Potlucks

[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???

[NotGolfer]

I can't be sure...but potlucks (covered dish gatherings) may have been a midwestern thing. It seems my early memories of them were at church gatherings. Then later sometimes groups of friends would do this as a matter of getting together. We once hosted a large summer party where we supplied the burgers, hotdogs and brats but asked folks to bring a "dish to pass" (share).

We always have loved potlucks. The thing about "having" to cook can go by the wayside here. We don't "have" to cook in our day to day lives, however to go to one of these folks generally make their favorite recipe! Just "one" dish to share with everyone!!

:mmmm:

[bluedog103]

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???

I grew up in Alabama and covered dish dinners and suppers were everyone's favorite. You could always count on fried chicken and banana pudding. Later, living in NY for many years (still do in summer) pot lucks are routine at church suppers, family get togethers, lodge meeting, you name it. The food is always great because everyone brings their specialty. We're going back north for the holidays and I can almost guarantee you that we'll go to a pot luck or two while there.

[DandyGirl]

I grew up in the south and we always had church suppers which were potlucks. I love them but would never buy something to bring. Guess I like to show off my cooking skills! Nothing better than to hear people asking "Who brought that dish cause I want the recipe"!

[2BNTV]

Went to them when they were held at church functions. I am not a cook so I supplied the cake, (store bought). That was acceptable. I have heard of people sharing the cooking at big get togethers like the holidays. I am not sure of how popular they are in this part of the country.

I enjoyed them and thought it was a good way for people to get together. :smiley:

[senior citizen]

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???

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.

[Roaddog53]

Midwesterner too. But was not a big fan of them. We had company picnics, family reunions, friends get togethers, tailgating, and more activities that involved bringing a dish but usually stuck to our own. Why: Not sure. Some things that come to mind are what was mentioned:
- Not sure like was said what was in some of the dishes. We had some allergies and better to just not eat it than to ask.
- Wasn't too sure what to bring to many outings, so brought what we ate
- Felt more comfortable when someone brought store bought items or cookies, or chips. I even remember the bowl games parties and a pizza brought was always a good choice.
- Besides just being picky eaters, not liking certain foods and trying to not offend someone for what they brought or what we brought. Let's face it, some ethnic foods are not all liked by others. Stuck to basics.
Some dishes we stayed clear of in hot weather like most would say. Things like potato salad, cole slaw, eggs, etc, we didn't want to take chances

Just some things I thought of when having to go to an activitiy

[OldDave]

Banana pudding! You made my mouth water. Growing up in Arkansas that does bring back memories.

My wife grew up Mennonite in Kansas. Now before you image horse and buggy, let me rush to say there are many, many flavors of Mennonites from those that are close to Amish, to those that look and act pretty much like Methodists. My wife comes from the later, which used to be called General Conference.

As others point out most of my experience with potluck was at church. When I because going to church with her I discovered a world of food I've never heard of: zweiback, poppyseed roll, german sausage, verinika, and on and on. It grew on me slowly, but I came to really love it. Her mother had married into Mennonite and was actually a Lutheran herself, but to keep Dad happy, she learned to cook it all and she was an extraordinary cook.

Over the years I always enjoyed these treats. About 15 years ago when our Mennonite church here in Kansas was torn apart by political fighting and displeasure of some with the minister we stopped going for a period of time, then finally went to another Mennonite Church nearby. It was of a different branch, just called The Mennonite Church. On the surface not much different. We liked the church and joined. A few months later they had a potluck. I was really missing all the good food and truly looking forward to it. I got in line with my plate and finally got to the food and was faced with fried chicken, meatloaf, ham, etc. I looked and looked and there was not one single traditional dish. Apparently these things were not a part of this church. I was so disappointed. This single thing probably had a lot to do with me losing interest in religion in the following years. Ah, for want of zweiback.

[senior citizen]

Midwesterner too. But was not a big fan of them. We had company picnics, family reunions, friends get togethers, tailgating, and more activities that involved bringing a dish but usually stuck to our own. Why: Not sure. Some things that come to mind are what was mentioned:
- Not sure like was said what was in some of the dishes. We had some allergies and better to just not eat it than to ask.
- Wasn't too sure what to bring to many outings, so brought what we ate
- Felt more comfortable when someone brought store bought items or cookies, or chips. I even remember the bowl games parties and a pizza brought was always a good choice.
- Besides just being picky eaters, not liking certain foods and trying to not offend someone for what they brought or what we brought. Let's face it, some ethnic foods are not all liked by others. Stuck to basics.
Some dishes we stayed clear of in hot weather like most would say. Things like potato salad, cole slaw, eggs, etc, we didn't want to take chances

Just some things I thought of when having to go to an activitiy

Makes total sense. We've also discovered, that especially with the grandkids of all ages, they much prefer a takeout or delivered PIZZA to any ethnic food or other dish which takes hours to prepare.....so why bother. Some of the children are already proclaiming they are vegetarians......8 year olds. However, they will eat a Chicken McNugget.
Go figure. Artificial chicken wins over a beautiful roasted turkey.....

My husband and I have come to the conclusion that "back in the olden days" those that came before us didn't have as much FOOD at their disposal as all of us have now........so a "feast" was truly just that.
Time to indulge. Now we are all surrounded by food at all times, no matter if it is a holiday or not. Food is no big deal anymore.

