[Virginia Tadrzynski[_2_]]

Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)

Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. Lots of people
'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
kitchen are usually in charge. Used to go, not anymore. Saw an 'in charge'
person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
rescued it and took it home. Great for left overs. Heaven forbid you
contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.

Chicken Burrito bake (I did plug it as okay on my blog two years ago,
misery loves company, okay - I've since realized just how bad it not only
tastes, but actually is for you): You need two packages of chicken burritos
you find in the frozen fast food section of you grocer - the cheaper the
better, I can usually get them for around $2.50 a 10/pk. A can of chopped
chilis, two cans of cream of chicken soup (milk, water, or if you wanna
really call it Mexican and hope no Mexican pops you for it - tomato juice or
sauce). Lay the burritos end to end in a large pan (13x9). Mix the soups,
chilis, and liquid (just enough to make it pourable ) and cover the
burritos. Sprinkle cheddar, pepper jack or whatever kind you feel
like.......grate some cheap-o government cheese if you want. Pop it in the
oven until the burritos are thawed (use a thermometer) and warmed thru.
There were people (esp. the kid's of this 'expert' at who would eat what)
that wanted more and more and more.

Was I evil? Perhaps. Felt underappreciated? Damn skippy. But then again,
hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.
-ginny

[Kalmia]

On Jun 7, 12:43*pm, "Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote:
> Okay. *Here's the question. *Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. *Lots of people
> 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
> kitchen are usually in charge. *Used to go, not anymore. *Saw an 'in charge'
> person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
> and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
> 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. *I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
> turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
> I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
> get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
> rescued it and took it home. *Great for left overs. *Heaven forbid you
> contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
> garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
> ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.
>
> Chicken Burrito bake *(I did plug it as okay on my blog two years ago,
> misery loves company, okay - I've since realized just how bad it not only
> tastes, but actually is for you): *You need two packages of chicken burritos
> you find in the frozen fast food section of you grocer - the cheaper the
> better, I can usually get them for around $2.50 a 10/pk. *A can of chopped
> chilis, two cans of cream of chicken soup (milk, water, or if you wanna
> really call it Mexican and hope no Mexican pops you for it - tomato juice or
> sauce). * Lay the burritos end to end in a large pan (13x9). *Mix the soups,
> chilis, and liquid (just enough to make it pourable ) and cover the
> burritos. *Sprinkle cheddar, pepper jack or whatever kind you feel
> like.......grate some cheap-o government cheese if *you want. *Pop it in the
> oven until the burritos are thawed (use a thermometer) and warmed thru.
> There were people (esp. the kid's of this 'expert' at who would eat what)
> that wanted more and more and more.
>
> Was I evil? Perhaps. Felt underappreciated? Damn skippy. *But then again,
> hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
> putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.
> -ginny

I think we've all brought something nice to a potluck once or twice,
only to see the first five people through the line polish it off with
larger helpings than was polite. If meat is in view, it's a goner.
This is maybe why potlucks become so laden with pasta and bean
dishes.

My fave to bring used to be a steamed broccoli salad with real bacon
bits. I did skimp on the dressing tho and used the cheap, house
brand mayo. I used the broc stems also, to enlarge its appearance.
Everyone skimps when it's not just you and yours. And I doubt if
there's a soul here who will serve real maple syrup when kids are at
the table - they pour out a gargantuan puddle and leave most of it.
Agh.

I would have stood up tho to that person who censored the meal. Da
noive o' huh.

My groups' potlucks died - after a while, there was little
participation for all the reasons we know so well.

