Serious question, why does every 'overbearing relative' prompt assume they show up unannounced with a casserole?

4 comments

4 Comments

Doesn't the casserole specifically work because it's a whole performative act? It's portable, it implies "I'm here to feed/nurture you," and it gives them a physical prop to fuss with while judging your kitchen. The dish itself becomes the excuse for the unscheduled inspection tour.

jamie_thompson2h ago

Serve it on the porch to block the kitchen tour.

the_derek1h ago

Remember how Sarah brought that massive trifle to her in-laws? She literally barricaded the front door with it, saying the jelly layer was too unstable to move further inside. They ate dessert first on the steps and never made it past the foyer.

the_averyjust now

Last Thanksgiving, I deliberately parked my slow cooker of gravy on the welcome mat! Jamie_thompson is absolutely right about using the porch as a barrier. My aunt always insists on a "fridge audit" during visits, but that year we all huddled outside keeping the gravy warm, passing rolls through the door. We ended up having the entire first course on the steps, and she never made it past the entryway. Now I strategically place a bubbling dip or a giant salad right at the threshold for any drop-by guests. It's a flawless diversion tactic!