etc.

I had a little weight problem growing up as well. BUT, I wasn't the one really worrying about it - my parents were. My friends' parents didn't worry about me and fed me all the junk at their house...lol Usually, I don't think kids worry about the health aspect of weight issues - they think they'll live forever. But, kids can figure out on their own that they want to look like other kids and not be overweight so they aren't teased, etc., because it's a direct, immediate response to their current situation. So I think it's more aesthetics rather than health for kids. Generally speaking, of course. I still love to eat "bad" foods now on occasion, because it feels liberating and rebellious. It's nice to live in the world of "I can eat anything I want and not worry about it" and "I'm 10 and invincible" for just a second...lol

It's fascinating, your post really drew out some incredible stuff. Now, you can't just let this fizzle out! We need a big finale! Are you planning on trying the Chef one of these days? I think you should on your 51st birthday! We could have a big party for you here! Everyone could get a can of their fave Chef B, meet up here, eat while they type, and hear your most anxiously awaited first thoughts on Chef B! lol I'm curious to know why you've never tried it. I mean, I get that you don't have an urge to taste it, but at 50 now, you're still thinking about it enough to have posted. Is there a reason you haven't just had a spoonful? It may not be that appealing, but it IS edible, being food and all - a spoonful won't kill you. :) Then you could be saying you had your very first Chef B at 51! In any event, if you ever do sample a Chef item, please make sure to share it with all of us!

[srsone]

do all italians have such vitriol for chef boyardee products?
does it extend to every italian "that momma or nonna can make" food available in a grocery store?

the guy was italian...i would think he would get a little respect....

[ChowDoYouDo]

lol That's true, srsone! Chef B was real and Italian, ttoommyy, and quite the business man, too - come on, give him a break! ;)

[ttoommyy]

I know all about signor Boiardi. But what comes in those cans (from what I've seen and smelled friends eating) can never compare to the food my mother made. That is why we were never allowed to have it. Do you think many Chinese families ate Chun King products?

[ChowDoYouDo]

I hear ya, ttoommyy, but actually, Chun King products are sold in Hawaii where 90% or more of the population is Asian! I don't think that really matters, and I don't think you understand what I'm saying. (No offense intended.) I mean, as a white person, am I supposed to always prepare my own roast beef and mashed potatoes from scratch, up to my mother's standards, or only eat them at a fine dining restaurant? Or, can I find pleasure in the experience of an old diner in a small town and eat it there, even though it's crappy, just for the atmosphere and comfort foodiness of it? I'm trying to say, we don't always just eat for the sake of food itself at it's most perfect, we eat for emotional reasons, and for a whole sensory experience.

I don't think Chef B products are trying to be real authentic incredible Italian food. It was meant for white American demographic, that didn't know how to make Italian food way back in the 30's or 40's. Wait a minute. And, come to think of it, when I lived in NY in my twenties, plenty of my Italian friends had canned Chef B as kids, and served it to their kids. It's appealing as a mild tasting hot meal, kids sometimes find foods with a lot of seasoning distasteful.

I think it's safe to say we won't be having a Chef B 51st birthday party for ya here. Don't say I didn't try! :)

[ttoommyy]

"Or, can I find pleasure in the experience of an old diner in a small town and eat it there, even though it's crappy, just for the atmosphere and comfort foodiness of it? "

But diner food is great! You can't compare it to Chef Boyardee. I know people who own diners; all the roast beef, turkey, prime rib, etc. is prepared as one would prepare it at home. Chef Boyardee is NOT like ANYONE would make Italian food at home! :)

Not sure about Chef Boyardee being just for white people. I know plenty of people of color who eat/have eaten Chef Boyardee.

[LorenM]

Chef Boyardee is edible. I wouldn't compare it to real Italian food or anything but as it's own thing- not bad for a buck and as someone mentioned good for a hangover. An yes, I have eaten ramen noodles though in the last few months tried some ramens from the Asian market that have been awesome (some of them having multiple packets of sauce, seasoning and dehydrated veggies and things). Not quite 10 for a buck but still under a buck.

The one thing I have never tried is canned ham. It's not that I wouldn't try it- I just have never had any desire to buy some and my Mom always made fresh ham when I was growing up.

[buttertart]

You may be interested to know that a granddaughter of the Chef was on a Foodography show on noodles tonight on the Cooking Channel. Their real name is Boiardi. Interesting segment and show.

[schmoopy]

This made me smile!! How absolutely charming that there really was a Chef Boiardi... I used to love the canned ravioli as a kid (and I admit that I'll still open a can from time to time for old time's sake), and I actually used to wonder where/how they came up with that name. Now I know!

[buttertart]

It was fun to see, wasn't it. What a pedigree!

[Passadumkeg]

Saw it; interesting.

[skippy66]

I'm almost 63 and I have never had a Pop Tart.

[Perilagu Khan]

Being named "Skippy" and being a Pop Tart virgin seems somehow incommensurable.

[FoodFuser]

Be it PK, or FF. let's allow just the start
of chompers clamped down on that tallowed "Pop Tart".

Tallowed, not Hallowed, please note well my verbiage
as they offer it gleasily
geared toward smack, and towards slurpilage.'

That foil-sealed pack
of that two-tartlet two pack
I'll not rip, nor unseal, and that's just a that-that.

[syrup09]

I've never been To Red Lobster.

[Passadumkeg]

I have never been to Red Lobster either and eaten a Pop Tart once (one too many). The Red Lobster in Bangor, Me. went out of business in the 80", but has again reared it ugly head.
Why would people want toe pay $30 for a lobber at RL,when it is avalable for $8.95 near by??

[Firegoat]

cheddar bay biscuits.

[jfood]

i really liked cinnamon sugar PTs in college but i have never been to an RL.

[Firegoat]

Almond Joy or Mounds candy bars, a Whopper or Big Mac burger.

[nooyawka]

I've never had Lorna Doones or candy corn. I only heard of Lorna Doones as an adult, and I never liked the look of candy corn.

[c oliver]

Well, there are lots of things I've never had but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't try them. I tried candy corn once, I'm sure. Tasted like solid sugar;didn't like. Lorna Doones were a staple in my lunch box (that's how old I am) as a child. Today at a Latino market, I saw beef lips for the first time. Absolutely mesmerized me. Gotta figure out what to do with. Bought beef cheeks instead. Wanted the pig head but have too much food as it is.

[ZenSojourner]

I thought Lorna Doones were a kind of cookie, so I guess I'm over 50 and still had not heard of Lorna Doone as a brand name.

And you're probably right to avoid the candy corn. It pretty much does taste the way it looks - kind of plastic-y and strange, yet oddly compelling. You can't eat just one . . .

[Perilagu Khan]

But I've been known to eat just two.

That said, for nastiness, candy corn can hold a candle to those orange/brown spongy candy "peanuts." I'm assuming tarantula sashimi couldn't be much worse.

[c oliver]

"candy corn can hold a candle to those orange/brown spongy candy "peanuts."

So you've tried those awful things but won't try other things. I find this discussion so interesting.

[pikawicca]

I've always detested Candy Corn. If those peanut things you describe are what I think they are, I would never eat them.

[c oliver]

Hey, gf, it was PK who talked about the "peanuts." I can barely stand to look at them. They don't reproduce, do they?

[mamachef]

c oliver, I don't think they reproduce, but I'm pretty sure they can pole-vault. And at night, they fly.

[ZenSojourner]

*screaming in terror*

[DishDelish]

Ewww, candy corn ... but them my mother always loved them :)

[Perilagu Khan]

Yes. I haven't abandoned my faculties of observation, discrimination and judgement. But by all means, repair to your repast of manioc that has been gummed to a paste by wizened women of an Amazon tribe.

I also find the discussion interesting.

[c oliver]

Actually I prefer toasted manioc flour (farofa). Sam spent time in the Amazon so he was probably familiar with what you refer to.

[NellyNel]

I don't know if I am imagining it - but when I was a kid - candy corn was delicious!
It had a distinctly "corny" sweet taste. At least in my mind it did!
Now, though - ick yes its pure sugar.

[gaffk]

Candy corn? You are missing nothing--as CO says, solid sugar, but actually even worse (solid processed\gummy sugar?). Anyway, no taste.

Lorna Doones are a cookie brand, Zen, and I had forgotten all about them. That rich gob of chocolate in the middle of a buttery cookie. When I was a kid, that was THE perfect snack.

[Jay F]

Did they start making a chocolate version of Lorna Doone, gaffk? I remember them being a plain shortbread cookie.

[c oliver]

Me too but I thought I just wasn't remembering correctly - happens a lot these days.

[Jay F]

I liked a Nabisco shortbread cookie that had chocolate on it. Striped Shortbread, I think they were called. My grandmother and I would eat them with our tea.

[gaffk]

My bad . . . It wasn't Lorna Doone, it was Stella D'Oro Swiss Fudge cookies I was thinking about:

http://www.stelladoro.com/cookies.html

Still can't believe how close I am to 50--memory must already be fading :(

[c oliver]

Child, let me assure you that it only gets worse!

[gaffk]

Sounds of gaffk crying in a corner :(

[mcf]

Only for a while; then it really takes a header into the bowl.

[gaffk]

Great . . .can't wait until I hit 50.

Sounds of gaffk sobbing in the middle of the room :(

[mcf]

Hitting 50 beats all heck out of the alternative, tho'. Hope that helps. :-)

[c oliver]

At 63, I have the same reaction.

[gaffk]

I guess, considering the alternative ;)

[FoodFuser]

What a delightful and real friendly thread.

I once had discussion with Sam Fujisaka
'bout the best way to imbibe a can of Lasagna.
We agreed it's a sport
Best left to deport
in motels where the conference takes ya'

But when steel hits the wheel
in can-opening zeal
and you're hit with that wafting aroma
Whether New York or Dubai
you're gonna get hit by
an urge to grab spoon and get in there.

We discussed product line,
and both came to find,
that the best was the canned Ravioli.
Slipped into your suitcase
to give aid when "just in case"
you just lay back and open a can so sublime.

Sam was from Nippon so we easily agreed upon
the fact that best tool were rough wooden chopsticks.
You could pluck each one out
without steel tines too stout.
Ahhhhh,.. each pouch lifted discretely completely

We disagreed, though, on the pepper and cheese.
I liked mine more crunchy, fresh ground pepper and parmesan
where Sam seemed accepted Boyardee as an artisan.
Those hotel rooms get lonely, you see
and we reach for a friend, even Chef Boyardee.

So, how do you parlay your Chef Boyardee
to those folks in your lives at your table?
Or, eaten alone, with hotel telephone...
where you hide the can, and printed label.

There's a place for his voice...
Economical choice...
for the bland undemanding Dear Chef Boyardee.

[ZenSojourner]

LOL!

[Passadumkeg]

Sniff.

[Perilagu Khan]

Bloody hell.

Robert Frost is a hack--a hack, I say--in comparison to you.

[Passadumkeg]

FF obviously took the road less traveled by.

[iL Divo]

I'd rather have had your family's food from a real kitchen.

I'd way rather make it from scratch whatever 'it' is.
Spaghetti sauce is easy to melt down tomatoes [or YES use canned tomatoes] add some other things to jazz it up, and toss on pasta.
Add mustard to ketchup to horseradish and get a cocktail fish dipper sauce.

I am not saying not to use many things that are packaged or canned, I use them too.
Thanks for bringing to my attention though C Oliver.
Perhaps I mispoke. If it was read or understood, I meant no harm.

My MIL used all things prepared usually [because] she was a working woman and time was not on her side. Which I understand, she also raised a wonderful young man, my husband....

[c oliver]

I've never heard of any chef who doesn't use canned tomatoes when fresh ones aren't "in season."

For cocktail sauce, you might want to try ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce.

I think it's painting with too broad a stroke when you mention "packaged or canned or prepared" in a less than positive tone. There''s tuna, beans, olives, etc. Oh, and do you make your own mustard, ketchup and grate your own horseradish for cocktail sauce? I don't. And I DO cook a lot from scratch.

[iL Divo]

You're right. I'll correct what I meant.
And just did although I feel a bit beat up with your comments. No, I don't make mustard, ketchup or grate my own horseradish...............but I offer help when sought out.
like Atomic horseradish as a good choice.....

oh and BTW, I am no chef, never claimed to be, just a cook in a household.

[c oliver]

Please don't feel beat up cause that was not my intention. I think we CHs tend to too easily slide into absolute terms when rarely do they really apply.

[bbqboy]

You should read the whole thread, at your leisure. It kind of morphed into something else besides an anti CB rant.

[ttoommyy]

"It kind of morphed into something else besides an anti CB rant."

Just to clarify, I did not start this as an anti-CB rant. I just find it amazing that I have never tasted CB in all my 49 years while childhood friends and schoolmates all had. I then posed the question, "Is there a popular name-brand food item that just about every other person you know had as a kid but you've have never tasted?" I never once "ranted" against CB or denigrated it.