[Catmandy (Sheryl)]

On Jun 7, 12:43*pm, "Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote:
> Okay. *Here's the question. *Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. *Lots of people
> 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
> kitchen are usually in charge. *Used to go, not anymore. *Saw an 'in charge'
> person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
> and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
> 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. *I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
> turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
> I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
> get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
> rescued it and took it home. *Great for left overs. *Heaven forbid you
> contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
> garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
> ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.
>
> Chicken Burrito bake *(I did plug it as okay on my blog two years ago,
> misery loves company, okay - I've since realized just how bad it not only
> tastes, but actually is for you): *You need two packages of chicken burritos
> you find in the frozen fast food section of you grocer - the cheaper the
> better, I can usually get them for around $2.50 a 10/pk. *A can of chopped
> chilis, two cans of cream of chicken soup (milk, water, or if you wanna
> really call it Mexican and hope no Mexican pops you for it - tomato juice or
> sauce). * Lay the burritos end to end in a large pan (13x9). *Mix the soups,
> chilis, and liquid (just enough to make it pourable ) and cover the
> burritos. *Sprinkle cheddar, pepper jack or whatever kind you feel
> like.......grate some cheap-o government cheese if *you want. *Pop it in the
> oven until the burritos are thawed (use a thermometer) and warmed thru.
> There were people (esp. the kid's of this 'expert' at who would eat what)
> that wanted more and more and more.
>
> Was I evil? Perhaps. Felt underappreciated? Damn skippy. *But then again,
> hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
> putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.
> -ginny

nope, the pretzels and red jello is called "Salad". (shudder).
No, Ginny, what you did is smart.
Here's the thing: you're playing to your audience. You made what they
will eat. (or at least, what will get served). It's a sin to waste
food. Especially when you're feeding people who may not have a meal
otherwise.

Just make what will be served and save your real cooking for those who
will appreciate it. This is obviously a tuna casserole bunch.

Have you ever read "Taste of Home" magazine? I haven't recently but I
did a few years ago and I wanted to cry. Yet it's one of the top food
related magazines in the US. 101 things to do with canned soup.

Scary that people believe that's the only way to cook.

[Pennyaline[_7_]]

On 6/7/2010 11:12, Catmandy (Sheryl) wrote:>
> Just make what will be served and save your real cooking for those who
> will appreciate it. This is obviously a tuna casserole bunch.


Ahem. I make tuna casserole for the home crowd often. We like it, thanks
very much.

[zxcvbob]

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
> Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. Lots of people
> 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
> kitchen are usually in charge. Used to go, not anymore. Saw an 'in charge'
> person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
> and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
> 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
> turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
> I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
> get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
> rescued it and took it home. Great for left overs. Heaven forbid you
> contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
> garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
> ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.


She was actually throwing the food out? ==(8-0 I can understand
rolling her eyes and 'Tssk tssk'ing in disapproval (I've gotten some
remarks about stuff being "too spicy") but what she did is a supreme
insult. She should be called to task by the church staff before she
runs people away.

I hate making things for potlucks (we have one coming up this weekend)
because it's hard to come up with anything nutritious and tasty that
will stand up to being hauled across town and then held for 3 hours
before serving. The churh kitchen is too small to do any last-minute
finishing -- so you end up nothing but heavy desserts and greasy
starchy hotdishes and a few mayonnaise salads. -- I make them too
because that's what works.

Bob

[George Shirley]

On 6/7/2010 11:43 AM, Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
> Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. Lots of people
> 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
> kitchen are usually in charge. Used to go, not anymore. Saw an 'in charge'
> person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
> and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
> 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
> turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
> I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
> get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
> rescued it and took it home. Great for left overs. Heaven forbid you
> contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
> garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
> ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.
>
> Chicken Burrito bake (I did plug it as okay on my blog two years ago,
> misery loves company, okay - I've since realized just how bad it not only
> tastes, but actually is for you): You need two packages of chicken burritos
> you find in the frozen fast food section of you grocer - the cheaper the
> better, I can usually get them for around $2.50 a 10/pk. A can of chopped
> chilis, two cans of cream of chicken soup (milk, water, or if you wanna
> really call it Mexican and hope no Mexican pops you for it - tomato juice or
> sauce). Lay the burritos end to end in a large pan (13x9). Mix the soups,
> chilis, and liquid (just enough to make it pourable ) and cover the
> burritos. Sprinkle cheddar, pepper jack or whatever kind you feel
> like.......grate some cheap-o government cheese if you want. Pop it in the
> oven until the burritos are thawed (use a thermometer) and warmed thru.
> There were people (esp. the kid's of this 'expert' at who would eat what)
> that wanted more and more and more.
>
> Was I evil? Perhaps. Felt underappreciated? Damn skippy. But then again,
> hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
> putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.
> -ginny
>
>
>
Obviously you don't go to the right church, the ladies at our church
churn out some fine meals. My particular donation to the Altar Society
luncheons is generally a sweet bread, they particularly like the one I
make with candied ginger and powdered ginger in the mix. Sometimes I put
in dried tart cherries or cranraisins but mostly not.

