# We all have our secrets! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [July 30, 2026, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031 "2026-07-30T23:58:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/41 "2026-07-31T17:57:29Z")
Shhhh. That’s the secret. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2026, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/42 "2026-07-31T21:50:51Z")
It behooves one to let their host know upon receiving the invite. Don’t do it when you walk in the door. The food is prepared already. And don’t make a big fuss. Most hosts will accommodate you. If they refuse, decline the invitation. I have severe restrictions and I would never go and eat where I know the food may not be in my best interests. ---
**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:** [July 31, 2026, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/43 "2026-07-31T22:56:08Z")
Well, my husband has a number of mostly mild food allergies. Most of them affect him in a cumulative fashion. If he cheats here and there he’s okay, but if he cheats too much, he gets pretty sick, like he has a stomach flu. I got in the habit of using no more than two cloves of garlic when a recipe called for it, which he was aware of, and he really had no issue with it. But one day I was making soup and I put in too much garlic. Maybe it was garlic powder? I definitely used more than usual. As I stared down at the pot I realized I would either have to throw the whole thing out, or we’d have to take our chances. I said, “Hey husband, how’s your stomach been lately?” He said, “Great.” So I served the meal. I figured it wouldn’t hurt much. He got pretty sick. I posted on Facebook about it (back when I had Facebook) with the ill-advised opener “I think I just poisoned my husband” and apparently this incident was hot gossip in the family. They still reference it and it’s been years. At least ten years. Anyway, he gets full disclosure now. Except last week I used a can of expired mango pulp because the Internet said it would be fine, and it tasted fine. I chose not to reveal that decision and no one was the wiser. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2026, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/44 "2026-07-31T23:12:36Z")
Here’s another vote for surreptitious use of anchovies. I smear the salad bowl with anchovy paste before adding and tossing the lettuce for a Caesar salad. That was in the original recipe I learned. It makes a slightly salty addition – in other salads I often sprinkle on seasoned salt, not anchovies. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/45 "2026-07-31T23:15:05Z")
I used to have a great bean stew dish that I added a spoonful of instant coffee to. People loved it. I also use Jimmy Dean’s sage sausage in my stuffing and have been doing so for decades. Instead of going through all the hassle of roasting peppers, then peeling them and seeding them for green chili stew, I just dump in a jar of [Zia Hatch Chilis](https://www.amazon.com/Original-Green-Chile-Zia-Company/dp/B074SZV77N/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1CZZBCJJG91Y5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-mKwjpJATgrmLzP3ZQTive6z1nnLCdPMtkEiJOMge1neEZhzxh6EfnQo_pDH5kS2tqP9OnD8Bga9jp3fls8nBy1ZxR1QeKckc6czjaQW3IIL-3r4pp6Vr7t60rE33NReEbVa9nHbNMGr-_FrHW4ZG4dxS3DAMlBLVSHSP2HDH9Hpmcya138K61B0OeeetLcLZ7R68Etc5aVSq6vn35Q8zLfXdiQAXHCda8OaEAQ29dgIqTGQ_t79EVEWwuSpffhZDSCzDy2nllgou_8OQ0CE9A0NwGzlAZZi2zTQ-cMJ1n8.vA1KyhEnjnAlvfvFgAxWxnv7E9mMjat6O-jZDsJVsd8&dib_tag=se&keywords=hatch+chilis&qid=1785539365&sprefix=hatch+chilis%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-6). People rave. Add some lemon olive oil to your avocado. Cornmeal pancakes are so far superior to regular pancakes you’ll never go back. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Girlfriend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.girlfriend/32/193_2.png) [@Dr.Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Girlfriend)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2026, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/46 "2026-07-31T23:41:33Z")
Ooh, I bet that’s good… might have to try that. I put apple butter in my pumpkin pie. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2026, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/47 "2026-07-31T23:46:24Z")
Ahh. Apple butter. The cook of pastries best friend. It works well in a banana bread or muffins of any kind. My daughter makes raisin pie that uses apple butter. You can use less fat and it has more flavor than applesauce. IMO @Chefguy have you posted the corn meal pancake recipe? I’d love it. Thx. ---
**Author:** ![Apodder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apodder/32/17727_2.png) [@Apodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apodder)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/48 "2026-08-01T01:31:07Z")
We use whatever unsweetened cereal is in the pantry. I’ve even used Fiber One. That was different… ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/49 "2026-08-01T01:36:42Z")
Especially the next morning! 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![Apodder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apodder/32/17727_2.png) [@Apodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apodder)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/50 "2026-08-01T01:38:43Z")