[bbqboy]

OK. An Ode to the Chef Boyardee free life. :)

[iL Divo]

ttoommyy, I never read it that you did.
I know you were simply stating a fact, that you'd never eaten it.
it's good stuff, ask my husband, but then there are tons of things I've never
eaten, maybe some day I will though. hope you didn't think I was calling you out.
I wasn't......

[c oliver]

Alright, tomorrow I want you to run out the the local market and pick up one of their cans, heat and eat. No comparing it to a real meal. Just let some of that warm and wet stuff slide down your throat, pretend like you're 7 y.o. and let us know.

[iL Divo]

if I had time or desire I would.
but it's gotten way beyond CBRD

[decolady]

There are several of these canned grocery store items that I have never eaten either. Mainly because when I was growing up, as convenience items they were more expensive and my parents didn't have the funds to buy things like that. My grandparents had a farm where they raised beef, grew a huge garden and had ponds for fishing and woods for hunting. Most of our food came from there. I learned early on from my Mom to shop around the edges of the grocery stores, thereby avoiding the convenience foods. Then in my 20s I went the earth mother route, eating "health foods", becoming vegetarian and such. Since then I have added seafood and poultry back into my diet, but still try to eat healthy (due to medical issues). I don't think Chef Boyardee or Manwich fit in that criteria. LOL.

[c oliver]

I'm curious how you knew you wanted to make Sloppy Joes if you'd never eaten one. For myself, I find the opposite to be true. I eat something in a restaurant and then, if liked, go home and make it. Did you grow up eating the "other" kind of SJ?

[decolady]

While not the person to whom you addressed the question, I often want to try to make things I have never eaten before. Cooking is a joy to me and I love trying new things that I read about or hear about. Part of it is the challenge of doing something new and part of it is the anticipation of tasting a new dish.

[ttoommyy]

It's hard to follow these replies c oliver, so I'm not sure if your question is directed at me, but I'll answer anyway...

I think mostly because I had never had one and wanted to try one, but the idea of buying a can of Manwich (and thoughts of my dear departed parents looking down on me with disappointment) made me go in search of a recipe. After searching for a while, I found one on allrecipes.com that I liked and was well reviewed, so I tried it. From that day on my partner and I have been hooked on them and they are a staple at our house.

Also agree with what decolady says above.

[c oliver]

So how did it compare to the NJ kind of SJ?

[jfood]

IT DOES NOT COMPARE...IT DOES NOT COMPUTE...PUT DOWN THE MANWICH AND MOVE AWAY FROM THE TABLE. :-))

[ttoommyy]

I've never had a NJ Sloppy Joe. Never heard of one until I saw it mentioned here.

[auburnselkie]

That's really funny. I did the same thing with Sloppy Joes (although my sister raves about the canned stuff). I wanted to try them for the first time made from a recipe, not a can, and I still wasn't that excited about it. I won't turn up my nose if my nieces want me to share their Manwich meal, but I probably won't go out and buy a can myself.

Jfood's Sloppy Joe, on the other hand, I would love to try!

[Perilagu Khan]

Most of the time I have a very good idea of whether or not I will like something before I even try it for the first time. This compels me to try certain things I've never tried before, and to avoid others.

[ttoommyy]

There are so many foods I eat now that I swore I would not like. Take steak tartare for example: I never, ever thought I could eat raw beef and raw egg. Now I absolutely crave it when it's on a menu. Same with beef jerky. My partner grew up eating it (home made). When we first got together 16 years ago I thought I could never like the stuff. He "forced" me to try it. Now when his mother sends us a care package of beef jerky, I can't wait to open it.

[Perilagu Khan]

I'm really struggling to recall the last time I sampled something new against my better judgment and was pleasantly surprised. I usually experience the revulsion I anticipate, and this is compounded if I've dropped a load of coin into the bargain.

[alanbarnes]

Of course, if you are certain that you won't be pleasantly surprised by a new dish, it's a given that you won't. In fact, asking yourself whether you think you'll like something you've never tried is, IMO, a closed-minded approach to food.

Any dish served in a restaurant or eaten by a large number of people must have some redeeming qualities. So whether it's a Big Mac or foie gras or Bun Bo Hue with cubes of pig blood "jelly," my first question when faced with a new food isn't whether I think I'll like it, but what about it there to like.

I'd even go so far as to say there's no food I don't like. There are a few I don't "get," for sure, and plenty that I have no desire to eat on a regular basis or even ever again. But the notion of "disliking" food - especially food I've never eaten - seems antithetical to the Chowhound approach.

[ZenSojourner]

So many dishes, so little time. Some of us just prefer to concentrate on the ones with the highest probability of being a pleasant experience. This is obviously a very subjective judgment, based on personal taste and experience.

[linguafood]

"This is obviously a very subjective judgment, based on personal taste and experience."

A point that applies to roughly 99% of the posts on CH.

[alanbarnes]

Maybe that's a false dichotomy, though. Yes, there are plenty of dishes out there, and it's perfectly reasonable not to make a meal of something unfamiliar and even intimidating. But having a small taste of something new and different seldom has any impact on your ability to eat a meal of more familiar food.

We all have our comfort zones. And I'm not criticizing anybody for where they set their own boundaries. But there are those who refuse to question those boundaries or expand them, even by baby steps. They have no interest in finding better or different food. And IMO, that means they aren't Chowhounds.

[Jay F]

By your logic, am I to assume, having tasted lots of different kinds of food and found them wanting, that I am not a Chowhound for having decided I'm probably not going to find better food than that which I deem "favorite," and cook, choose a restaurant, or cook accordingly?

[alanbarnes]

Everybody enjoys familiar foods, and eats them the vast majority of the time. Nothin' wrong with that. But IMO a Chowhound is somebody who is willing to occasionally reach beyond those favorite foods and try something different. You don't have to go all Andrew Zimmern, but if your response to anything other than what your mom fed you before you hit puberty is "ewwww, yuck," then you're probably not a Chowhound.

[ZenSojourner]

I'm pretty sure having a dozen or so foods that you don't want to try, for whatever reason, doesn't qualify one in the category of responding "to anything other than what your mom fed you before you hit puberty (as) ewww, yuck""

[c oliver]

Speaking ONLY for myself, if there were a dozen or so foods that I wouldn't even try, I'd consider myself a picky eater. Again, for me only, I can't even imagine that. Hell, I was willing to try balut with Sam but we didn't get the chance.

[alanbarnes]

Definitely not. But going on at length about how icky they are probably does.

[Jay F]

I eat next to nothing my mother fed me before she learned to cook, which was several years after I hit puberty.

[ipsedixit]

There are dishes you may not like, but refusing to even sample something seems a bit extreme to me.

I'm going to go back to the Chef Boy-Ar-Dee example. Even if you are a die-hard Italian spawned from the genes of Batali himself, is there really a rational reason not to even sample a bit of Chef's product? You may think you may not like it, but what's the harm in taking one simple little bite to confirm that suspicion?

I can totally understand people refusing to eat something because they've tried it and find it wanting.

But I can't comprehend someone completely refusing to eat something -- just once -- simply because they don't want to. Esp. if you are a Chowhound. If nothing else, aren't 'Hounds supposed to intrepid eaters?

If you never even try something, like Chef Boy-Ar-Dee for example, how can someone say legitimately that, "oh, it's disgusting." Esp. if the follow-up is, "how do you know?" Without even trying it, the response would border either on the irrational or the unfounded, something like "oh, it just looks nasty" or "it comes from a can" or "it has preservatives" etc.

[Perilagu Khan]

Eating is a multi-sensory experience. Sight and smell thus figure heavily in the equation. And if something looks and smells horrific, I'm not about to put it in my mouth.

The "idea" of certain foods is also a factor. Regardless of how it affects my senses, the simple idea of eating spider sashimi with confit of grub worm and a monkey brain slurry is a non-starter. But, hey, if eating anything and everything that somebody puts on your plate and calls food is what you're all about, good for you. And if failing to do so bars one for the society of Chowhounds, I can live with that. Call me a chowhound, instead.

[ttoommyy]

I totally agree with you PK. I'm open to eating and trying a lot of foods, but I draw the line at certain things. Evolution has given us a keen sense of smell so that we can identify foods that may be potentially harmful to us, so it stands to reason that we can also figure out pretty much what may make us nauseated, upset our stomachs or just not like by smelling it.

"And if failing to do so bars one for the society of Chowhounds, I can live with that. Call me a chowhound, instead."
Perhaps we can call ourselves Chowpups.

[bbqboy]

but...
To use brussels sprouts as an example, just the smell of them being boiled made me unwilling to ever try.
But I had them as an appetizer where they were grilled with bacon-no smell and
wonderful taste- a whole new experience with a previously forbidden food.
Now if I could just conquer Cauliflower...

[alanbarnes]

Put a bunch of chopped garlic in several tablespoons of oil (a neutral oil is fine, or you can use flavorful olive oil or - mmmm - bacon fat). Cook until the garlic starts to brown. Strain the oil, reserving the garlic.

While the garlic is cooking, preheat the oven to 450 and break up a small head of cauliflower into florets. Toss the florets with the oil and spread them on a baking sheet. Don't crowd them together.

Roast the oiled cauliflower for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it starts to get dark brown in spots. Sprinkle the reserved garlic over and roast for a few minutes more. Don't let the garlic burn.

My kids don't like cauliflower, but they love this stuff...

[ipsedixit]

Perilagu Khan and ttoommyy,

If we relied on sensory inputs -- other than taste -- to determine whether we ate something, there would be many wonderful foods that mankind would be sheltered from.

Some examples:

Durian (smell)
Oysters (sight, maybe even touch)
Huitlacoche (touch, palate-wise)

And you mention the "idea" of certain foods. What about Kopi Luwak coffee? Certainly the idea of roasting beans extruded as part of the fecal matter of a civit-like creature cannot be all that appetizing, right?

Also, I think your example of spider sashimi with a confit of grub worm and monkey brain slurry, etc. is a bit extreme and doesn't really comport with what really started this discussion -- i.e., Chef Boy-Ar-Dee.

The spider sashimi isn't part of popular culture the same way that a can Chef's finest is. I do think it is sort of self-confining to refuse to even try a product that is so widely accepted and popularized in general society. I don't think you can say the same about spider sashimi, with or without the monkey brain slurry.

I just think that when a person refuses to even try a food that is so commonly woven in general conversation, they've sort of ostracized themselves unnecessarily.

Just my 0.02. My initial post on the matter certainly wasn't meant to challenge either of your credentials as 'Hounds.

[Perilagu Khan]

I'll have nothing to do with durian, oysters, huitlacoche and kopi luwak, but I'm a Chef Boyardee man, dam' right I am. My point here is I thought we had drifted away from the Chef and were talking about food in general.

[Jay F]

I'm with PK. Experience tells me I'm not going to like the flavor of something whose smell disgusts me. So why in the world would I put something in my mouth that fails the sniff test?

If _you_ feel _your_ bonafides are dependent on your trying absolutely everything that is placed in front of you at least once, well, you are a very different eater than I.

I have a friend who says she would literally die of boredom if she had to eat at the same restaurant more than once a month, whereas for me, it's about finding the places I really like, then going back to them again and again. For me, that's a much more valid food experience than trying everything the world has to offer.

Two kinds of chowhounds in the world, obviously.

[mamachef]

Faux-hound. :-) I guess that makes me one of those, too.

[ZenSojourner]

Speaking as someone who loves the Chef - well, at least one or two of his products - I don't have a problem with someone deciding something is disgusting based on how it looks or what the ingredients are.

Taste is only one way to make these kinds of determinations. Many many vegetarians won't eat meat because they find the idea of the process of slaughter and butchery of another living creature to be disgusting. It would be ridiculous and judgmental to insist that they "try some" before being allowed to make that judgment.

And if someone doesn't have a dozen foods that they don't like, maybe they just haven't tried enough different things yet, LOL! A mere dozen!

[c oliver]

I think the point was a dozen foods that someone wouldn't even try, not a dozen foods that they don't like. But I've traveled a fair amount of the world and I can't think of twelve things I actively dislike.

[NellyNel]

Me too. I love to eat and there are very few things that I can think of that I really don't like.
My sister will claim she loves to eat, and she does enjoy the food she likes, but there are so many things she won't eat or even try.

I have to say I just don't understand it. (and admit that it kind of drives me nuts)

She doesn't like "Mexican" food....when asked what there is about it not to like - she'll say "It looks messy".
She will say things like "Ew - I'd never eat snails!"
But she eats shrimps and clams....Go figure...

To me she is not a real food lover or chowhound, even though she will claim otherwise.
To me a real food lover is a bit more adventurous,at least -when it comes to food. And this would include liking, or at least experimenting with - things such as Big Macs and Spaghettio's.
Variety is the spice of life and to deprive oneself of all the vast food experiences to be had, to me - is indeed sad.

