Do you eat homemade food from neighbors?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a tough one. It's not just neighbors but also at work pot-lucks.

I am not keen on eating stuff from people I don't know, period. Probably because I've picked out cat or dog hair from stuff and then wondered what the hell else is in the food I can't see. I've also seen plenty of nose-picking being done by small children. Adults can also be guilty of this.

When people bring in stuff they proudly brag their kids have helped make I avoid those items. Particularly if there is any element of it that is uncooked. I've seen cupcake frosting and cookie frosting where lots of little fingerprints are obvious. I've even seen commercials with kids helping bake cookies or make marshmallow treats and the kids are licking their fingers as they help.

Fully aware that even worse goes on behind the scenes in restaurants but for some reason that doesn't bother me as much as seeing cat hair or little fingerprints on homemade items.

^ As PP noted, "...but then by way of breezy conversation at meal drop off, tell the new mom that your DC has pinworms...yeah, your meal is going in the trash."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never eat food cooked by a neighbor. I thank them then toss it. How about you?

You could at least tell me so I stop wasting my time.

We know your cat climbs on the counters. No one wants your food!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So for those of you who say they would throw it in the trash if the neighbor would ask you, “I made pumpkin snickerdoodles. Would you like some or are you all sugared up after Halloween?” would you say yes or no?

Depends on the person. If I had a good excuse like Halloween, I’d say no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Only the ones who don't have cats.

Or dogs or any other type of pets.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I've been in their houses many times and I know they're clean.

[Anonymous]

My neighbors don't do a lot of cooking, but when they do I eat it and I'm sure its clean. Both sets of neighbots are pet-free, child free, DINKS who have a cleaning service.

[Anonymous]

Sure no issue eating food cooked by others. I think you are all way underestimating your body's ability to deal with less than perfection. I think you are also way overestimating how clean your own house is. Clearly all these people who you are sure live in filth manage to survive.

I am 52, am happy to have a meal at a neighbors home or a potluck. I go years without even a cold. I figure I must be ok with carrying on.

I am not trying to change your minds though. We all have to do what is comfortable for us.

[Anonymous]

I’m pinworm PP and work potlucks are a huge no, also.

And yes, I am choosy/OCD/picky and when I was a new mom, I attempted to sidestep the meal train. One close friend brought over a lovely meal but this other woman we knew of mutually (and not that well) insisted on a meal drop off...

Work potluck strategy for me: I bring my own food or at least will make a beeline to my own food (plus I always have extra snacks at my desk), grab a bottled water, maybe help myself to something that is obviously store-bought, done. I consider it theatre and stage eating and I’ve perfected the art. Chew, sip, nod, lots of holding the plate and gazing over at the table, then all goes into the trash at the door with napkin covering it.

[Anonymous]

7:45. Also, if I can smell the inside of your house on you and/or when you open your door, hard pass on food from you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you eat restaurant food?

Yeah, chances are that the neighbor’s food is more sanitary than the restaurant.

-daughter of parents who worked in the food industry

This.

[Anonymous]

I posted before. I am an immigrant who makes delicious fresh food and my neighbors make a beeline for my leftovers. Yes, leftovers. I throw huge parties and invariably I make too much food. My guests take leftovers and my neighbors also know that there will be plenty of food still available and they take huge quantities. Over the years they have also requested that I cook for them when they are sick or indisposed. They all have come to my house many times and eaten at my house.

Through this all, I have wondered why they don't make food for me and ever offer it to me? I have been miffed at the lack of reciprocity for years. Reading all these posts about filth, cat hair, pinworms, smells etc has forever cured me of the desire to eat anything from their kitchen. I thought OP was very harsh and rude before but now I want to thank OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor makes heavily homemade cinnamon rolls. She delivers them on my birthday and several other times throughout the year as a surprise. At first I thought it was a one time kind gesture, but I’ve learned she loves to bake and giving gifts brings her joy. Who am I to stomp out that joy or the buttery, warm cinnamon rolls.

Where can we send our address to get on her list?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Omg I feel so bad for you miserable people.

Yeah, this is making me feel bad and weird about myself. I make homemade baked goods and have given them to neighbors. I’ve also made food for parties and dropped food off for people. I really do spend a lot of time thinking about what to make, looking up multiple recipes, and I spend on the best ingredients. It makes me sad that people might just be dumping the food. And it makes me feel weird or stupid for bothering to make anything.

You don't know me (probably), but I'd definitely eat it. And then I'd tell you how delicious it was, and probably ask for the recipe.

I truly don't understand the "I won't eat anything from my neighbors" crew. Do these people never go to dinner at a friend's house? Go to a BBQ in the summer, a dinner party in the winter, drinks and snacks/dessert by the fire during COVID? Have Have people over and someone brings a side or dessert?

What a terrible way to live.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So for those of you who say they would throw it in the trash if the neighbor would ask you, “I made pumpkin snickerdoodles. Would you like some or are you all sugared up after Halloween?” would you say yes or no?

I would say "I'm all sugared out, but I definitely have room for more! Thank you!"

[Anonymous]

I used to really enjoy neighborhood potlucks, or potlucks in general until I realized That many people are unclean, have unsanitary cooking methods, have cats who jump on the counters, cook spoiled food, lick their fingers and taste, or plain old dirty people. I stopped eating at office potlucks and I don’t eat food at social events that is not prepared by myself or people I know are clean.