Non-Foodie

Growing up, we were a meat & potatoes kind of family. We rarely went out to eat. The rule was "if you don't like it, don't eat it...just don't complain about it". My dad is a VERY picky eater...no pasta, no soups, no casserole of any kind. And so we had the weekly staples. Fried chicken, cubed steak, pork chops, etc with basic veggies like green beans & mashed potatoes. Don't get me wrong, this was all good food, but I never learned to branch out and try new & different things. Now I watch cooking shows or look through cookbooks and think wow that looks good...oh but wait I don't like this or that ingredient. Once a worker at Subway literally laughed out loud when I ordered a club sandwich with just mustard and pickles. I often have to clarify what I mean when I order a cheeseburger, plain (ie meat, cheese, bun). No I do not want Mayo or tomato or onion. I sometimes think my life would somehow be better if only I were a "foodie". I WANT to like seafood, portabello mushrooms, eggplant and such...BUT I just don't. I have tried many new things, but rarely do I find something I like. Does this mean our tastes are formed and concreted in childhood? I don't know the answer to that, but just in case I have always encouraged my kids to try new things. Other people are astonished when they learn my kids LOVE mussels & calamari or brocolli & cauliflower. Maybe someday I will learn to appreciate different foods. Until then, I'll enjoy my plain cheeseburgers, spaghetti, and grilled chicken :)