User post: Recession Buster--Bring Back the Potluck

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  Posted by Habanero♥™ Fri Mar 27, 2009 4:40am PDT

  I don't do pot lucks but this is a cute article and a great idea for most.

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  Posted by opiniononly Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:28am PDT

  As my parents aged (87 and still living independently) and the sibs' families grew, we started pot lucking for all family get togethers - and the host family never has to contribute anything beyond table and silverware, since they have to clean their house and get everything ready for our arrival. Plus, in the old days when the women did most of the cooking, the men did all the clean up and dishes. Nowadays, even though many of the men in the family are great cooks and often prepare their contribution, they still carry on that tradition. Nothing more heartwarming than listening to Dad and the men/boys in the kitchen bonding over a sinkful of dishes while the women linger over coffee and after dinner gossip. :)

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  Posted by mommaofsun Fri Mar 27, 2009 8:10am PDT

  I love potlucks. There is always so much good and different food available.

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  Posted by MrsKlingonPasadena Fri Mar 27, 2009 8:51am PDT

  I love potlucks too. They usually give so much variety, plus one person doesn't have to plan, coordinate, and cook the whole meal. Time and money savings are big.

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  Posted by springtime Fri Mar 27, 2009 9:00am PDT

  Long ago, my grandfather built this very nice , huge barbecue pit. He and my grandmother lived in a community where everyone had chain link fences. As a result, people visited over those fences and got to know each other well. Twice a month, my grand dad would fire up that big old pit, and neighbors would bring their steaks, chicken, sausage, whatever.. and their lawn chairs. Granny made big pitchers of iced tea. The other ladies brought side dishes and desserts. No invitations were issued.. everyone was welcome and knew to come when word spread he was firing up the pit.

  While we kids ran wild, the adults enjoyed sitting around that pit and solving the world's problems.

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  Posted by Habanero♥™ Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:56am PDT

  Cute story Springtime.

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  Posted by __A_YAHOO_USER__ Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:45pm PDT

  I agree.. but when I try to do this potluck thing. I have ratfink friends who just show up with a busload of kids and beer for themselves..... and I end up feeding everyone. I always get screwed some how.

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  Posted by anjali Sun Mar 29, 2009 7:27am PDT

  When my grandparents were alive this is the way we celebrated every holiday and event I have fond memories as a child running and playing with cousins, trying new dishes my aunts made. I have searched out many recipes that I remember from my youth at these family gathering.

  Today my husbands family are trying to do the same each of the brothers take turn hosting a holiday. We get thanksgiving, I make turkey and an appitizer(my cheese and bacon puffs are a requirement according to my nieces and nephews) and each of the sisters in law make their fave dishes to fill out the meal. the key is to organize enough in advance that you get plenty of variety and sides as well as desserts. It has happened in the past that we had all desserts and a main no sides so plan ahead.

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  Posted by Gloria Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:44am PDT

  Potlucks always seem to work best when you tell each guest to bring whatever dish they love most, enough for at least 4 people. I am usually pleasantly surprised with the variety.

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  Posted by DixieDarlin Mon Mar 30, 2009 7:50am PDT

  What do you mean "BRING THEM BACK"? We do potlucks all the time. At work, at church, and all summer long at my house. Not so much at home during the winter but potluck has always been around and has never went away. I do live in the south maybe that is why it is still around. But I agree they are the only way to go. whether you do a theme or just whatever. You always know there is at least one thing there you like cause you brought it :) but usually there are so many good things that you cant get enough. then you can exchange recipes :) great way to eat and fellowship with folks.

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