[mamachef]

NellyNel, you make some very pertinent points here. If we claim to be Chowhounds, it does mean that we'll try the low end (fastfood) as well as reaching for the high end of the gustatory experience.
I'd be willing to bet that your sister's aversion is due to the "slime factor" inherent in most people's thoughts about snails - my Baby Sister's the same way; she finds even the thought of snails repellent, but boyoboy, put a conch fritter in front of her and she's all over it. And I never, never say a word about what it really is.
And, I do occasionally grab a fastfood burger. It is what it is. Except for the Carl's Jr. Ads that try to make me believe I'm getting a "Black Angus! Sirloin Burger" (which would turn anyone off the actual Black Angus beef), I don't expect much more than they give. And am never disappointed. : )

[AnchovyBourdain]

100% agreeing with your low-end/high-end axiom!

[mcf]

"Variety is the spice of life and to deprive oneself of all the vast food experiences to be had, to me - is indeed sad."

I'm a "real food lover" and a chowhound, but I've never had a McD hamburger of any kind and I'd rather drill hot screws into my eyeballs than to have one, or a can of Spaghetti'Os, which I ate, but thought were barely passable as food even as a kid.

Our values are different, that's all, and the choices that derive from them. I don't think less of you for being willing to eat that stuff, and I'm really not prepared to accept diminished chow status for having standards of my own, either.

[NellyNel]

I hear ya...
.............But darn - a Big Mac can be soooo goood sometimes!

Cant blame you for not wanting to eat canned spaghetti products though, they are pretty gross!

[observor]

Um, ever seen a cow get slaughtered and put into a Big Mac?
Pasta ain't that bad.

[NellyNel]

oh brother!

[mcf]

If we weren't supposed to eat them, they wouldn't be made of meat. But I don't want to support the type of cruel and unwholesome practices that produce the meat at McDonald's, ever.

[DishDelish]

I agree on a cruelty level ... I'd rather eat happy meat ... grass fed, free range etc... The kind that was slaughtered in it's happy state. :)

[Passadumkeg]

Hunt! they never knew what hit 'em.
Free range, organic and very lean.
I don't know why more health conscious foodies don't hunt.
Getting bloody is good for the soul and humility.

[FoodFuser]

Passum''s got a good point about hunted killed harvest.
I'll focus my post to the weed of the east coast:
the growth of the herd of the deer.

Once we get past the warm feelings
of Bambi, and the filmed later Yearling,
We've got to admit
that the deer that are hit
on our highways and byways are astounding.

Long protected, these deer are abounding.
they fill furry bellies
with my tree's ripe mulberries
and they wreak some deep havoc in suburban gardens.

There's nothing that;s further from Chef Boyardee
than medallions of deer tenderloin muscle.
Those discs gleaned from the back
Send canned ravioli's packin'
with a silent and embarrassed shuffle.

So, I'd like to see an extended season
when can harvest good venison
moving past myth and mythos
of sweet- teared Bambi.

[Perilagu Khan]

There's nothing that;s further from Chef Boyardee
than medallions of deer tenderloin muscle.
Those discs gleaned from the back
Send canned ravioli's packin'
with a silent and embarrassed shuffle.

LOL!

The sainted Chef has been worsted
by a poetaster accursed.

[DishDelish]

Ohhh I love the taste of good wild game meat. Mmmmm, moose from my childhood was divine. Unfortunately my Father didn't hunt much and my DH doesn't either but does have a good friend who has invited him recently so I'm hoping....

[Perilagu Khan]

And that's what I'd do if I were making six figures. When happy meat becomes reasonably priced, I'll buy it. In the meantime, I'll salve my guilt by buying cage-free eggs.

[mcf]

If you have a sufficient chest freezer and order half a cow from local farmers, the price per lb comes down a great deal, and you can get the cuts you want, ie: no pre gound meat, for instance.

[jfood]

when you order a quarter or half cow you do not get to choose which you want and which you do not want. you get all of them

[alanbarnes]

When you buy a whole or half steer, you don't get to choose the meat - you get all of it - but a good butcher will let you specify how it's cut. Steaks vs. roasts, what gets ground and what doesn't, etc.

[jfood]

yup

[mcf]

That's exactly what I was saying; you can choose how you want it cut, and not to get chopped meat, for example. Not that you get to swap parts with another animal.

[mcf]

you get to choose with a half, and to ask for it to be cut to your specifications at farms I've researched in NY, specifically Kezia Lane, IIRC. I wouldn't want chopped meat, frex.

[DishDelish]

We're looking into it right now ... along with raw milk, can't wait! And we currently buy cage free as well ... I think they taste slightly better.

[mcf]

I can make a better tasting version of a Big Mac at home if I want to, same as I do Whoppers, which I used to eat. It's not the meal that grosses me out, I just want it made from ingredients I can feel good about eating.

[Perilagu Khan]

My certainty is based upon self-knowledge and knowledge of the ingredients that comprise a dish. There is nothing closed-minded about it.

As to large numbers of people liking a dish, well, there are a couple of ways to look at this. First, some people are so poor that they have few options. They perhaps didn't choose to eat grub worms or kidneys or blood pudding because they were intrinsically delicious, but had to simply because there just wasn't much else to eat.

Second, many cultures are quite hermetic. They exist in relative isolation and develop foodways that bear no resemblance whatsoever to food traditions on the other side of the world. It is hardly logical, therefore, to expect a man who's spent his entire life in Chadron, Nebraska to revel in the cuisine of interior Burkina Faso. And vice versa. For the vast majority of people the alienness is too much to stomach, so to speak.

[ZenSojourner]

Not only that, but strange foods and spices can really throw your digestive system out of whack.

I've found that I have to go out of my way to scarf down a hamburger once in awhile or I start to lose the ability to digest beef. It'll cause stomach upset if I go too long between burgers. And that's a food that's familiar, actually pretty much ubiquitous in the society in which I live.

[mamachef]

+1 on the beef, Zen. Ditto for me. I gotta keep up the beef protein or it's a real problem. I learned this during a spate of vegetarianism, was completely horrified by the discovery, and have kept beef and other meats in the common rotation ever since. Because vegetarian lifestyle or no, I have ALWAYS loved a chunk of medium-rare meat.

[ZenSojourner]

It's not so much that I much care for beef - but if I'm out somewhere and can't cook for myself for whatever reason, I'm way more likely to find a place serving burgers than Pad Gai King or dak bulgogi.

In an emergency, I feel like I ought to be able to eat at least one common USian food.

[c oliver]

I guess I'm different (hell, I KNOW I am). If I've never tasted octopus, I'm more likely to order it in a restaurant and afterwards cook it myself. If I can see how the "big kids" do it, then I can determine if it works for me. Octopus is actually a good example. A few years ago we had it at Babbo and loved it. Afterwards I bought some baby ones and cooked them at home.

[observor]

I'm not sure what the difference is between instant ramen and "real", but, on the surface, I would say "snotty". I mean, I like a good American grilled hamburger, but I'll still eat McDonald's occasionally.

[linguafood]

So just if someone prefers the taste of a good grilled hamburger over a McD's burger, real Italian pasta over boyRD, or real ramen over instant, they are snotty? What if it is simply a taste preference - nothing more, nothing less?

[bbqboy]

Taste reigns supreme.
It seems any dish would/should benefit from superior ingredients and preparation.

[ipsedixit]

Taste reigns supreme.
It seems any dish would/should benefit from superior ingredients and preparation.
_________________________

Hardly.

There are many people, incl. Chowhounds here, that prefer Kraft Mac N Cheese over artisan, and supposedly gourmet, versions.

Taste indeed does reign supreme. But what makes something tasty varies from individual to individual, and oftentimes is not correlated to ingredients or preparation.

I, for one, prefer Thrifty's Ice Cream to many other more artisan type stuff from gourmet ice cream shops, not always, but certainly some shops for sure.

[NellyNel]

I totally agree, ipsedixit!!

(I happen to be one hound who absolutely prefers Kraft boxed/powdered over real cheese mac & cheese....)

I love hamburgers...all kinds..I love a fresh ground and grilled burger, but sometimes I fancy a McD or even a White Castle burger - they are totally different experiences and really can't be compared.
Perhaps the gourmet version is "better", but when you have a craving for White Castles - nothing could ever be better!

[Passadumkeg]

Nah, I like the real thing, not Coke, but then maybe I'm just old......

[linguafood]

huh?

[Passadumkeg]

I agree with you, Ms Nitney! Gimme a real burger, gimme real mac & cheese, Likfe's too short and unpredicitable.
Carpe Sam

[linguafood]

Hate to break it to ya, but I'm a big fan of blue box mac (doctored up, of course, with ground beef or lamb, peppers, shrooms, and chilies). I don't eat it often, tho.

OTOH, a real burger it must be. Ah, finicky Teutonica, what is thy wish....

[Passadumkeg]

I'd rather use real cheese and noodles. Don't see the point of the blue box.
Green chile cheese burgers are next to Godliness.

[laliz]

Ok. I read the entire thread.

To this day I love Chef Boy Ar Dee spaghetti w/mini meatballs straight out of the can (it is a true guilty pleasure I don't allow very often). None of the other canned pastas or brands will do. Don't even speak to me about spaghetti-os.

Kraft Mac n Cheese in the blue box. You MUST add the milk before the butter. I did not learn this until the past year or so. It really makes a difference.

[mcf]

A McDonald's hamburger of any type. Not one. Ain't gonna happen, nuther. I worked there for a few months in college, tho'.

[ttoommyy]

If you worked there, I think you've probabaly eaten at least one by by osmosis though. ;)

[mcf]

I certainly left there with the stink of fry grease stuck to me. :-)

[ttoommyy]

Same here when I worked for Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips. My friends wouldn't come near me unless I went home and showered.

[Passadumkeg]

When I worked for ALPO, my room mates made me strip and put my clothes in the luggage storage and come in and shower, before speaking to me. I cleaned the conveyer belt ovens.
A college job.

[small h]

I shot a video for Acme Smoked Fish a while back. Pluses: free smoked fish. Minuses: clothes, hair & skin stunk of smoked fish for longer than you might think. It smells good on the plate. Not so good on a person.

[Passadumkeg]

For 2 seasons I worked as a sternman on on a lobster bot. My job was filling the bait bags w/ rotten salt fish. My first wife made me strip behind the house, throw my clothes through the cellar window, so she could wash them, and sent me upstairs to shower, before kissing me.
In high school, I worked for the Sayrevile Sewage Dept.......
$1.65 / hr. and all you could eat.

[small h]

You definitely win the stink war. I did my time filling ketchup and mayonnaise bottles back in high school, which is a smell you don't forget (and it's oddly nothing like either ketchup or mayonnaise), but that doesn't hold a candle to rotten fish.

[tatamagouche]

Though I ate there in my youth, I haven't stepped foot inside a fast-food joint except to pee in 20 years. That includes McD's, Burger King, KFC, Taco Hell, Arby's, and whatever else I'm forgetting.

The only thing I remember that I actually might enjoy now is an Arby's Jamocha shake. Might being the operative word.

[Passadumkeg]

We must have been early Hounds. Around 1960, my brothers/friends and I would go to corner mom & pop market, surprisingly tiny by today's standards, on a hot summer's day, and get a smoked whiting or chub and a Coke and sit in an oak grove and relax w/ out favorite treat.
I barely remember the canned junk, but this I vividly remember.

[buttertart]

Slim Jims (the concept of meat as snack doesn't grab me), beef jerky in general, straight canned corned beef (not hash) is about all I can think of. Exposed to just about every other canned or processed food growing up (along with much more really wonderful fresh homemade/grown stuff).

[Passadumkeg]

I wonder if this isn't one of those "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" generalizations? I've obvserved that many men look for meat & spice for snacks and most women (Yes, you Kattyeyes) are sweeties; Chocoholics.
Butt, I too was both exposed to a lot of canned stuff in the 50's, by a first generation American mom. I think she was both curious and wanted us boy to be "American". She was, in addition, and excellent cook w/ acess to a farm. Except for 10-for-a-dollar pot pies in college, I pretty much exchew canned goods.
Funny, Vienna sausage reminds me of boy scout camping trips.

[buttertart]

I'm somewhere in the middle, then - non-meat but salty for snacks, chocolate only if in the mood.
The canned and processed foods were marketed as and perceived as "advanced" and "modern", an improvement on the real thing that took real work to produce. I remember how psyched (anachronism dep't) my mom was when instant mashed potatoes came out - no more peeling boliing mashing rushing to get them to the table hot - and how disappointed she was when she made and tasted them (and threw them out).

[ZenSojourner]

Instant mashed potatoes, like lutefisk, are only edible with the addition of large slabs of butter.

Or bacon.

Hmmmm , it occurs to me that they have something in common. Both pale somewhat gelatinous masses of unrecognizable original substances . . .

[babydoctor]

Ugh. I have to comment on this. Seriously? Is it because girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice?? Sheesh.

Never had a sweet tooth in my life, despite my vagina. Have you ever met a woman that doesn't love french fries? Or a man who doesn't inhale their brownies? Please.

[bbqboy]

what about the beer nuts?

[Passadumkeg]

Sheesh! What kind of brownies?