We live in Cajun land and there are lots of good cooks here. You need to
get on the committee and cull out the lady who is being overly protective.

[Melba's Jammin']

In article >,
"Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote:

> Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. Lots of people
> 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
> kitchen are usually in charge. Used to go, not anymore. Saw an 'in charge'
> person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
> and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
> 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
> turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
> I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
> get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
> rescued it and took it home. Great for left overs. Heaven forbid you
> contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
> garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
> ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.

Are you sh*****' me? Your potluck supper has become a juried event? I'd
be in her face, Minnesota Nice be hanged! Da noive! She puts it in the
garbage? Sends it back with a big red X on the lid? Holy balls.
--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
Updated 4-24-2010 with food story and pictures

[ImStillMags]

On Jun 7, 9:43*am, "Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote:
> Okay. *Here's the question. *Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. *Lots of people
> 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
> kitchen are usually in charge. *Used to go, not anymore. *Saw an 'in charge'
> person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
> and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
> 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. *I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
> turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
> I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
> get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
> rescued it and took it home. *Great for left overs. *Heaven forbid you
> contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
> garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
> ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.
>
> Chicken Burrito bake *(I did plug it as okay on my blog two years ago,
> misery loves company, okay - I've since realized just how bad it not only
> tastes, but actually is for you): *You need two packages of chicken burritos
> you find in the frozen fast food section of you grocer - the cheaper the
> better, I can usually get them for around $2.50 a 10/pk. *A can of chopped
> chilis, two cans of cream of chicken soup (milk, water, or if you wanna
> really call it Mexican and hope no Mexican pops you for it - tomato juice or
> sauce). * Lay the burritos end to end in a large pan (13x9). *Mix the soups,
> chilis, and liquid (just enough to make it pourable ) and cover the
> burritos. *Sprinkle cheddar, pepper jack or whatever kind you feel
> like.......grate some cheap-o government cheese if *you want. *Pop it in the
> oven until the burritos are thawed (use a thermometer) and warmed thru.
> There were people (esp. the kid's of this 'expert' at who would eat what)
> that wanted more and more and more.
>
> Was I evil? Perhaps. Felt underappreciated? Damn skippy. *But then again,
> hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
> putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.
> -ginny

well, that 'person' who set herself up as judge and jury needs to go
bye bye......If I were you I'd send Barb in, sounds like she could
take care of the situation pretty quick.

[Dora]

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> Are you sh*****' me? Your potluck supper has become a juried event?
> I'd be in her face, Minnesota Nice be hanged! Da noive! She puts
> it
> in the garbage? Sends it back with a big red X on the lid? Holy
> balls.

I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
organization) and not, fortunately, to me. "Oh, another one - we
don't need it, we have two of those already." The person was left
hanging, with her dish in her hand.

Dora

[sf[_9_]]

On Mon, 7 Jun 2010 12:43:48 -0400, "Virginia Tadrzynski"
> wrote:

> Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more?

Can't say I've ever felt that way, nor can I think of something I
wouldn't serve at home that others would like *that* much anyway...
but I'd never heard of the burrito casserole until you mentioned it
here in rfc.

<major snip>

> But then again,
> hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
> putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.

As someone who actually ate it one time, it tastes better than it
sounds!

--
Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

[Melba's Jammin']

In article
>,
ImStillMags > wrote:

> well, that 'person' who set herself up as judge and jury needs to go
> bye bye......If I were you I'd send Barb in, sounds like she could
> take care of the situation pretty quick.