[senior citizen]

Banana pudding! You made my mouth water. Growing up in Arkansas that does bring back memories.

My wife grew up Mennonite in Kansas. Now before you image horse and buggy, let me rush to say there are many, many flavors of Mennonites from those that are close to Amish, to those that look and act pretty much like Methodists. My wife comes from the later, which used to be called General Conference.

As others point out most of my experience with potluck was at church. When I because going to church with her I discovered a world of food I've never heard of: zweiback, poppyseed roll, german sausage, verinika, and on and on. It grew on me slowly, but I came to really love it. Her mother had married into Mennonite and was actually a Lutheran herself, but to keep Dad happy, she learned to cook it all and she was an extraordinary cook.

Over the years I always enjoyed these treats. About 15 years ago when our Mennonite church here in Kansas was torn apart by political fighting and displeasure of some with the minister we stopped going for a period of time, then finally went to another Mennonite Church nearby. It was of a different branch, just called The Mennonite Church. On the surface not much different. We liked the church and joined. A few months later they had a potluck. I was really missing all the good food and truly looking forward to it. I got in line with my plate and finally got to the food and was faced with fried chicken, meatloaf, ham, etc. I looked and looked and there was not one single traditional dish. Apparently these things were not a part of this church. I was so disappointed. This single thing probably had a lot to do with me losing interest in religion in the following years. Ah, for want of zweiback.

I "hear you" on that type of food.........I can see why you miss it.
Again, "comfort food"........

We'd always stop in the AMANA COLONIES when driving from Vermont to South Dakota or Colorado............Amana Colonies is in Iowa and a great place to spend some time. Iowa is a gorgeous state. Coming from another gorgeous state, we can appreciate it.

In the early years, the foods served in the homestyle restaurants were typical delicious German foods. The last time we went, they seemed to have switched over to a "frozen food variety" of the weiner schnitzel. It was no longer pounded thin veal but now seemed to be pulverized and put back together mystery meat. It was disappointing.

When the older generation dies off, the younger ones may not want to keep the original food traditions and just opt for an easier way to prepare things , especially for the crowds that descend on the Amana Colonies.
They were not Mennonites or Amish but I can't remember exactly what they were..........but nice place to see, in any event.

WE have some Mennonite families in Vermont now and they are wonderful folks to know.

[jblum315]

Grew up in Virginia. Lots of church picnics, which were always potlucks. Fried chicken, whole Smithfield hams, potato salad, lemon meringue pies, coconut cakes (all homemade), and of course lots of those JellO "salad" thingies. The ladies were proud of their cooking. But for dinner parties and family gatherings, the hostess prepared everything; it would have been shameful to ask folks to bring food.

[JC and John]

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???

YUMMO! I grew up in Ohio and this was a staple in the school cafeteria. Love pot lucks and I sure am glad our neighborhood driveway parties and social group at the rec centers here in TV have them. The whole idea is to socialize at these events and a shared cost makes it affordable. The bonus is that you might make a new friend over a shared recipe. If I were having something in my home, then I would provide all the food. That's just me. But, if someone was having a gathering in their home and asked all to bring a shared dish, I don't have a problem with it. Let's EAT!

[l2ridehd]

Called them pot luck's growing up, and bring a dish another place.

Where I live now they do progressive dinners where you have one host for appetizers, several hosts for the main course and one other host for dessert. So 50 or so people will gather at one house to start with about 8-10 bringing an appetizer, split into 5 or 6 groups for the main course where the host serves the main dish and a couple of couples at each home bring a side dish then everyone moves to the dessert home where 10 or so more bring desserts. The menu is set the same for each main course and sides, so it does require a bit of organization but still a fun event. This would be an easy Villages thing to do.

[eweissenbach]

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???

We have always lived in the midwest or mid north, and potlucks are a way of life. We would have 2 or 3 a year at our church. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving we would always have one, and our aunt always brought scalloped oysters. People would wait for her arrival (she was usually fashionably late) and stake out positions around the serving table so they could get a scoop, as they never lasted long. I had to laugh when you mentioned "Johnny Marzetti", as my wife has long made the same dish, the recipe for which she got from some Amish friends, but they call it Yummazetti. Coincidently, we are going to a Holiday pot luck dinner tonight at a Mennonite church that some good friends attend, and who invited us.

[Karen Louise]

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???

I'm from New England, now PA and moved around the country. We've always called them potlucks. Also have heard of Johnny Marzetti. My sister in law (PA) made that often. We used to have them monthly at work and now monthly at our health club in PA. If I'm not up to cooking, chips and salsa works. That's potluck. I almost always get a new recipe when I attend one. They're a great social time.

[Karen Louise]

Called them pot luck's growing up, and bring a dish another place.

Where I live now they do progressive dinners where you have one host for appetizers, several hosts for the main course and one other host for dessert. So 50 or so people will gather at one house to start with about 8-10 bringing an appetizer, split into 5 or 6 groups for the main course where the host serves the main dish and a couple of couples at each home bring a side dish then everyone moves to the dessert home where 10 or so more bring desserts. The menu is set the same for each main course and sides, so it does require a bit of organization but still a fun event. This would be an easy Villages thing to do.

I remember those when we lived in Eden Prairie, MN--great fun.

[another Linda]

I've lived for the past 35+ years in upstate NY and we have potlucks frequently. None of my friends does dinner parties much anymore, but we still get together frequently with potlucks.