Christmas Dinner Dilemma: My MIL's Unexpected Parsnip Surprise!

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience with their mother-in-law bringing parsnips to Christmas dinner, despite the participant and their family not liking them. Various humorous and light-hearted responses are shared regarding how to handle the situation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration about their mother-in-law's habit of not contributing to family dinners while expecting to be served.
  • Several participants suggest humorous ways to serve the parsnips or handle the situation, including serving them uncooked or in a pie.
  • Another participant shares their experience of boiling the parsnips and adding butter, noting the mother-in-law's disappointment with the preparation.
  • Some participants mention enjoying parsnips in other dishes, such as roasted root vegetables, while others express their dislike for them.
  • One participant shares a video related to parsnips, adding a humorous element to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle the situation with the mother-in-law, with no clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and humorous anecdotes related to family dynamics during holiday gatherings.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar family dynamics during holiday meals may find the shared experiences relatable.

rennea
rennea
Gold Member
Messages
3,662
I am having Christmas dinner this year, well actually I have Christmas dinner every year at my house. But anyways my MIL is notorious for showing up when invited to dinners, plops her butt down and expects to be waited on. She never helps out and NEVER brings anything but expects to take food home.

Well last night when we were at their place she told me she would bring parsnips. Now DH and I don't like parsnips, neither do my parents but I thought if she wanted to bring them that would be fine.

As we were leaving and just going out the door she hands me a bag of... you guessed it parsnips!!!! I guess I'm cooking parsnips this year! LOL:)
 
If she expects to be waited on, serve her a plate with nothing but parsnips on it!
 
I say you put them on a plate uncooked. When she asks why, say, "Sorry, we don't eat them, I thought this was how you prepared them.";)
 
BTW, if this is a constant issue, since it is DH's mother, he should address it...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
We are having a laugh about it today, my parents think it's funny too. My Dad is really bad at keeping is mouth shut. He will for sure have something to say about this a dinner.
 
Don't do anything with them. Tell her that you thought she was planning to prepare them at your house.
 
Well Rennea...how'd it go with the parsnips? I would have baked them in a pie for her! :)
 
Rennea, when I read your story, I knew I had to share this video with you!! Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.:love:

http://www.homestarrunner.com/parnsips.swf
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Well I just boiled them. Added butter and S&P to them when they were done. When MIL asked why I didn't put them in with the turkey because "that is how they are ment to be done" I told her that I didn't want the taste to transfer to the turkey.

Needless to say she pouted through dinner! LOL
 
Oh my...I've NEVER cooked parsnips with my turkey, and didn't you say she just handed you a bag of them?Next family meal she cooks (if that ever happens), hand her a bag of random food and don't say anything and see how it gets prepared - LOL!You must be the evil DIL today! ;)
 
LOL!

I have to admit - I do like parsnips (don't think I want them roasted with the turkey though). I like to make roasted root veggies and do a combination of Carrots, Parsnips, Fennell, Rootabeggas (sp?), Turnips, Sweet Potato - I toss them in Olive Oil and sprinkle with Rosemary Herb Seasoning. It's quite good.
 
pampchefsarah said:
Rennea, when I read your story, I knew I had to share this video with you!! Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.:love:

http://www.homestarrunner.com/parnsips.swf
Click to expand...

That was the strangest thing I've ever seen...almost unsettling...I'm sure I'll have nightmares about parsnips and strange cartoon characters and potato ghosts... (as I sit here eating my potato soup that I made yesterday!)
 
Kitchen Diva said:
That was the strangest thing I've ever seen...almost unsettling...I'm sure I'll have nightmares about parsnips and strange cartoon characters and potato ghosts... (as I sit here eating my potato soup that I made yesterday!)
Click to expand...

Hey, it helped us get through the 3000 mile drive from CA to VA in two days with two kids!! We said "What?" alot and "No parsnips for you!"
 
pampchefsarah said:
Rennea, when I read your story, I knew I had to share this video with you!! Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.:love:

http://www.homestarrunner.com/parnsips.swf
Click to expand...

OMG!!! We love Strong Bad here!
 
pamperedlinda said:
LOL!

I have to admit - I do like parsnips (don't think I want them roasted with the turkey though). I like to make roasted root veggies and do a combination of Carrots, Parsnips, Fennell, Rootabeggas (sp?), Turnips, Sweet Potato - I toss them in Olive Oil and sprinkle with Rosemary Herb Seasoning. It's quite good.
Click to expand...

Linda! My DH does this same thing but also adds beets and halved brussel sprouts! YUMMMM!!
 
dannyzmom said:
Linda! My DH does this same thing but also adds beets and halved brussel sprouts! YUMMMM!!
Click to expand...

mmmmm! I bet that is good.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my mother-in-law surprises me with parsnips for Christmas dinner?

First, stay calm and appreciate the gesture. Parsnips can be a delicious addition to your meal. Consider how you can incorporate them into your menu, whether by roasting, mashing, or adding them to a stew. If you're unsure, ask her for her favorite way to prepare them.

How can I prepare parsnips to make them appealing to my guests?

Parsnips can be sweet and flavorful when cooked properly. Try roasting them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple yet tasty side dish. You can also mash them with potatoes for a creamy texture or add them to a vegetable medley for a colorful presentation.

What if I don't like parsnips and my mother-in-law insists on serving them?

It's important to be polite and respectful. You can express your preference gently, suggesting an alternative dish that you would enjoy more. If she insists, try a small portion to be courteous, and focus on the other dishes that you do enjoy.

Can I use Pampered Chef tools to prepare parsnips for Christmas dinner?

Absolutely! Pampered Chef offers a variety of kitchen tools that can make preparing parsnips easier. Use the Food Chopper for chopping, the Mix 'N Chop for mashing, or the Stoneware for roasting. These tools can help you create delicious dishes with minimal effort.

What are some creative recipes that include parsnips for the holiday season?

Consider making a parsnip and carrot mash, parsnip soup, or roasted parsnips with honey and thyme. You can also incorporate parsnips into a festive vegetable gratin or use them in a savory pie. These recipes can elevate your Christmas dinner and impress your guests.

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