Grrrr. :-) The most gracious woman I've ever had the pleasure to
know died last winter. Phyllis Ehmke had a lot of class. She was a
neighbor. I'm not as smooth as Phyl was: At a Thanksgiving Eve pumpkin
pie fest at church one year, the deal was donated pumpkin pies to be cut
and served after the worship service. Have you ever encountered one of
those cans of pumpkin where the pumpkin is green? Or becomes green
after baking? It's naught to do with spoilage ‹ some other factor
involved.

Anyway, someone brought in a green pumpkin pie. Looked horrible. Phyl
was in charge and more than one person remarked about the godawful green
pie. Phyl cut the pies and dished them up during the service. When it
was time to clean up, someone remarked that that pie had two slices out
of it ‹ "Oh, my Alex, Phyllis!! You didn't SERVE that, did you?" Phyl
said no, that she put two pieces into the garbage can ‹ "How would you
feel if you'd brought a pie to share and no one touched it?" The
world lost a fine woman last winter. :-(

I absolutely cannot imagine someone pulling a stunt like Ginny
encountered without being hauled up short on the spot.
--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
Updated 4-24-2010 with food story and pictures

[Nancy Young[_2_]]

Dora wrote:
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>> Are you sh*****' me? Your potluck supper has become a juried event?
>> I'd be in her face, Minnesota Nice be hanged! Da noive! She puts
>> it
>> in the garbage? Sends it back with a big red X on the lid? Holy
>> balls.
>
> I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
> organization) and not, fortunately, to me. "Oh, another one - we
> don't need it, we have two of those already." The person was left
> hanging, with her dish in her hand.

Who was it, someone here, who was told what to bring to
a dinner and when they arrived, someone else had brought
something similar so that happened to them - oh, we don't need
this. What the hell's going on out there? (laugh)

nancy

[sf[_9_]]

On Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:54:37 -0500, George Shirley
> wrote:

> My particular donation to the Altar Society
> luncheons is generally a sweet bread, they particularly like the one I
> make with candied ginger and powdered ginger in the mix. Sometimes I put
> in dried tart cherries or cranraisins but mostly not.

Well, dang, man... why don't you post the recipe???

--
Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

[Nancy Young[_2_]]

Dora wrote:
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>> Are you sh*****' me? Your potluck supper has become a juried event?
>> I'd be in her face, Minnesota Nice be hanged! Da noive! She puts
>> it
>> in the garbage? Sends it back with a big red X on the lid? Holy
>> balls.
>
> I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
> organization) and not, fortunately, to me. "Oh, another one - we
> don't need it, we have two of those already." The person was left
> hanging, with her dish in her hand.

Who was it, someone here, who was told what to bring to
a dinner and when they arrived, someone else had brought
something similar so that happened to them - oh, we don't need
this. What the hell's going on out there? (laugh)

nancy

[George Leppla]

On 6/7/2010 2:42 PM, Stu wrote:

>> I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
>> organization) and not, fortunately, to me. "Oh, another one - we
>> don't need it, we have two of those already." The person was left
>> hanging, with her dish in her hand.
>>
>> Dora
>>
>
> Us as well, we took the dish and left. We got a call from the minister
> a few days later. He said that he wondered why the numbers for the
> potluck were dropping, and after someone mentioned to him what had
> happened he understood why. A week later she was off the committee.


Pot lucks at our church seem to be long on salads and vegetable
casseroles and way short on meat dishes. A local grocery store makes
really good fried chicken and you can get 50 pieces for around $40....
and we'll bring a couple packs of hot dogs and buns "for the kids".

That stuff never goes to waste.

The best "pot luck" was a Christmas Party where the hosts asked ahead of
time what people were bringing... and making suggestions when that item
was already promised. We brought a roasted turkey. It was a really
great dinner.

