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Originally Posted by graciegirl
Discussing potlucks to me is like discussing shoes. EVERYONE should know the subject...but...moving here, I am finding that not EVERYONE grew up with potlucks as a way to gather people together for a meal.
On top of that there are people who don't like them because they believe you have to COOK something.
I have even heard that some people do NOT like potlucks because they don't like to eat stuff from another's kitchen if they don't KNOW the person.
This born in Ohio girl is really surprised by negativity toward potlucks...so gonna ask you...
Did you go to potlucks a lot where you are from...and do you call them potlucks? When we lived in Indiana they called them "pitchins".
My favorite dish to bring to a potluck because the bowl goes home empty is Johnny Marzetti. It is a hamburger, noodle cheese cassarole.
Did you do potlucks growing up and what do is your favorite thing to bring...or do you not like 'em???
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They were not popular in New Jersey where we originated. The hostess would prepare all the food and serve it to the invited guests.
However, when we moved to Vermont 43 years ago, Pot Lucks were popular at our church. I think they still are popular in small town Vermont as a way of people gathering together, especially in the dead of winter.
Like your "dish", my baked lasagna was also the first to go. Native Vermonters did not know how to make a good lasagna. They mostly make home made baked beans, macaroni and cheese and something they called goulash........which was NOT authentic Hungarian Goulash.
The priests would take seconds and thirds of the lasagna; they were from BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS. Missed it, I guess.
Lots of pies, doughnuts (sinkers), things like that. It was fun.
I do "get" and understand why some might not want to eat someone elses food.......they might think, "Was it prepared under sanitary conditions, etc." especially if the people were getting old and senile.......that's when the kitchen cleanliness seems to go...or cooking at the right temps.
Also, hunters up here love their venison, bear meat, etc. odd meat like moose maybe.......pot lucks. Again small rural towns.
In our neighborhood, the hostess and host would be totally responsible for the food served, drinks offered..............no pot lucks. However, we have been to some as mentioned above.
Our daughter's church in northern Vermont is very active with putting on meals for the needy..........they do this several times during the week.
Pot Lucks. Helps people down on their luck in these hard times....with unemployment, etc.
Our son and his wife in Colorado just had a Thanksgiving whereby they roasted the turkey and their friends all brought the "side dishes" and desserts.......as they just had another new baby. But I would think pot lucks are big in the midwest and west as well.
I think nowadays, from our own experience, it's more that people are avoiding foods that used to be the "norm" at barbecues and parties......so it does make it difficult for the hostess to provide special dietary requirements for a myriad of folks.........from those who eat everything and enjoy it to the more finicky out there. It's not easy anymore.
I'm sure your pot lucks would be yummy. Good old fashioned comfort food.