[cmztrav]

That's just cultural baloney, no need to get all militant about it. I know not one man who will spontaneously wax poetic on sweet foods. But they will eat them until they are sick if you serve them. I know many women who wax poetic on sweet foods. They eat less of that than the men I have over, by far. It's just not that simple. But thank you for injecting your VAGINA into our food discussion, I bet a lot of people appreciated that. Can we start talking about Penises too now? After all, if it's not EXACTLY EVEN IT MUST BE SEXIST.

I'm a woman and I have no sweet tooth. I like french fries and burritos. I don't believe this preference is tied to my gender. And I don't get pissed off at my female friends for talking about chocolate, or at my male friends for eating chocolate.

[Jay F]

"Vienna sausage reminds me of boy scout camping trips."

Not touching that with a 2-inch pole.

[Passadumkeg]

As a child, you perv! I haven't eaten VS since the Pres. Kennedy 50 mi hikes. That dates me.

[Jay F]

I can honestly say I've never eaten a VS. I don't like hot dogs of any sort, either. I've tried, as recently as this summer, but they're gross. The best thing I can say about hot dogs is that they're a rather efficient delivery system for ketchup, French's-style mustard (the screaming yellow stuff), and relish.

[mamachef]

Braaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahaha pepsi feels AWFUL when it comes out my nose.

[Perilagu Khan]

Lone Star Light is little better.

[Passadumkeg]

Drinking "lite" beer is like making love w/ ones clothes on; what's the point? Aughta be illegal
The Keg

[nvcook]

There used to be a bar outside of town (famous for hiding Claude Dallas) that if you asked the bartender/owner for a light beer, he would take a regular beer , pour half out and fill the canback up wirh water.

[Passadumkeg]

Urban myth: The Crown & Anchor in LV would throw you out!

[ttoommyy]

Which reminds me of an old restaurant trick we used to use:
If a customer asked for gingerale and we didn't have it, some servers would fill the glass with Sprite and add a splash of Coke to color it like gingerale. With the generic gingerale that is served in most restaurants, nobody ever noticed.

[Firegoat]

I am intrigued by this ... and now will have to go get some sprite and try it

[Perilagu Khan]

Tabasco-flavored Slim Jims are viands of the Gods. Well, redneck Gods, anyway. And I could honestly live a fairly happy life eating nothing but jerky and quaffing Lone Star Light.

[buttertart]

We already know you breathe and sweat testosterone, my man. (Insert wink here)
(Tabasco-flavored might be OK, come to think of it...hmm...)

[AnchovyBourdain]

At first I read that as 'tobacco-flavored Slim Jims' and it didn't even sound half bad...

[Perilagu Khan]

Smoke on smoke--not a bad idea at all.

[mpjmph]

Until very recently all of the Slim Jims in the world were made in North Carolina, so tobacco-flavored Slim Jims aren't much of a stretch... Alas, there was a natural gas explosion at the plant and ConAgra set up emergency Slim Jim production in Ohio, then realized it would be cheaper to just close the NC plant entirely. And now all the Slim Jims are made in Ohio...

[buttertart]

The packaging is very off-putting (like that of the Beer Nuts of yore). How about a Virginia Slim Jim?

[Perilagu Khan]

You've come a long way, my buttertartlet. ;)

[bbqboy]

Hey, Slim Jim and Beer Nuts and one has a complete meal!
Don't know what an equivalent Female version would entail. :)

[Perilagu Khan]

Granola bars and wasabi peas?

[buttertart]

Not for this female.

[mamachef]

Fairly happy, but fairly short and fairly drunk. : )

[Whosyerkitty]

I heart Beer Nuts!

[ilikefood]

OP: "I'm 49 and have NEVER tasted a Chef Boyardee product "
Take a few minutes to recall and think about the best Italian meals you've ever had ..., home cooked by your Italian mother and other relatives..... hopefully you have fond memories of fine meals in Italy.....the freshest best ingredients, the pastas handmade with care and love, the wonderful flavors.
Well, Chef Boyadee IS EXACTLY like those.

[Passadumkeg]

I'm 63 and I've never been to a COSTCO.

[buttertart]

ilike ilikefood's post! a stellar career in advertising awaits...

[mamachef]

OMG that's the funniest thing I've ever read on CH!!

[mamachef]

My mom wasn't a particularly good cook, but she wasn't into "feeding bourgouise food" to us, so we never had things like Chef Boyardee at home; she'd be way more likely to do creamed tuna on toast (tuna, mushroom soup, peas, etc.), like that wasn't all just canned food too!! I was sooooooooo jealous of classmates who got beefaronis and things like that. The canned tamales also looked good; never once did i get to taste them. : ( I was also really interested in canned chicken ala king, but she hit the brakes there too. Chunky soups, absolutely not. Maybe Campbell's chicken noodle or tomato. Interestingly enough, she had Velveeta in the house at all times, so we were definitely getting mixed messages about what was considered okay and what wasn't. To this DAY I can't eat green grapes without feeling guilty, or iceberg lettuce. Oy.

[Perilagu Khan]

Canned tamales are oddly good, but obviously a completely different animal from the real enchilada.

[AnchovyBourdain]

Forgot to add Cheez Whiz.
When I see the ads with the gloopy sheets of thick orange slop oozing all over broccoli and hotdogs I feel numb.

[mpjmph]

Even as a kid I couldn't understand why people would ruin perfectly good broccoli with cheez. Or ranch dressing. I've never eaten ranch dressing.

[c oliver]

Almost 20 years ago we moved from SF to So. Oregon and were introduced to ranch dressing as a "condiment" for pizza! You just barely dip the upcoming bite into it. It's honestly pretty tasty. Next time we're up there I'll have to try that again.

[beachmouse]

You're going on the assumption that there is such a thing as 'perfectly good broccoli'. The only way I've ever found that vegetable tolerable is indeed buried under a cheese coating which manages to disguise its inherent vileness.

[AnchovyBourdain]

I was 23 the first time I ate a Big Mac and it never happened since in 12 years.

[princeofpork]

You are missing out on one of the greatest food creations of the 20th century.

[AnchovyBourdain]

I just like the McChicken better...

[Perilagu Khan]

I'm a Quarterpounder w/Cheese man, myself.

[Passadumkeg]

PK, only because Lotaburger is to far away.

[Perilagu Khan]

If they'd branch into West Texas I'd surely provide them with some bidniss. That said, good old Texas burger stands manage to crank out some mean burgers even without the green chile. As for Micky D's and the occasional QPC, every now and then I just get the craving and nothing else will do. Same goes for the CB Rav in the can. Can't really explain it. Imagine it is some combination of biological and psychological factors, but that could be said for most of our predilections and antipathies.

[FrankD]

Must agree on the McD thing. About every six months, I see a commercial for a Big Mac on TV, and they look so good and so big; then I go get one, and the first few bites while it's hot taste really good. By the time I'm finishing it, though, I'm remembering why it was six months since I had one.

[Passadumkeg]

LOTTABURGER is the only chain I frequent. I think, no, I know 'Nam had its effect and I crave real food. I want a burger, I go get a real burger.
I have a real aversion to food in cans, that I did not have before Viet Nam.
I enjoyed CB Rav as a kid, but no mo'.

[linguafood]

+1, tho we call it royal with cheese '-)

[julesincoq]

Funny I am 44 and I have never had one! If someone else had one I might like to try a bit cause I'm curious but it just looks tooo ummm like sausyish. I'm not a huge fan of mayo on a burger so that just look too drippy to me. But I should try it 'their way' just for the experience.

As far as the canned ravioli stuff though I think I will just say no. It smells bad.

[ZenSojourner]

I, thank god, have never eaten a Big Mac. Or a Whopper. Or a McFish.

*shudder*

[Perilagu Khan]

Fair enough. I feel the same way about organ meats. To me they are repellent on their face and I have no desire to subject myself to them.

[ZenSojourner]

I'm half-kidding. But only half-kidding.

I would, I will have to say, far rather eat a Big Mac, or even a Whopper, than be faced with having to scarf down any variety of "organ meat".

*SHUDDER*

You can tell that's a REAL shudder, cuz it's in caps.

[alanbarnes]

Not even skirt steak? It's an internal organ - the diaphragm, to be precise.

Me, I love offal. Can't get enough sweetbreads. Or heart. Tripe and intestines are yummy, and liver can be great, too. I've never had a kidney preparation that did it for me, although I can imagine them being tasty. Spleen, on the other hand, is the most disgusting thing I've ever put in my mouth.

That's the downside to being willing to try anything - you occasionally get something that's just nasty. But the upside is finding new and interesting flavors and textures, and for me it far outweighs the downside, since truly vile dishes are few and far between.

So go out there and try yourself some grilled beef heart. Or foie gras. Or sweetbreads. Once you've introduced yourself to "gateway" offal, you can move on to a big steaming bowl of menudo or some pho with book tripe and tendons. And from there? Maybe you'll even like spleen.

[ZenSojourner]

I barely eat plain old MEAT.

The other stuff you mention is RIGHT out.

Not ever going to try haggis either.

*SHUDDER* *SHUDDER* *SHUDDER*

[ZenSojourner]

And while we're at it,

LUTEFISK.

I have a Norwegian friend who reproaches me for merely MENTIONING the Dreaded Lutefisk.

How to eat lutefisk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7X6Z_...

[bbqboy]

lutefisk+
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.asp...

[Passadumkeg]

Get a new Norwegian source. I know Americans that don't like hamburgers, hot dog, of pizza.
It is very mild in flavor.
What do you like, ZJ?

[Perilagu Khan]

Didn't know that about skirt steak. But frankly, it's far from my favorite cut of meat. I go to Mexican and Tex-Mex restos on a regular basis but seldom order fajitas. And the ones I've made have been culinary fiascos.

As for my "philosophy" on this, all I can say as that I know my tastes very well. Based upon what I've liked and disliked in the past, and what I know about a given dish or ingredient, I can predict with ca. 95% accuracy whether or not I will like it. And for me the odd pleasant surprise is not worth the manifold other experiences of revulsion.

Different strokes.

[Passadumkeg]

Funny. And I would rather eat freshly prepared organ meat than anything in a can or by a chain.
I wonder if shrinks read these posts for personal pleasure.

[Perilagu Khan]

Like I said, different strokes. One thing my time on CH has made crystal clear is that food preferences are deep, complex, and intensely personal. Obvious, I know, but CH has driven this home in a powerful way.

[Passadumkeg]

No disagreement, neighbor.

[julesincoq]

I had a mcfish thing once! I was hung over and it was the best food I'd ever had in my life!! I loved it. Can't for the life of me see why now. Over processed icky mayo covered grease patty. Go figure - it's good hang over food.

[mjhals]

We (my twin brother and I) used to get Burger King when our parents went out and left us with a babysitter, but I literally hadn't had it since I was ten or so (or whatever age they let us fend for ourselves, I have no idea). Anyway, two weeks ago, went to Vegas for my anniversary and in the airport on the way back I started CRAVING BK. Up and left my husband waiting for our flight to go get some- he was shocked. I almost never eat fastfood and I literally marched like a zombie over to BK. And then I hated it, it was weird.

[ZenSojourner]

Who says subliminal advertising doesn't work???

[buttertart]

So ttoommyy, your worst food nightmare would be being forced to eat Chef Boyardee heated up by someone you didn't know well? (Couldn't resist. Kidding.)

[ttoommyy]

ABSOLUTELY!!! lol!!!

[buttertart]

I kid because I love. ;-)

[NellyNel]

LOL!!!!!!!!!

[alanbarnes]

Nope. I want to try everything at least once before I die, from Spaghetti-Os to Thomas Keller's "Oysters and Pearls" to dry-fried Szichuan pig intestines. None of those were on the culinary radar growing up. But why not try it?

My mom refused to have Chef Boy-Ar-Dee products in the house, but a few years back my daughter had some of the canned ravioli at a friends' house and wanted to give it another try. So I had a taste too. Not an experience I plan to repeat in the near future. Or ever. Spaghetti-Os don't suck as much, but neither are they something I'm going to seek out.

On the other hand, I didn't have SPAM until around age 40, and it's become a fixture around the house. Fried up crisp with eggs and rice for breakfast, or glazed with teriyaki and pressed into musubi - mmmm, salty fatty porky goodness.

It bothers me when anybody turns up their nose at a dish, whether because it's strange or because it's "inferior." Sure, fresh-prepared traditional ramen is **better** than the stuff in the cello-paks. But then Mozart's K364 is **better** music than The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop." That doesn't mean you cant enjoy a little three-chord head-banging fun now and then.

So if there's something you haven't ever been exposed to, why not give it a shot? Whether it's foie gras or Dennison's chili, try it - you might like it! And while there are barriers to entry for some foods (those who haven't ever eaten truffles should probably avoid bidding on them at auction), the worst that can happen if you don't care for a cheap mass-produced food is that you toss it in the trash.

I'm vehemently opposed to wasting food. But IMO the only thing worse from a Chowhound perspective is refusing to try a food because you might not like it.

[Veggo]

I never tried sweetbreads until this year, and now I can't get enough.

[FrankD]

"Sure, fresh-prepared traditional ramen is **better** than the stuff in the cello-paks."

