# Help Me Feed 8 Picky People Once Per Week **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 31, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509 "2017-07-31T15:33:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/41 "2017-08-01T02:38:42Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Speaking of which, a [Salad Nicoise](http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/classic-nicoise-salad-recipe-2127613) is beautiful, filling, and cheapish as well. I usually serve it over baby spinach for extra nutrition Yeah, just leave the tomatoes out of the salad. I mean _totally_ leave them out, or have them on the side for people who want to add some to their salad. It is VERY frustrating to go somewhere that I’m assured will accommodate my “no tomato” requirement and find cherry tomatoes on top. All it takes is one leaking just a little bit to render the entire salad hazardous to me. That’s one of the frustrating things about allergies, for some of us it only takes microscopic amounts to set us off. > [@](#): > > Does no dairy mean no eggs? Only if you’re aware of a species of egg-laying cow. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/42 "2017-08-01T02:48:54Z")
Seafood and fish stew flavored with a little bacon. Honestly that set of restrictions shouldn’t be too difficult. For protein you can use pork, shellfish, fish, … what about poultry other than chicken? Then there’s tofu or Hearty beans as an option. So tomatoes are out—you’ve got plenty of options for flavoring—garlic, onion, chives, shallots, carrots, celery, parsley, thyme—and then you can mix it up with a variety of vegetables. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/43 "2017-08-01T02:57:02Z")
USDA’s seasonal produce guide might be handy. I use it to rotate ingredients in stews — [Seasonal Produce Guide | SNAP-Ed](https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide) ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/44 "2017-08-01T03:04:57Z")
Gahhhh. Don’t say “no tomatoes” to me in August. Fresh ripe tomatoes are the only thing that makes August tolerable to me. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/45 "2017-08-01T03:31:14Z")
In addition to the Red Bean & Rice and Gumbo suggestions, a Dirty Rice with a medium-hot ground sausage cooked in has always gone over well when I made it; add in some onion, red & green pepper, serve up with biscuits (my preference) or cornbread on the side. But none of my game groups were picky eaters/had food allergens. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/46 "2017-08-01T05:05:54Z")
I didn’t read the whole thread. Rather than try to come up with one dish that meets the requirement, why not serve a buffet/smorgasbord of four or five heavy snacks/appetizers, with enough mass to constitute a meal. Trader Joe’s has an excellent frozen selection. Prep time is next to nothing–start heating an hour before guests arrive and serve warm or at room temp. Mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs in some kind of sauce, shrimp (thawed from frozen–these will be cold, of course) with cocktail, tartar, and remoulade sauce, salami slices on crackers (those who want to can add cheese), etc. Add in mixed nuts, trail mix, some fruit salad. People can pick and choose to their heart’s content. I do this for my 11-member book club. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/47 "2017-08-01T09:58:27Z")
There are practically infinite variations on the bean/lentil concept. I often do a big 6 qt. Crockpot full of [Slow-Cooked Chickpeas with Orange](http://www.aglaiakremezi.com/slow-cooked-chickpeas-with-orange-revithia-sto-fourno-me-portokali/) for big gatherings. (I don’t have food restrictions, but have friends who are vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free and nut-free.) Pretty much everyone will eat it. If you wanted, you could even cook up some chicken or pork separately, or have a plate of feta on the side, for those who eat them. Serve with crusty bread or a big bowl of rice. (There are a bunch of recipes on that site that fit your restrictions. Eastern Orthodox fasting simply means “no animal products,” so there are tons of bean and vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil.) If you want to add some greens, you could just do a side salad or some kind of cold vegetable dish that you can make ahead of time. How about a frittata, served at room temperature? You can put just about any vegetable in them. ---
**Author:** ![GreedySmurf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a698b9/32.png) [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/48 "2017-08-01T10:13:05Z")
I know it’s not a major meat in the US, but what about a slow-cooked lamb shoulder. A bone-in lamb shoulder is traditionally a cheaper cut, takes about 3 hours set and forget in the oven. With about an hour to go chuck in some potatoes/sweet potatoes/carrots/etc for some tasty sides. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/49 "2017-08-01T12:28:54Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Please post - I’m always looking for new vegee dishes and tofu is one of the few legume-based foods I’m allowed. > **[Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Baked Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze](https://cookieandkate.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts-and-crispy-baked-tofu-with-honey-sesame-glaze/)** > > Tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts with extra crispy tofu and brown rice, topped with an irresistible sweet-and-spicy glaze. Gluten free and easily vegan. I use the alternate corn starch and maple syrup since I never have arrowroot starch or honey. