Anonymous
Post 12/22/2011 09:33     Subject: Homemade Gifts
Actually, at restaurants there are health department standards. People are required to wash their hands. Of course, sometimes, someone does not, but by and large, restaurant kitchens are relatively clean. I have worked in many over the years and feel comfortable eating food prepared on a stainless steel surface that has been sanitized with a commercial product.

I feel more comfortable with that than I do eating out of a bowl that your cat likes to nap in.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2011 02:06     Subject: Homemade Gifts
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I'm not a fan of homemade treats (cookies, etc) from colleagues, though do appreciate the gesture.

Why not?


I posted this earlier comment. I'm not a fan because I've seen some examples of unsanitary kitchen practices and can't help remembering those when I receive homemade items, unless I know the person and how s/he cooks/bakes. For example, I was once invited over to a friend/colleague's place, and was quite disgusted to see that she did not wash her hands after tending to her dog (I think moving his bowl or something like that). She just then proceeded to pick up the sandwich bread, go on with making the lunch. Nobody should touch their pet's items (and of course not their pet!) and then proceed to prepare a meal for others, unless it's for him/herself -- that's his/her business.


This must be pretty restricting. It would keep you from going to people's houses to eat and restaurants are definitely out as they are worse than most houses could ever be. It would also keep you from eating at work/friend potlucks and really any social event involving food.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2011 00:06     Subject: Homemade Gifts
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I'm not a fan of homemade treats (cookies, etc) from colleagues, though do appreciate the gesture.

Why not?


I posted this earlier comment. I'm not a fan because I've seen some examples of unsanitary kitchen practices and can't help remembering those when I receive homemade items, unless I know the person and how s/he cooks/bakes. For example, I was once invited over to a friend/colleague's place, and was quite disgusted to see that she did not wash her hands after tending to her dog (I think moving his bowl or something like that). She just then proceeded to pick up the sandwich bread, go on with making the lunch. Nobody should touch their pet's items (and of course not their pet!) and then proceed to prepare a meal for others, unless it's for him/herself -- that's his/her business.


Are you able to go out to eat (ie others preparing the food)?
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2011 00:06     Subject: Homemade Gifts
I only bake at Christmas but i have a few tried and true recipes. I give baked goods to neighbors, and other coworker or friends who i wouldn't purchase a gift for but want to give a token. I have no idea if they get eaten or not but it is the gesture that counts and seeing as many token gifts become dust collectors at least baked gifts cost little so if thrown out, it wasn't a waste for me. I have received jam and a homemade picture frame this year.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2011 00:00     Subject: Homemade Gifts
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I'm not a fan of homemade treats (cookies, etc) from colleagues, though do appreciate the gesture.

Why not?


I posted this earlier comment. I'm not a fan because I've seen some examples of unsanitary kitchen practices and can't help remembering those when I receive homemade items, unless I know the person and how s/he cooks/bakes. For example, I was once invited over to a friend/colleague's place, and was quite disgusted to see that she did not wash her hands after tending to her dog (I think moving his bowl or something like that). She just then proceeded to pick up the sandwich bread, go on with making the lunch. Nobody should touch their pet's items (and of course not their pet!) and then proceed to prepare a meal for others, unless it's for him/herself -- that's his/her business.
Anonymous
Post 12/21/2011 12:42     Subject: Homemade Gifts
Anonymous wrote:I think it's fine as long as you are really very good at making whatever the gift is. If you don't normally make handmade items or bake, the holidays are not the time to experiment.


Give crafty stuff to another crafty person.
Anonymous
Post 12/21/2011 12:40     Subject: Re:Homemade Gifts
different perspective here: i FAR prefer a homemade edible gift than a piece of junk i don't need, have to cart to goodwill or regift, and that's (frankly) just ending up in the landfill. like really who needs another mug?