Yes, you're right, and you're also right that the cello-pak stuff has its time and place. When it's a cold snowy day, and you're wet, tired, and chilly after shoveling all the snow off the driveway, a piping hot bowl of instant beef ramen (fortified with a few frozen vegetables, some thin slices of rare beef, and a splash of beef broth in addition to the "flavour" packet) takes about 4 minutes to make, and doesn't taste near as bad as one might think. I make the chicken stuff in much the same way, except it gets a shot of sweet chili sauce as well. It might not be right up there in the delicious department, but for around $1 for a huge serving (including the added meat and veg), it has a place in flavour/value rankings.

[ttoommyy]

"But then Mozart's K364 is **better** music than The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop."

I beg to differ! I can sing all the words to Blitzkrieg Bop but haven't a clue as to what Mozart's K364 even is. Give me some classic punk over that long-haired classical stuff anytime! :)

[alanbarnes]

I listen to Tim McIlrath a lot more than Isaac Stern, but my take on music is similar to my take on food - keep coming back to what you like, but try everything because you might find something new you want to keep coming back to. Otherwise you might as well listen to top 40 and eat at Applebee's, where everything is safe, familiar, and excruciatingly boring.

K364 is the "Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra in E Flat Major." An absolutely brilliant piece of music. Here's the beginning - give it a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJuabu...

[tcamp]

ITA with this approach to life. That said, I think Chef Boyardee is gross and I do not plan on (but don't categorically rule out) eating it ever again.

I'm also not too keen on eating brains again. Otherwise, bring it on.

[linguafood]

gotta disagree on the ramones, man. mozart was just an earlier, poppier version.

never had:
slim jims
spam
frozen dinners
rice-a-roni
twinkies and assorted other candy

but i didn't grow up in the US, so..... sure, mom would "make" canned ravioli on occasion, and i am pretty sure the German version isn't any better tasting than the American.

[Jay F]

I wonder if CBRD's products weren't maybe a little better back in the '50s and '60s.

[julesincoq]

Certainly better than pot roast and green jello salad!!!

[Jay F]

Thankfully, my mother never put anything in jello.

[tcamp]

Pot roast and green jello skeeves me a bit but my mom had a whole roster of jello-fruit combinations: Mandarine oranges + orange jello; canned pears and red jello; canned fruit cocktail and green jello. Quite yummy.

[buttertart]

We had the fruit and too...canned peaches and raspberry. I was surprised to see it served as salad when I first went to Iowa, we had it as dessert.

[jfood]

When jfood was growing up he loved beef-a-roni. It was one of the saving meals, cooked in a presto popcorn popper, in college. Every now and then he also ate the cheese ravioli. Every now and then he stares at the cans in the grocer and thinks maybe he will. But then he thinks of all the things that tasted great way back when and taste horribly now.

Now onto the things he has never tried:

spam
ramen noodles
most healthy cereals
most frozen dinners (carve out mrs swansons tv dinners, pot pies and celentano)
most of trader joes

and until recently head cheese

[Sumodo]

I have never had SPAM. Never. Didn't have a Slim Jim or Beef Jerky until I was about 30.

[Bob W]

My parents kept kosher in the house, and SPAM was not exactly something you'd order in a restaurant (like, say, bacon), so I never had the pleasure of trying it either.

I think I might have tried Underwood Deviled Ham at some point, though.

Never had Dinty Moore Stew either. Just not a big "meat in the can" sort of guy.

Now, Slim Jims. That's good eatin'.

[ZenSojourner]

Slim Jim ingredients: beef, mechanically separated chicken, water, corn syrup, salt, less than 2% of: spices, dextrose, paprika and paprika extractives, flavoring, hydrolyzed soy, corn and wheat proteins, lactic acid starter culture, sodium nitrite. Contains soy and wheat

"Mechanically separated chicken" was defined in another recent thread, "Offal - or Awful - in a can". Hydrolized soy breaks down into MSG.

[c oliver]

No wonder I liked them so much :)

[ZenSojourner]

Probably. Most of the ingredients are "flavor enhancers", LOL!

[c oliver]

As I age, I'm always hoping that there are plenty of preservatives in the food I eat.

[ZenSojourner]

I have had that thought at times as well. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, the effect has probably been to tan my insides while my outsides continue to deteriorate at a faster rate than I might desire.

: (

[julesincoq]

Chef-Boy-Ardee
Kraft Dinner
Instant noodles of any kind
Rice a Roni
Hamburger helper
Jarred pasta sauce

My mum never bought stuff that was a mix or came in a can at all. As a result I just don't either. There are a few campbell's soups (bean with bacon is my junk food - make it with milk ) that I like and I don't make my own pesto any more. Can't really think of any other pre-made foods that I buy. Oh yes - I buy soup stock and sometimes salad dressings.

[princeofpork]

Really? You make your own pasta all the time. I am impressed.
You make your own ketchup and mustard, press your own olive oil too.

[julesincoq]

That was a little snarky.
I don't eat pasta
I don't eat ketchup.
Yes I have made my own mustard but there are some yummy ones that I buy too.
That ok?
Press my own olive oil? Now you are just being silly.

[ZenSojourner]

You don't eat pasta?

EVER?

Wow!

[Jay F]

"Wow!" is right. Never eating pasta? I would be another person. Not me. It's always been my favorite food.

[julesincoq]

It's not really that remarkable. I grew up without pasta because I was misdiagnosed with Celiac so all wheat products were eliminated from my diet. When I found out I really was allowed to have wheat, pasta just never held any appeal. I see it as a delivery device for good sauce and veggies so I skip the pasta and just add more veggies to good sauce. Honestly I don't see the attraction. I'd rather have quinoa, brown rice, couscous or something grainier like that and even that is not very often.

[ZenSojourner]

It's not surprising, with your history, but it IS sort of remarkable. Pasta is ubiquitous in this country. I don't think I've ever met anyone before who has never eaten pasta. They may HATE it, but they've at least eaten it somewhere along the line.

Of course the celiac misdiagnosis explains that, as would an allergy or other medical condition.

[Perilagu Khan]

I've never eaten a PBJ. How's THAT for nutz?

[linguafood]

Dito on the PBJ. Stupid sandwich idea.

[julesincoq]

Nooo!! Growing up without bread I sooo wanted to have PBJ sandwiches that I spread pb on a slice of cheese, added raspberry jam and another slice of cheese. It was a pbj cheese sandwich. Now that was misguided. But still, for an 8 year old, kinda good. I did it more than once. Now that I can have bread I do have toasted pbj on a chilly sunday morning once a year or so. It's a secret treat.

[princeofpork]

Secret treat? why? I eat that 4 times a week. On whole wheat it itsfull of protein and low in fat and very filling. It a great breakfast.

[Passadumkeg]

Peanut butter on regular Shredded Wheat and covered w/ hot milk is a winter treat in the icy far north.

[bbqboy]

that's plain weird but sounds intriguingly delicious.
Any other toppings allowed?

[Passadumkeg]

Depends, if one is a German National Socialist Party member, no. All others go for it.
The hot milk melts the peanut butter. Wicked good on a subzero morning.

[princeofpork]

Loved Stouffers French Bread Pizza. Used to come home from school and eat both that came in the box. Burned my mouth everytime. Recently checked the fat content and was blown away.
Also loved the Swanson Chicken Pot Pies. Took like 50 min in the oven because there were no microwaves at the time. Burned my mouth on those too.

[silkenpaw]

I've never had most American convenience foods cos I'm a damn furrner and my mother never knew you were supposed to eat that stuff. The ones I HAVE tasted have all been repulsive (overcooked pasta and vegetables, rubbery textured cakes, dry meat patties). Yuck.

[julesincoq]

I'm with you. I smelled that pasta in a can stuff before and it smelled horrible. And Kraft dinner..don't get me started...seriously? Is it that hard to grate cheese and make it real. Powdered cheese - blech!!

[NellyNel]

I LOVE Kraft M & C - and I am not ashamed to say so.
Nothing compares to it.
It has to be the powdered version too, not the Delux version.
Real Mac & cheese is delicious - sure - but its not the same thing IMO

Last week I woke up in the middle of the night with a massive craving. I got up, prepared a box, ate the entire thing, and went back to bed. Happy as a clam!

BTW - I am usually, a very healthy eater and this kind of behaviour is extremely out of the ordinary.....but sometimes - ya just gotta treat yourself!

[Perilagu Khan]

It's also great cold.

[NellyNel]

I wouldnt know that really because usually I eat the box in its entirety all at once!!

(no - I know - it is good cold)

[ZenSojourner]

I do like the KM&C, but I really need it to be at least warm. Just a foible of mine, I guess, LOL!

[NellyNel]

lol!

Come on - admit it - it WOULD be sad if someone out there hasnt' ever even tried KM &C!! - Right?

:)

[ZenSojourner]

Nope. It just means more of the Good Stuff for ME!

>:D

[mamachef]

Also just great if you let it get cold, mix in an egg, make it into patties, bread them and saute them. Talk about gilding the lily and unnecessary work, though, for a product which is virtually perfect just the way it is.

[NellyNel]

Sounds pretty good though!
But I feel guilty enough eating it as it is!!

I have a box in the cubbard now burning a hole it in...

[c oliver]

BUT the delux version is great if you're snowed in and are out of milk. That happened when the girls, now in their 30s, were little.

[NellyNel]

Do you know - I never use milk anymore - or butter for that matter...I use a bit of white wine!
Its delicious. i got that idea here from a fellow hound..
If I don't have wine, I just mix the cheese in dry...no need for the extra calories - eating the box is bad enough!

[c oliver]

Wow! I ALWAYS have wine even if I don't have milk :)

[macca]

I've never had spagetti'os, never had "thankgiving" green bean casserole or sweet potato with marshmellow casserole. I will admit, though, I used to like beef a roni when I was a kid!

[ttoommyy]

"never had "thankgiving" green bean casserole or sweet potato with marshmellow casserole."

I never had these either until as an adult I went to freinds houses and had them.

[macca]

Guess i have been lucky! We always had Thansgiving at my grandmothers house, then my moms, and now my mom and I host it. So i guess that is why i have been lucky so far. And the rest of my immediate family (25+) can carry this on in years to come!

[bbqboy]

Green Bean casserole and Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow are wonderful, and an essential part of the American experience..Why you'd feel happy denying yourself this
is beyond me.

[macca]

Never had the desire to try either! I love green beans- but like them simply steamed with S/P and butter. Eat sweet potatoes at least once per week- but I like them baked in tin foil, then mashed with butter. They stay nice and dry.

[DishDelish]

I love green bean casserole (with fresh green beans and homemade mushroom sauce but canned anything is so-so). As for sweet potatoes with marsh mellows ... yuck! I do like a creamy buttery sweet potato casserole topped with cinnamony streusel rice crispy topping though. It's a once a year indulgence. :)

[Jay F]

I grew up in North Jersey, and I never even heard of the canned green bean casserole until I was in my 40s.

[buttertart]

I think it's midwestern in origin.

[Jay F]

That makes sense. I only heard about it in Pittsburgh, though not until the 2000s.

[ZenSojourner]

I don't know about origins, but it was sure a popular item in the midwest.

[buttertart]

Don't I know it (husband of a kajillion years grew up in Iowa...).

[Perilagu Khan]

Very popular in Texas, too. Have thus far been unable to summon up the courage to try the stuff despite umpteen opportunities to do so.

[c oliver]

I grew up in Atlanta in the 50s/60s and our family certainly had it.

[decolady]

Origin and history of Green Bean Bake:

http://decolady-randommusings.blogspo...

[NellyNel]

Me either,
Though, our Thasnksgiving menu was somewhat Americanized - it still had Italian American overtones!

[ttoommyy]

Yes, we always had stuffed artichokes and stuffed mushrooms, lasagna, meatballs, sausage, etc. right alongside the turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, et al. My god, no wonder I've struggled with my weight all my life! lol

[NellyNel]

Yep!!!
We started with: anit-paste - roasted peppers, provolone, dried sausage, rice balls and potato croquettes (home-made by grandpa) etc.
Then we had lasagna with meatballs
Then we had the turkey...sweet potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, canned cranberry sauce...hmmm what else?? corn maybe...whatever else...stuffing...

Then we had dessert (an array - of course!)
Then nuts and fruit

THEN - around 8:00pm - grandma brought out the stuffed artichokes!!!

Yikes!
It must have cost a small fortune!

[ttoommyy]

Are we related????? That is just about the same menu and order of our Thanksgiving feasts. Plus, it was all served on a kitchen table in our humble apartment in Jersey City, NJ with about 20 people seated on various objects serving as chairs. And of course...there was the children's table!

[NellyNel]

LOL!!
Exactly!
The only thing different is the JC part ! I'm from Brooklyn!!!
hee hee!!