AND I like to mash up a can of carrots into it…fiber galore! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/51 "2026-08-01T02:59:40Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > As one who suffers from _severe_ seafood allergies (virtually any fish causes anaphylaxis), I’m curious - does Worcestershire sauce set it off? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/52 "2026-08-01T12:45:04Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > have you posted the corn meal pancake recipe? I’d love it. Thx. I may have, but here you go. I only make about half of it because there’s only the two of us, but this will feed four. I also use Bob’s medium grind cornmeal. Disclaimer: this is a variation on Bob’s recipe. I add the extra yolk, the sugar and vanilla for richness and flavor. 1 cup water 3/4 cup cornmeal 1-1/4 cups buttermilk (yogurt works fine, too) 2 eggs plus one yolk 1 tsp vanilla 1-1/2 cups flour 1 TBSP baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 2 TBSP sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter, which I prefer) Bring a cup of water to a boil. In a large bowl pour the boiling water over the cornmeal and stir until thick. Let stand for five minutes to cool a bit. Add in the buttermilk and eggs and mix thoroughly. Add the vanilla and the oil/butter and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Fold it into the cornmeal mixture and stir until combined. I usually use about 1/4 cup of batter per cake on medium heat. I also fry them in ghee, which gives a nice crisp edge without burning, but whatever works for you. It takes about 3-4 minutes on a side. Top with maple syrup and butter. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/53 "2026-08-01T18:02:34Z")
Thank you. I’ve got it saved. We boil water for corn meal for hot water corn bread and griddle cakes. It’s a familiar prep method. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/54 "2026-08-01T19:03:03Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > I’m curious - does Worcestershire sauce set it off? It can- > **[Living With a Seafood Allergy](https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fish-allergy)** > > Find out what foods to avoid if you have a seafood allergy. > **Surprising Sources of Seafood** > > These foods may contain anchovies: > > - Worcestershire sauce > - Barbecue sauces made with Worcestershire > - Caesar salad and Caesar dressing ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/55 "2026-08-01T19:03:44Z")
That chilli that ya all love? It’s a recipe from a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook publlised 50 years ago. That’s our secret. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/56 "2026-08-01T21:03:10Z")
My parents had a friend who was a health-food fanatic. But he had one weakness: ginger snaps. But he was always complaining that he could never find any that were as good as his mother had made. My mother took that as a challenge. She searched for every recipe she could find, but none of them ever met with the friend’s approval. One day, my dad mentioned that his aunt had always made the best ginger snaps. Mom called the aunt, and asked for her recipe. “Oh, I just use the one in the Betty Crocker cookbook. But instead of shortening, I use bacon grease.” Mom cooked a batch, and gave them to the friend. Success! He asked what the secret was. Mom just smiled and said, “You don’t want to know.” ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/57 "2026-08-01T21:40:06Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > Does anyone else besides me like to include carrots, parsnips, and other root vegetables in their mashed potatoes? I put them in latkes, especially the parsnips, which I boil a little first. I also put grated carrots in pasta. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/58 "2026-08-01T21:43:20Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > As one who suffers from _severe_ seafood allergies (virtually any fish causes anaphylaxis), I am grateful my friends haven’t attempted to ‘hide’ seafood in any dishes they’ve prepared. As a vegetarian who does not think fish is a vegetable (and is really tired of getting asked over and over by the same person “You eat fish, right?”) I am really careful whose cooking I eat. ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2026, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/59 "2026-08-03T11:58:20Z")
Oddly no. And yes, I’m aware it’s got anchovy in it. Not wishing to tempt fate, though, we usually use a vegan Worcestershire sauce when cooking at home. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2026, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031/60 "2026-08-03T12:06:45Z")
> [@mbh](#): > > Mom called the aunt, and asked for her recipe. “Oh, I just use the one in the Betty Crocker cookbook. But instead of shortening, I use bacon grease.” My great grandmother’s ginger cookies recipe calls for butter and lard, black molasses and “sour milk”. I’ve never made it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-all-have-our-secrets/1032031.md?page=4)