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/50 "2017-08-01T15:13:30Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Rather than try to come up with one dish that meets the requirement, why not serve a buffet/smorgasbord of four or five heavy snacks/appetizers, with enough mass to constitute a meal. Trader Joe’s has an excellent frozen selection. I keep harping on this, but it really is a must dealing with people who need to avoid certain foods for medical reasons: if you do this you MUST read the labels on those foods every time, because the one time you don’t the recipe is going to change and someone might get seriously ill. Otherwise - yes, the smorgasbord is a great idea, as are taco bars or any other assemble-your-own type things where people can pick and choose their ingredients. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/51 "2017-08-01T15:14:35Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > [Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Baked Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze - Cookie and Kate](https://cookieandkate.com/2014/roasted-brussels-sprouts-and-crispy-baked-tofu-with-honey-sesame-glaze/) > > I use the alternate corn starch and maple syrup since I never have arrowroot starch or honey. Thanks! (I’m actually the opposite - honey and arrowroot are staples in my house) ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/52 "2017-08-01T15:31:51Z")
Thanks, these are great suggestions! Also, some of the comments here made me think, and I just sort of gave up on trying to please everyone. I told the group that I’d cook something, whatever was easiest that week, and if they didn’t/couldn’t eat it they could make alternative arrangements. But I promised to give them advance notice of what I’m cooking so they had time to prepare. I will rotate pork dishes so nobody ever gets completely left out. I cooked a massive pot of white chicken chili last night and I think only four or five people ate any. That’s okay because we had a lot left over to freeze. But I’ve had too many times of preparing a big meal and then nobody eats or a bunch of people cancel at the last minute, and I am done planning my life around that. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/53 "2017-08-01T15:35:34Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I cooked a massive pot of white chicken chili last night and I think only four or five people ate any. The rest are fools! ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/54 "2017-08-01T15:49:37Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > I think I’d just plain give up on trying to make everyone in that group happy. ☹ Yep. Make it potluck. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/55 "2017-08-01T15:52:19Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > -No beef > -No chicken > -No tomatoes > -No dairy How can beef be out but pork be in?😕 ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/56 "2017-08-01T16:37:06Z")
> [@GreedySmurf](#): > > I know it’s not a major meat in the US, but what about a slow-cooked lamb shoulder. A bone-in lamb shoulder is traditionally a cheaper cut, takes about 3 hours set and forget in the oven. With about an hour to go chuck in some potatoes/sweet potatoes/carrots/etc for some tasty sides. I have never seen lamb shoulder for sale in the US. And believe me, I’ve looked. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/57 "2017-08-01T16:49:22Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > I have never seen lamb shoulder for sale in the US. And believe me, I’ve looked. It depends on where you live. I can find plenty of lamb shoulder in Middle Eastern and Indian markets around here, and even my more generic (though leaning Mexican and Polish) grocery stores will occasionally have it (and also some of the more upscale meat suppliers). It’s certainly not a ubiquitous item, but if you live some diverse enough, it shouldn’t be difficult to find. Last I remember looking for it, it was somewhere around $3-$4/lb. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/58 "2017-08-01T18:38:02Z")
anything for lamb shoulder should work for lamb shank as well, which I regularly see at Kroger and Costco. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/59 "2017-08-01T19:05:04Z")
> [@](#): > > Quoth **DrDeth** : > > How can beef be out but pork be in? Same way chicken can be out: Someone’s allergic to beef. Vertebrate meat allergies are uncommon, but they do exist. Or possibly someone’s an observant Hindu. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2017, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509/60 "2017-08-01T19:32:25Z")
Allergy to Mammalian meat usually includes all of them - even whale. The most common irritant is alpha-gal, a carbohydrate in mammal meat. Interestingly, the majority of these allergies can be traced to a bite from a lone star tick. > **[Alpha-gal syndrome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-gal_allergy)** > > Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) (also Alpha-gal allergy; Mammalian meat allergy (MMA)) — is a type of meat allergy characterized by a delayed onset of symptoms (3–8 hours) after ingesting mammalian meat. The condition results from past exposure to certain tick bites. It was first reported in 2002. Symptoms of the allergy include rash, hives, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, dizziness or faintness and severe stomach pain. > Alpha-gal allergy is a reaction to the carbohydra... So if the no-beef person eats pork, it’s probably a religious or moral preference of some sort. Or they just knew a cow once, they can be lovely creatures. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-feed-8-picky-people-once-per-week/792509.md?page=4)