[yfunk3]

Green bean casserole is a bazillion times better when you use fresh green beans and not the canned, mushy ones the recipe calls for! Of course, you need to blanch the beans a bit before mixing with the other ingredients to get them to the right, cooked consistency...unless you like them crunchy! But yeah, fresh green beans...all the way. :o)

[ChrisOC]

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the "bean glop"

[DishDelish]

Pop tarts almost made the list ... but years ago I had breakfast at a friends home and that was my only option.
I haven't tried almost every sugar filled cereal known to the average American child (thanks goes to my Mother for this) and when I did for the first time it was a horrible experience ... there aren't words (can't recall exactly, but I think it was fruit loops?) I used have a bit of a struggle with my hubby on this issue ... but I just didn't want my children to like that garbage. I even threw out a box once when DH brought it home (after about a week of cringing at it in the cupboard every morning) to save the children.
I also never tried spam until I married a Hawaiian. :) He actually cooked it for me so I would give it a chance and it tasted good cooked in the syrup w/ pancakes. I was surprised. Did you know that the Andrew Zimmern can't stand Spam? I guess this makes me pretty adventurous!

[ttoommyy]

We had Spam as a staple in my house...lol. I guess my father got a taste for it in the Army.

[DishDelish]

Ahh yes army rations. :) I still can not convince my sister to try it which is funny because she loves Vienna sausages.

[c oliver]

Sam taught me about Spam musubi. The day after he died we had it for breakfast in his memory. I have the gizmo but haven't made it yet. Spam is wildly popular in Hawaii and Japan. Heavily peppered and fried, with rice and a fried egg, it's one of the best breakfasts ever. Thanks for that, alanbarnes.

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Histor...

[ttoommyy]

I'm not allowed to eat Pop Tarts as an adult. That's self imposed. We never really had them in my house as a kid, but as late teen (18+) spending many a night out drinking, I remember binging on them early in the morning (2am an on). I developed such a taste for them that if I even smell a Pop Tart now I go crazy. I just know if I have just one, I will be hooked again!

[DishDelish]

Haha! Yes, I have the same rule over myself. I hear they are really good toasted over a campfire though. ;)

[Passadumkeg]

I was only forced to eat SPAM in the military and am phobic bout it. It also spell MAPS and tastes like them.

[ZenSojourner]

My Father, who was in the Army Air Corp in WWII, actually DEVELOPED a taste for Spam while stationed overseas.

He says they looked forward to it being on the menu!

Of course his generation grew up without refrigeration and many other boons of the modern world so meat in a can was probably a way to get some meat without having it up and spoil on you. He also liked sh** on a shingle. (Creamed chip beef)

There's a recipe at:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook...

If anybody's hungry!

[Passadumkeg]

Nope, bad memories.
Bad times,
SPAM and 'Nam,
What the Pho?

What are steakums?
Hamburger helper.
Kraft Mac & cheese
Jazz up my own Ramen, throw away the packet, use the noodles.
One Pop Tart was 2 too many.
I ain't no Manwitch.

[gaffk]

steakums are frozed shaved beef "sheets"(?)--not sure what the term for it's frozen form would be. Used to make Philly cheesesteak-like sandwiches. Not bad if you don't have access to the real thing (like those years I live in southern Ohio), but unthinkable here in the Philly area.

Actually, I shouldn't say "unthinkable"--they are sold here.

[AnchovyBourdain]

Are Steak Um similar to Chinese hot pot-style thin sliced meats?

I keep seeing this in Philly steak recipes but i don't think we have this in Montreal and i'd be happy to find an easy replacement.

[gaffk]

Not familiar with hot pot meat--but if it's steak tthat is VERY thinly sliced, then yes, it would be a good replacement.

[FrankD]

I can find Steak-Ums at a few different grocery stores in Toronto; I'd suspect they'd be available in Montreal, but one never knows.. (anyone looking at the cheese selection in the most pedestrian Montreal grocery is in for a shock when they encounter the cheese section in most Toronto groceries). And, if you don't have the knife skills to really shave beef thin, SteakUms make a very fast cheese steak sandwich - they cook on the grill in about 30 seconds (you have to start the onions and toast the bun first), and they sit quietly in your freezer until you need them.

[yfunk3]

Steak Ums are kinda like a reconstituted ground beef product shaped into thin, durable sheets so that they will make an emergency cheesesteak should you not feel up to cutting your own beef or buying real beef sliced thinly.

It wasn't horrendous, but it wasn't...great. When you're hungry and young, though... heh heh.

[Perilagu Khan]

Used to love Steam-ums, but haven't had "um" in years. May just have to give "um" another whirl.

[macca]

Forgot all about Spam! My mother used to make a ham salad with spam. she grated the Spam in a meat grinder that attached to the kitchen table ( I still have the grinder- it is 60+ years old), grated onion, sweet pickles and mayo. Used to love it. Havent had is in years.

[Passadumkeg]

I got 2 of the old and one electric grinders for make sausages. Elk, red chile sausage coming up!

[macca]

I dont think this grinder will ever die! It was originally my grandmothers.

[buttertart]

That's something of my mom's I wish I had. I hope my sister-in-law scored it.

[macca]

i have lots of kitchen "stuff" from my grandmother- my cast iron pans are probably my favorite. Also have a glass juicer that I love to use- i think it is probably worth a few bucks, but I have to use it anyway- would be wasted sitting in a cabinet. Also have four turkey S/P shakers and a meat platter with a big turkey on it. Love taking them out for Thanksgiving. My brothers and I always loved them as kids, now our kids love them.

[Jay F]

My mother made something she called a "Spam omelet" (nothing French about my mother's "omelet): scrambled eggs, velveeta, and spam. My mother didn't know you had to move the eggs around, so the whole thing sat in a pan until the top cooked up from the bottom.

[mpjmph]

She just had the wrong language, should have called it a Spam frittata :)

[Jay F]

Technically, yeah. It was a frittata. But at the heat she had the burner turned up to... Oy.

However, in 1970-71, she saw the light and started watching Julia and cooking out of the French Chef cookbook. All was forgiven. And I never ate CBRD again. I think I really haven't had it.

[FrankD]

Did she ever try Lobster Thermidor a Crevette with a mornay sauce served in a Provencale manner with shallots and aubergines garnished with truffle pate, brandy and with a fried egg on top, served with Spam?

[yfunk3]

I DON'T LIKE SPAM!!!!!

Actually, I love Spam. And Monty Python... :o)

I often make Spam fried rice if I don't have another meat in the fridge/freezer. Good stuff. Also great just fried in a pan with oil until super crispy and eaten with white jasmine rice. Which is why I adore spam musubi. The Hawaiians know, man. The Hawaiians know...

[Passadumkeg]

Sorry, know..... not. SPAM: an evil offshoot of the Imperialist militaristic empire cloaked in traditional foods. Very sadistically clever.

sounds like a lot of Hawaiian Spam-aLot to me.

[yfunk3]

Or, you know, a cheap alternative for those who can't afford big cuts of meat in the ESort of like apple pie in the United States.

But nice try.

[Perilagu Khan]

Tried Spam once. Regrettably, it was not to my taste.

[Jay F]

What'll you do if I say "yes"?

[FrankD]

Eat a Klondike Bar... with spam!

[NellyNel]

lol!
I used to love "um" too!!!!
and also havent had "um" in years!!!!

[DishDelish]

lol, so I am adventurous then!

[Cheese Boy]

Yep, and it was only until recently that I finally tried it -- LIVERWURST. I have to admit that it's pretty tasty considering its contents. Also, any Chef Boyardee raviolis we ate were eaten while we were in the school lunch program because Chef Boyardee wasn't welcome in our home either.

[bbqboy]

you'll like this thread:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6120...

[yfunk3]

I still love a good Chef Boyardee meal once in a blue moon when I'm feeling lazy and just want something I can microwave. Grew up eating them, plus lots of frozen foods and such since me and the siblings were latchkey kids and my grandma only knew how to make very, very basic Chinese peasant food.

I also have to laugh and shake my head when people liken letting your children eat such foods to child abuse because every kid totally lives and grows up in the same environment, with the same type of parents, in the same economic bracket, in the same culture, etc, right? Lighten up. As long as the kids aren't going hungry and eating stuff that's truly making them morbidly obese and unhealthy (i.e. fried and greasy foods with no vegetables for every single meal), then be happy that you got better, homemade food than others and let others like what they like/have available to eat.

[Perilagu Khan]

Amen to that, yfunk.

[taos]

I've never had any of these and hundreds of more. I don't think it's that unusual. The only time I ever had a sloppy joe was when it was served in school lunch by the cafeteria ladies and I don't think they used Manwich.

A more interesting topic might be, what mainstream food item, not a specific brand of food, have you never had? For example, I have never eaten cotton candy. When I was a kid my parents wouldn't let me and now I'm not interested in it. I have also never eaten Brussels sprouts. When I was a kid they seemed gross and I have not gotten around to trying them.

[ttoommyy]

"A more interesting topic might be, what mainstream food item, not a specific brand of food, have you never had?"

But that's not the topic I posted and it seems like people are enjoying this one. :)

[bbqboy]

I like it. Vastly different experiences.
My parents and siblings loved food and we cooked and ate out with great zeal,
I'll wager you've never had a TV dinner either?

[ttoommyy]

I've had plenty of TV dinners. They were unique to my Italian-American family when I was growing up in the 60s and they were allowed. Go figure.

[bbqboy]

cool! So it was just the Italian food your mom was worried about. :)
Italian food was a Restaurant Treat for us, other than Spaghetti w/meat(hamburger) sauce.
I still remember my sister coming home from college, excited to make us Manicotti.
Her prof in Italian had made the whole class a meal of them and she shared her
new experience.(1965 or so) Who knew such wonderfulness existed?

[ttoommyy]

Yes, it was mostly the Italian food that we would never buy canned, frozen, etc. Why would we when it was just a normal part of our everyday diet? But in the late 60s and early 70s, I must admit my family experimented with dangerous substances...Hamburger Helper and Rice-A-Roni!

[NellyNel]

Same here.
Canned pasta products and jarred sauces were NEVER considered in my IA household, but we had all the other stuff, like tv dinners, canned corn, etc..

[ttoommyy]

Same here. My mother was a great cook and made a lot from scratch, but if a particularly interesting new product came on the market, she usually tried it (unless it was a prefab version of Italian food, then we just laughed at it). This was in the 60s and 70s and all those new-fangled convenience foods were fun!

[ospreycove]

As I stated in a previous post fast food, Never....BUT Swanson T.V Dinners WOW!! everytime my parents would go out ..........
It Was Babysitter and T.V dinners my favs were turkey and the fried chix, all complete even the dessert(hot sweet apple glop).

[Perilagu Khan]

Loved the Salisbury steak and the turkey and dressing. Hell, I would still gobble that stuff up given half the chance.

[boyzoma]

Since my folks owned a "mom & pop" grocery store in a one-trick pony town, and our house was attached to the store, I don't think there was much of anything I didn't try. No matter if it was in a can (I remember liking CB mac & cheese - but can't even imagine trying it now) or in the freezer (good old Swanson TV dinners, etc.). For dessert I would open a small jar of pimento stuffed olives and eat the whole thing. I wore out my sweet tooth early in life.

[taos]

Fair enough. I was just surprised that so many people would be interested. I didn't realize that eating Chef Boyardee was assumed to be so ubiquitous.

I stand both corrected and surprised.

[ttoommyy]

Thanks taos.
The Chef Boyardee thing was very prevalent in my NJ neighborhood while growing up in the late 60s and very early 70s. In fact, I remember a kid in grammar school being nicknamed "ravioli" because he came back to school after lunch (we went home, no school caf) with "Chef Boyardee ravioli on his breath" as some kids noticed! lol

[Perilagu Khan]

CB's longstanding commercial success testifies to its near ubiquity.

[auburnselkie]

I've never had Chef Boyardee, nor the Manwich stuff either (although I BEGGED my long-suffering Mom for both. I'd buy her copies of Family Circle with my allowance money and say, "See? This is what we're supposed to eat!"). I also shocked a dear friend today by telling him I have never tasted a Twinkie. By the time I was out of the house and could make whatever I wanted, I didn't want that stuff any longer. I still love Stouffer's french bread pizzas, though.

[Perilagu Khan]

Sloppy Joes are one of the few "evil" foods I never took a shine to.

[ttoommyy]

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I have made sloppy Joes from scratch and now they are a staple for us. I use ground turkey, diced onion and red pepper, and the sauce is a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, prepared mustard, a pinch of ground cloves, salt and pepper. Served on a good hearty roll with a slice of cheddar, they are quite tasty!

[Perilagu Khan]

I might be able to handle those Joes if the sugar and ketchup are not too heavy. Generally speaking, I don't like the combo of sweet and savory. Hence my virulent aversion to sweet and sour pork.

[ttoommyy]

Ah, I see. It's only a tablespoon of brown sugar, but the ketchup is sweet to begin with. It's definitely a sweet & savory taste though.

[c oliver]

Thanks for jfood, I know what a Jersey-style Sloppy Joe is:

http://www.seriouseats.com/2007/08/se...

Next time we're in NYC, I'm making a road trip for one of these.

