http://ask.metafilter.com/tags/thisfoodwillwintheirhearts Questions tagged with 'thisfoodwillwintheirhearts' at Ask MetaFilter. Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:42:02 -0800 Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:42:02 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/29492/feed%2Dthem Help the underdog in the kitchen: I need to bring a dish to Christmas dinner with my in-laws. I'm the outsider, somewhat scrappy girl from the west coast. His family is polished and traditional -- to the extent that they can trace their lineage back to dead presidents and prominent clergy. They're nice folks, but I generally feel a light judgemental air wafting through family gatherings. I'm in the mood to overcompensate, so I'm looking for a dish that will help me garner an evening heavy with praise and gastronomic wonderment.<br> <br> I lack special equipment (electric mixer, special pans, etc.) and I have a somewhat limited budget (no lobster salad). So far my best idea is some sort of chestnut salad and a bûche de noël, inspired by <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-reveillon21dec21,0,1814491.story?coll=la-home-food">this recent mention of French Reveillon</a>.<br> <br> If anyone has experience with chestnut salad, chocolate log or something better -- please share. Anecdotes about how you evolved from a scrappy out-law into a beloved part of the family would also be appreciated. tag:ask.metafilter.com,2005:site.29492 Thu, 22 Dec 2005 07:42:02 -0800 christmasdinner food in-laws recipe thisfoodwillwintheirhearts cior