In general, most people are intimidated when they cook for me because they know what I do for a living. The fact that they are willing to give it a shot, anyway, always makes me that much more understanding. All I ever hear is "oh, I could never cook for you"....and I always respond "I wish you would, I'd love to try your xyz..."
So, if someone actually does cook for me, I always eat all of it, compliment something specific and thank them graciously. If they actually asked a specific technique question, like a 'how to' question, (how do I cook a lobster?, how do I roll out fresh pasta?, how do I blind bake something?) I'd answer.. But when it comes to flavours or textures, I'd just be complimentary.
How many of you have had a meal at a friends house and wish you could tell them how to make it better or more fantastic by adding this or that or some technique that would make it better. I for one have a hard time not saying something so I KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT and yet I'm dying to give them some input so it can be better. Some friends are open to suggestions but I think most are quite insulted if you try to suggest some other options. So I guess the question is do you try to give some advice or just KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.