[James Cristinian]

The first thing I learned to cook was their pizza in a box back in the 60's when I was ten or so. You had to mix the dough, add the sauce and cheese and bake. The challenge was getting the dough to cover the pizza pan, it tought a ten year old a little patience. I still look longingly at the boxes at the grocery store, and as soon as the weather cools off I'm going to crank up the oven and make one.

[Perilagu Khan]

Yep, I remember having the same problem as a kiddo, and believe it or not, I was so traumatized that I was chary of trying the CB pizza even as an adult. Try it I did, though, and gained proof that my cooking skills are indeed better than they were 35 years ago. ;)

[Caroline1]

I had Spaghetti-O's once. I can't remember where or why, but it came in a small individual serving size can, was heated in a pan and served in a bowl. My first mouthful was forced down with gargantuan effort and a second bite never crossed my lips. Pasta Jell-O is not my thing! The only thing I can think of that I'm pretty sure I've never had that all the other kids did have is a Moon Pie. Oh, and I'm sure I was past 75 before I had my very first Frito Pie at a Sonic Drive In. If somebody forced me to, I'd probably eat another... Hey, I'm easy! '-)

[NellyNel]

What is a Frito Pie?

Sounds good!

[Perilagu Khan]

Fritos corn chips topped with chili (Wolf Brand beanless is fine), grated cheddar and raw, diced onion, and then baked until cheese melts. And be sure to heat the chili before putting it on the Fritos.

[c oliver]

Bob's mother did Dennison's hot chili without beans in a saucepan with tons of grated cheddar. After it was bubbling hot it was put into a serving container and you dipped the dip-type of Fritos in it. It's one of our wintertime, we're snowed in, let's sit in front of the fire snacks.

[NellyNel]

Can I put sour cream on top?!!

Gosh that sounds so wrong it's gotta be right!

[bbqboy]

also called a walking taco in places.

[alanbarnes]

Only if it's served the way God intended and the Woolworth's on the square in Santa Fe made 'em until the tourists drove the locals away and the store went out of business.

You take a single-serving bag of Fritos, rip it open along the back seam, then scoop chili on top, pile on cheese and onions, stick a plastic spoon in the whole mess and you're good to go. No oven (or serving dish or plate) required.

[c oliver]

With or without beans?????

[decolady]

A staple of Friday night high school football concession stands in the 1950s and 60s. At least in my neck of the woods.

[c oliver]

Catholic school girl here> No chili on Friday nights.

[ZenSojourner]

Well they have fish tacos. Couldn't they have fish chili fritos?

>:D

[DiveFan]

I don't remember details, but I think my very smart mom used Chef Boyardee cans as aversion therapy!

Recently I saw the story of Chef Boiardi (IIRC on Unwrapped) and was intrigued - was it really all that bad? Got a can to try and yup, it is Nasty! Mushy pasta, unnaturally sweet. Yuck. No doubt the corporate owners transformed a decent recipe into something vile over the years ....

Child abuse, indeed.

[ZenSojourner]

I have to admit, I love Chef Boy Ar Dee spaghetti and meatballs.

Note, however, that I do not refer to it as "spaghetti". I ALWAYS use the full title, "Chef Boy Ar Dee Spaghetti". Cuz it's not spaghetti. It's CHEF BOY AR DEE.

; p

[FrankD]

Mom bought a can of the spaghetti for me as a kid. As DiveFan notes, it's really sweet compared to Mom's, and so I liked it the first couple of times. But the novelty wore off in a hurry.

A few years ago, all the Chef products were on sale, so I bought two cans of each. The ravioli is horrid, the spaghetti was as I remembered, and the beefaroni - I lack the eloquence to describe it adequately, but "bad beyond belief" is a nice alliterative place to start. Couldn't finish can #1, can #2 was tossed in the donation box on my next trip to the store.

[JungMann]

We weren't allowed to have Chef Boyardee when we were kids because it wasn't halal. So of course when I moved out, I decided I wanted to try it. I got the beef ravioli and was repulsed by the metallic taste. However once I covered it up with Sriracha, garlic, herbs and a little parmesane it wasn't terrible.

[ediblover]

Never had anything from Ore-Ida. With potatoes always being available and the products being simple, I suppose there was never a desire/need to buy frozen/boxed versions.

I haven't had Chef in years, but I remember them rather fondly - Seriously overcooked, but enough flavor (sugar) to keep me interested. Same goes for most of the things I ate as a kid.

[ospreycove]

! am 55 and to date never have had a fast food item Mc Donalds, buyger king, taco bell, etc. etc.

[Isolda]

Now that is truly impressive!

[taos]

Wow. I thought I was extreme in never eating fast food. I've had, by my estimation, one fast food hamburger (cheeseburger, BigMac, etc.) in my whole life -- at age 5 when entrusted to my grandmother for a day. I hated it and have not had another and have not been to a fast food place since the early 1990s where I probably got a salad. I am not counting Dunkin' Donuts coffee in this. You have me way beat.

[mcel215]

Wow.

[ipsedixit]

Wow, indeed.

I don't know if I am more impressed, or saddened, by that.

[mateo21]

Out of curiosity, why would that be sad?

[c oliver]

I don't know what word I would use to describe it but aren't CHs open to trying at least anything once? Even Sam tried Kraft mac n cheese. Didn't care for it but tried it. To eliminate an entire "genre" out of hand seems different anyway.

[ipsedixit]

Sad because a Chowhound, or really just a normal person, should at least experience all foods at least once -- at least foods that are readily available.

[yfunk3]

I kinda feel the same way. It always surprises me to see people look down on an entire genre of food and then declare proudly, "I've never tried it and I never will try it!". Fast food and processed foods exist and lots of people like it or eat it for a reason. If you don't like it after you try it, then fine. No one's forcing anyone to eat anything and we should all be grateful that we have a choice in that respect. But it's sort of comparable to when you encounter someone who only eats burgers and fries who refuses to eat anything "exotic" and has never tried anything beyond burgers and fries.

[Passadumkeg]

But having tried fast food burgers and other fast food ilk, I do choose not to eat them (Lotaburger green chile cheese burgers excepted) and instead, search for the deliscious. The hunt, the hunt, it sharpens the senses and the appitite.
Carpe chow!

[c oliver]

But you HAVE tried them. That's the point. I've never noticed any closed minds in the P-keg entourage.

[Passadumkeg]

Hey, in tenth grade I won a foot ballteam Mc Dee's hamburger eating contest; but this was before the advent of the Big Muck (sic) and sit down dining.
Funny, last class periond I asked a hefty Native American student, which he'd prefer, a big Muck or a Laguna (1/2 lb. green chile cheese)Burger for $3.99? He immediately responded, the Laguna Burger.

[alanbarnes]

Was that back before the days of Ray Kroc, when McD's was still a single store? ;-P

[ZenSojourner]

Sometimes it's enough to "experience" some foods visually.

O.O

[ipsedixit]

Sometimes it's enough to "experience" some foods visually.

_______________________________

Really?

Ever take a hard look at oysters? No, I mean a real hard look.

If a person didn't know it was a common, dare I say a treasured, foodstuff, who would eat such a thing if presented it on first sight?

It's this puddle of slimy, greyish-whitish, blob that looks like it was ejected out of the nostrils of a flu-infected patient on her last legs.

Oysters could easily be a body-double for mucous in the next B-rated Halloween movie.

One of my pet peeves with young children is sometimes their refusal to try even "normal" foods simply because it looks "icky" to them.

[c oliver]

I have wondered about the first person who ever at an oyster :)

[Perilagu Khan]

Or an egg for the matter of it:

"See that white thing coming out of the chicken's ass? I'm gonna EAT it!"

Probably a Cro-Magnon after one too many shots of Old Granddad trying to impress his buddies.

[decolady]

I wonder about the first person ever to eat snow crab or king crab. Those multi-legged things so far down in the ocean. How did they even find them?

[ZenSojourner]

Well the little crabs come up on the land, I imagine our ancestors caught and ate them first. And I imagine early fishermen were pulling them up in nets, once those were invented. It probably wasn't too much of a leap from fish weirs and nets to lobster pots and crab traps.

Some of the things I wonder about are things that essentially have to sort of partially rot before they're edible, like yoghurt and cheeses and wine and beer. How'd we figure out which smelly microbes were yeast and which were poison? Which awful looking mold made cheese, and which made you sick or killed you? And how hungry did you have to be to keep trying to find moldy rotten milk that didn't kill you? (I love cheese, not casting aspersion on it at all)

Heck, who was the first person to figure out how to make hakarl, and how many people had to die (or at least wish they would) before they figured out just the right amount of "aging" to make a poisonous shark at least nominally edible?

Personally I'm glad that my biggest worry is what "mechanically separated poultry" means.

[ZenSojourner]

Oysters are nasty, and yes, I have tried them. I've eaten far more than my fair share as a matter of fact. To those who enjoy them, more power to you!

Left to my own devices I'd have gone with my gut and not eaten them, and have been none the worse for it.

Oddly enough I've been criticized on this board for having eaten so many of something I really do not at all care for. You just can't win sometimes, can you? LOL!

[ipsedixit]

Zen,

Isn't that why it's so sad that there are some people who refuse to eat common foodstuffs that are widely available in popular culture?

Sure, a person may not like a Big Mac, but I think a person deprives herself of a critical connection with society -- both on a social and culinary level -- if they simply refuse to even try it. They are, in essence, hermetic eaters.

[ZenSojourner]

I really feel like it's up to the individual to decide what they will and won't eat. I don't find anything "sad" about it. If you're too picky, the only one affected by it is you. If you're extremely catholic in your tastes, again, the only person affected by it is you.

Having been forced to eat things I disliked as a child until I threw up, I don't believe in trying to force other people to eat things they don't want to, no matter the reason behind it. Whether it's because they won't eat anything round, or they hate anything with a mooshy texture, or it smells funny, it just doesn't matter. I happen to like CB spaghetti and meatballs, but I wouldn't expect someone who expresses a non-desire to ever taste it to do so just because of some arbitrary idea that you "should" always put something in your mouth and chew before you're allowed to refuse to eat it.

I eat lots of things most people wouldn't even consider trying. There are lots more things I'd like to try that I haven't, yet. Given that, I don't see why I should waste time preparing and tasting things I DON'T want to try. Nor do I see why anyone else should be expected to do so.

I'm not at all saddened that some people have expressed a total lack of desire to ever taste CB spaghetti and meatballs (or whatever). Why should they?

[Perilagu Khan]

Bully.

[observor]

My instinct is to say "bullcrap"

[Perilagu Khan]

Well, at least you were nice enough to not actually say it.

[julesincoq]

I've never eaten bugs, brains, snakes, or kidneys either. Not gonna. Nor will I ever eat Chef B products - they look and smell just as gross. Call me narrow minded if you'd like.

[ZenSojourner]

Nope. I call you "true to your own sense of taste".

If it smells nasty to you it will taste nasty too. I had this problem for many many years with the "parmesan" cheese in the green can. Smelled like vomit to me. No way was I going to eat that. I don't feel I missed anything.

[julesincoq]

It does smell like vomit!!! I thought I was the only one!! I love parm but that stuff smells like someone has already eaten it. Thank you.

[ttoommyy]

"I love parm but that stuff smells like someone has already eaten it. Thank you."

Well, in a way someone (actually some thing) has. Parmigianio Reggiano is made by curdling cow's milk with calf's rennet, which comes from the calf's stomach. Rennet is an enzyme that allow's the calf to digest its mother's milk. Parmigianio Reggiano is basically a pre-digested food.

[ZenSojourner]

OMG, all these years and I thought *I* was the only one! I've expressed this thought on rare occasions as the years have passed and have garnered only blank stares, or the she-must-be-crazy eye-roll, but never once has anyone ever agreed with me!

Thank YOU! LOL!

[Jay F]

You _should_ have a problem with Green Can Cheese (I can't bring myself to type "Parmesan" that close to "Green Can").

Parmigiano-Reggiano, OTOH, is the best single food in the world.

[ttoommyy]

Yes, it really is an amazing cheese, but even the best quality Pamigiano Reggiano can have the odor identified up above.

[Jay F]

I guess it doesn't bother me.

[ttoommyy]

It doesn't bother me either; I love the stuff! I'm just mentioning that it can have that certain aroma at times. The poster that brought it up thought she was the only one that thought so.

[ZenSojourner]

Thought me smeller was broken all these years, LOL!

[DishDelish]

I'll call you wise ... all those modified ingredients give me the willies. ;)

[ZenSojourner]

Rice a roni
Hamburger helper
Probably lots of other stuff as well, I don't know the names because I never use them.

Velveeta could have been on this list but I have actually eaten it once. Didn't like it.

[gaffk]

I have the same 3. My oldest sister actually liked Velveeta, so we had it in the house. But with good cheese always also in the fridge, why would I bother?

Oh, and boxed mac & cheese--mom always had an aversion to orange cheeses, I think. So we goy home made with white cheddar (and sometimes, as we got older, the hot peper cheese mixed in).

