short rant

[wysemonkey]

For health reasons there are a number of foods I avoid and some that I really can’t eat. Up there at the top of this list is chilli which causes painful problems and so for about 5 years now I have completely avoided it. It’s fine at home, I just don’t have it in the spice drawer, and of course when I go out to friends they are usually very understanding, people kindly are. But eating out and buying pre-prepared food is a nightmare. It’s in EVERYTHING! Today’s rant has been triggered by my making up a sauce for myself using a jar of what I thought was olive and tomato stir through sauce and mixing with silken tofu to make something a bit more wholesome. I did the mixing then I tasted it - fortunately just with the tip of my tongue rather than a mouthful - I wonder if I subliminally sensed there was something wrong. Anyway since I last used this product (which admittedly may be a year ago) they’ve changed the recipe and it has chilli in it! No dinner! Well, actually I had tomato paste, olives, garlic and olive oil of course so I have made my own, but no more tofu so I’ve been wandering around muttering “Never no more - never again!” I shall buy everything from the original grower, still in it’s natural state in future. I better find someone to teach me how to pluck things. At least I’ve stuck vaguely to my plan.

[Rignold 3kg]

Cooking from single ingredients is always the best option.

I can advise you on how to pluck things, if you need. What birds do you have?

[wysemonkey in reply to Rignold]

I almost always do - that's what's so annoying! No birds handy at present except in the garden, but thanks for your kind offer.

[IndigoBlue61]

well done on keeping on plan in spite of that sneaky chilli 😀 But how annoying.

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer]

Rant warranted and exercised. Sorry you missed out on your tofu.

[Latinia Restart August 2023]

My friend has a similar problem with garlic. It is in everything, sauces, ready meals. She, like you, avoids like the plague. All friends primed to protect her. But when she eats out it is an absolute minefield. Like you she has to keep her wits about her, and cross examine restaurant staff about Ingredients. Keep well, and congratulations on finding a home prepared substitute.

[wysemonkey in reply to Latinia]

Your poor friend! I think garlic would be much harder than chilli to avoid. I've had more than one experience where restaurant staff have told me they can make something without the chilli but actually there's still some in, I can tell immediately because it hurts. I think often they use pre-prepared ingredients like pre-marinaded meat, or spice mixes. It's the same with butcher's sausages often too. I read ingredients on everything now.