[Sooeygun]

I had never tried Velveeta until I met my husband's family when I was in my late 20's. Their Friday tuna buns have chunks of Velveeta in them. I still haven't ever tried a piece of it unadorned. But I do occasionally like some Cheez Whiz (on celery) and I have always assumed Velveeta would be like solidified Cheez Whiz.

I didn't know until I was in university that you could buy potatoes in a can. Still haven't eaten any though.

[gaffk]

Potatoes in a can? Really? I am WAY past university days and I can honestly say I've never heard of this. (Not that I would want to try it.)

[ttoommyy]

They also have "yams" in a can. The brand here in the northern NJ area that I can picture has a purple label.

[gaffk]

No thanks, I'll stick to the kind they sell in the produce section or farmer's market.

[EWSflash]

Yeah, it's not that hard to cook from scratch.

[ZenSojourner]

Yeah, I've seen them. I have no idea why anyone would WANT them, but there you go.

[Jay F]

To my knowledge, I have never eaten potatoes in a can. Instant mashed potatoes, yes. The only potatoes that didn't come out of a box during my childhood were baked. I remember the first time I saw a can of potatoes (sometime last decade). I couldn't get the image of potatoes sitting in potato cooking water out of my mind. Ewwww.

I would have eaten CBRD Spaghetti and Meatballs every day had my mother let me. Or CBRD Ravioli, though that was my brother's favorite, and there were so few things he liked to eat, which is a story in itself. I didn't like Franco-American nearly as well as CBRD, though. F-A "macaroni and cheese" was particularly poor eating.

I have never eaten macaroni and cheese that came in a box.

[Perilagu Khan]

God forbid that somebody should can MASHED taters! I have eaten canned new potatoes, though, and they're passable in a pinch.

Used to love Franco-American skettios and franks. Alas, I can no longer find them. Perhaps they were bought out by Campbell's.

[mpjmph]

In fact, they were bough out by Campbell's! F-A always paled in comparison to CBOD for me, but I still see their products in my neighborhood grocery store. They kept the same basic label design, just changed the text to read Campbell's.

[Perilagu Khan]

Yeah, I'm pretty loyal to The Chef, too.

[NellyNel]

Khan - I too, used to have a certain "thing" for skettios wth franks (had to have franks - would'nt eat the plain ones) but anyway, about 3 years ago, I was wanting to try them again after not having it for many years, but I could never find it with franks, so I thought they didnt make it anymore, but a few months ago - lo and behold - there it was! A lovely can of "o"s with franks!! Glee!
Then I tried it.
BLEH!
Not the same!
I don't know if the recipe changed - or me!
If you do find it again - don't get your hopes up!

[Naguere]

Potatoes in a can.
Camping in France the whole of July, i availed myself of one of these a couple of times.

The spuds underneath with are bathed in the juices turned out to be canned potatoes.

I know, because I like canned spuds.

[NellyNel]

I used to be grossed out by potatoes in a can, till my first hubby came along.
He used to slice them thin and fry them with onions on butter. The edges used to get nice and crispy...mmmm quite tasty really.
Then I went through a phase of eating them right out of the can...yucky tasting, but I relly liked the odd texture of them

[cookie monster]

yes, that's exactly how my mom made them. They end up kind of like potato pancakes. Straight out of the can - too oddly grainy.

[Whosyerkitty]

I had a friend who used canned potatoes--and other canned veggies-- for making baby food back in the days when we did that. I don't know if that defeats the purpose of making your own of not, but she claimed they were softer and easier and just opened the can and threw it in the blender. I admit, I nuked.

[deibu]

Wouldn't that have too much sodium for baby food?

[alanbarnes]

Wouldn't that depend on how much (if any) sodium is in the canned spuds?

[lavaca]

My grandmother, who cooks like it's still 1959 ("spices" are weird to her), uses canned potatoes. They're not bad, honestly. Canned spinach, on the other hand, is rather terrifying. I still regret saying "yes" to "do you like spinach?" before realizing where it was coming from.

[Passadumkeg]

I am what I am and I am what I am. Toot! Toot!

Popeyedumkeg

[gaffk]

Sorry, I had an Irish grandmom who cooked like it was 1929 (depression era). My depression-era parents thought onion sandwiches were a delicacy. But I still never saw a canned potato. Maybe they were more expensive than peeling\boiling\mashing the real thing and therefore "luxuries"?

And spinach was dad's favorite--but only fresh and steamed, with lots of butter. Again, the things they couldn't afford in 1929 and so "special"?

And no, I have never met a canned vegetable I like; though frozen are OK in a pinch, when fresh are not available\out of season.

[Passadumkeg]

Yup!

[ttoommyy]

I have no problem with certain canned vegetables. For example, hearts of palm. Not really sure where else I can get them other than canned, so I use them and enjoy them. I will also used canned artichoke hearts for certain salads when I am too lazy to clean an artichoke and cook it or they are out of season.

[ZenSojourner]

My dad loved canned spinach, drowned in malt vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Me, I was nearly 30 before I realized the fresh stuff was entirely different from the mooshy stuff in the cans.

[Perilagu Khan]

Canned asparagus is an abomination before The Lord.

But, of course, canned tomatoes and tomato sauce are proof that God loves us.

[Passadumkeg]

PK, that is beer, so said Bennie Franklin.

[FoodFuser]

Bennie revisited:

"...Brews that relax us, Death when He asks us, but God can't do a damn thing about Taxes."

[Passadumkeg]

And Ben's best work, Fart Proudly! Did he know about the Chef?

[ZenSojourner]

Another thing my dad would eat, but he actually did seem to prefer fresh.

[c oliver]

No matter where I travel in the world, I always have a box of Rice-A-Roni! I have a "meal" where I saute' chopped onions with it, add the water and the seasoning packet. Once it's done, I add a can of Costco roast beef and a fair amount of capers. Put grated Cheddar cheese on top and let cooked covered on low another ten minutes or so. It's the thing that I want for dinner when I don't feel well.

PS: I've never told this story on CH before but I knew the day would come :)

[Jay F]

Roast beef in a can? I've never heard of that.

Accompanied by potatoes in a can?

[jfood]

hate to be picky but i keep seeing Jaws from the James Bond movies as the eater...it is "from" a can.

[c oliver]

Really? I'm surprised. I'm relatively old and have always seen it. In Costco it's with canned tuna, chicken, crab, etc.

[Jay F]

Roast beef in a can? In all my years, I've never heard of it. I don't buy much canned fish, though, either. I used to eat tuna, but it's my "Ramen Noodles," i.e., that thing I ate so much of as a starving student, I never wanted to touch it again.

I only use it now to make Really Gross Tuna Noodle Casserole, which includes layers of swiss cheese and heavy cream mixed in with the tuna and mushroom soup, then baked with a crust of buttered croutons, which I make myself from dry sandwich bread. Sometimes I use potato chips. Either way, it's really gross.

But canned roast beef, well, I am just going to have to look at it when I go to Costco next.

[ZenSojourner]

It's right next to the corned beef hash in a can. Mary Kitchen and Armour Star are the two most frequently sighted brands whenever I've seen it.

Oh wait. That's roast beef HASH.

The canned roast beef is over with the spam.

[Passadumkeg]

I prefer fish balls in the can; a King Oscar Norwegian specialty,

[ZenSojourner]

How many fish balls does it take to fill up a can?

*whistling innocently*

[NellyNel]

I think it's like Underwood Deviled Ham in a can, only it's roast beef. I don't think it's slices of roast beef.

[c oliver]

It's like canned tuna or chicken. Not "mushed" up like UDH (mmm, haven't had THAT in forever). It comes out of the can in chunks or cubes and then I break it up. But, no, not slices at all.

[alanbarnes]

Add dehydrated onions and you've got the "hash" that my dad used to make for breakfast on camping trips. Anything tastes good when you cook it over a campfire.

[ttoommyy]

Exhibit A

[Perilagu Khan]

It's amazing the product one selectively filters out when walking through the aisles.

[c oliver]

My mother kept a can so if she needed a quick dinner, she could make a hash from it. So I guess that's why I was always aware of it.

[ttoommyy]

Very true PK. In fact, there are whole aisles in the supermarket that I never go down. Unless I am buying seltzer, I never go down the soda aisle; since I have no pets, I don't even know what the pet food aisle looks like; and since we do not keep boxed cookies at our place, the cookie aisle is a distant memory from childhood. lol

[c oliver]

Except Italian tuna packed in olive oil is in that aisle in Safeway.

[NellyNel]

OMG!
I have never seen that!

[c oliver]

Yep, that's it 'cept I buy the Kirkland brand.

[Whosyerkitty]

I admit I have given my kid CBRD ravioli and ate Spaghettios myself as a kid and my! those 16 little meatballs were vile. One thing that I am not seeing here though is that those lil O's were fun to eat! You sucked off the sauce, let them rest on your tongue and stuck it out at your sister!

I loved as a kid and still use Rice-a-Roni. How the heck you'd make that stuff from scratch, plus the time is beyond my talent. I do jazz it up a bit though.

My BIL uses Velveeta as BAIT. I'm not sure for what.

[Perilagu Khan]

It would catch me. But I can only hope your BIL would throw me back.

[ttoommyy]

"My BIL uses Velveeta as BAIT. I'm not sure for what."

I thought this sounded familiar so I Googled it:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4540136_make-...

[meatn3]

I don't fish, but for some reason I found this tidbit fascinating!

[bbqboy]

nope. My dad died when I was 6 and my mother worked. ( 60's)Taught to cook scrambled eggs and bacon and use a can opener at a young age. My sister and I cooked a lot of meals for our family. We got every junk/canned/frozen food you could try. It was exquisite.
I'm sorry you never got to make a chef boyardee pizza from the box. Never enough sauce, dammit.

[mpjmph]

I had a similar experience... Dad died when I was seven, mom worked. My brother and I learned to take care of the basics early on. I learned a lot of basic cooking techniques making hamburger helper, and was cooking dinner for the family once a week by 5th grade. By 9th grade I was cooking dinner almost every night. Chef Boyardee was a staple for weekend lunches. My mom balanced it out with her "cereal rules" - no chocolate, no marshmallows, nothing with a toy in the box.

[tracey McAllister]

likewise i had to cook as a child starting at 7, with those chef boyardee pizza boxes and duncan hines brownies. as a younger child i happily slurped up chef boyardee ravioli and adored mcdonalds. i soon moved on from the pizzas to making roast chicken, french fries, you name it. by the time i was a teenager i could make anything from anywhere. nowadays i'm not that into cooking but i like to eat very well, i.e., lots of fresh seafood grilled and boiled veg. that's so true about not having enough sauce in the pizza kit!!!

[Perilagu Khan]

Never too late to make Chef Boyardee pizza. They still sell the stuff and I make it every other month or so.

[buttertart]

That's one of the things that makes me heart you, PK. Every time you mention that I have a taste flashback to my childhood.

[Perilagu Khan]

I do this because I'm just an enfant terrible at heart. ;)

[buttertart]

Terrible or sauvage?

[Perilagu Khan]

A bit of both, no doubt. A bit of both.

[FoodFuser]

Them that ain't ate Beefaroni
ain't no enfant savant.

[monavano]

I haven't thought of that pizza in years! Mom would make it in lieu of making pizza dough herself, which she's never do. She cooked mostly from scratch, but pretty basic.

[Perilagu Khan]

The crust is actually pretty darn good, even by Hound standards. Thin, crispy, and just salty enough. Also has a yeasty flavor that I like.

[NellyNel]

Yes!
I have heard that too - my brother loves it!
But i havent tried it, and I don't recall seeing it for years. (not that I have looked for it though)

For me - I am 44 and only just tried Spam for the first time last year.
Growing up, it was considered a ***shudder*** item.
But, I had it at a Szechuan resturant, as part of a Hot Pot dinner - and WOW!!! I actually loved it!!
I have always wanted to buy it since that night, but the fat content really scares me !

Never had Hamburger Helper or Velveeta either!

[GibsonGirl55]

I think feeding a child Chef-Boy-Ardee and other like meals is a form of child abuse.

[greygarious]

I don't often need to use them, but I always have a few cans of Boy-ar-dee, Progresso soup, or Dinty Moore on hand in the event of power failures.

[Isolda]

LOL! Why would you want to eat crappy food during a power failure? Shouldn't something go right during such times?

[greygarious]

All-electric home, no outdoor grill, so I do not open the fridge in a power failure. Opened canned food warms on a rack set over a jar candle.

[Caroline1]

There's nothing that teaches you what you can't cook more than a power failure in an all-electric home with no outdoor barbecue! I have a butane (hair spray size canister) single burner hot plate for just such occasions, and every year when the tornado warnings start popping up on TV, I begin keeping a few eggs on the counter instead of in the fridge. Nothing like an omelette to laugh in the face of powerless power lines!.

[EWSflash]

Brava, Caroline!

[Glencora]

Very true! The only time I've ever had Chef B was when I used up my emergency earthquake rations. (Every six months I do that -- luckily I've never had to eat them in a real emergency.) Bleh! I replaced the cans with something better.