George L

[zxcvbob]

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> Anyway, someone brought in a green pumpkin pie. Looked horrible. Phyl
> was in charge and more than one person remarked about the godawful green
> pie. Phyl cut the pies and dished them up during the service. When it
> was time to clean up, someone remarked that that pie had two slices out
> of it ‹ "Oh, my Alex, Phyllis!! You didn't SERVE that, did you?" Phyl
> said no, that she put two pieces into the garbage can ‹ "How would you
> feel if you'd brought a pie to share and no one touched it?" The
> world lost a fine woman last winter. :-(


Thank you for sharing that. I'm always on the cleanup committee and
wonder what to do when somebody brings something and it doesn't get
touched. (but it's never because it was rejected by the kitchen
committee (I'm on that too))

Bob, the Chief Bottlewasher

[Melba's Jammin']

In article >,
zxcvbob > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > Anyway, someone brought in a green pumpkin pie. Looked horrible. Phyl
> > was in charge and more than one person remarked about the godawful green
> > pie. Phyl cut the pies and dished them up during the service. When it
> > was time to clean up, someone remarked that that pie had two slices out
> > of it Ð "Oh, my Alex, Phyllis!! You didn't SERVE that, did you?" Phyl
> > said no, that she put two pieces into the garbage can Ð "How would you
> > feel if you'd brought a pie to share and no one touched it?" The
> > world lost a fine woman last winter. :-(
>
>
> Thank you for sharing that. I'm always on the cleanup committee and
> wonder what to do when somebody brings something and it doesn't get
> touched. (but it's never because it was rejected by the kitchen
> committee (I'm on that too))
>
> Bob, the Chief Bottlewasher

You're welcome. She was a lovely woman. What Would Phyllis Do? :-)


--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
Updated 4-24-2010 with food story and pictures

[Default User]

"Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote in message
news
> Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered
> dish where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you
> made some dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and
> ask for more?

No. I have a number of nice recipes, many of which are appropriate for that
sort of setting. A nice pot of moderately-spiced chili, baked mostaccoli,
coleslaw, all kinds of stuff.



Brian

[[email protected]]

On Jun 7, 1:08*pm, George Leppla > wrote:
> On 6/7/2010 2:42 PM, Stu wrote:
>
> >> I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
> >> organization) and not, fortunately, to me. *"Oh, another one - we
> >> don't need it, we have two of those already." *The person was left
> >> hanging, with her dish in her hand.
>
> >> Dora
>
> > Us as well, we took the dish and left. We got a call from the minister
> > a few days later. He said that he wondered why the numbers for the
> > potluck were dropping, and after someone mentioned to him what had
> > happened he understood why. A week later she was off the committee.
>
> Pot lucks at our church seem to be long on salads and vegetable
> casseroles and way short on meat dishes. *A local grocery store makes
> really good fried chicken and you can get 50 pieces for around $40....
> and we'll bring a couple packs of hot dogs and buns "for the kids".
>
> That stuff never goes to waste.
>
> The best "pot luck" was a Christmas Party where the hosts asked ahead of
> time what people were bringing... and making suggestions when that item
> was already promised. *We brought a roasted turkey. *It was a really
> great dinner.
>

Our potluck at work has the ham and turkey provided by the store, and
we bring the rest of the items. This way we know we are going to get
meat. We do have a signup list so that people can see what is coming
and what is still needed.

For regular potlucks, we usually take a dish that is similar to chili
(but not spicy and a little different), or a fun hot dog dish (hard to
explain, but it has a piece of bread, flattened and crusts cut off, an
unsual spread (ketchup, mustard, and peanut butter), and then a
hotdog, then rolled up and toasted. Sounds horrible, tastes great. And
we leave the leftovers at home since we usually run out at events.

[Arri London]

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
>
> Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
>

<snip>

Yes indeed! One plays to the audience, always No point in making
something that that particular crowd won't like. However, the dish that
is brought will always be something I consider edible, just in case
there isn't anything else there that is LOL.

[Charlotte L. Blackmer[_2_]]

In article >,
Virginia Tadrzynski > wrote:
>Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
>where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
>dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
>more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
>Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)

>Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. Lots of people
>'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
>kitchen are usually in charge. Used to go, not anymore. Saw an 'in charge'
>person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
>and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
>'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
>turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
>I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
>get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
>rescued it and took it home.

Holy shitballs! Potluck as juried event, indeed!

What this woman is doing is wrong. It is bad stewardship (as Ranee has
noted) and bad manners. She should have at least put it in the fridge and
offered it back to you. Her kids don't have to eat it, and anyone who has
a bone problem should not be eating unsupervised.

Yours truly has some experience running church potlucks. My main problem
is when someone drops something on me at the last minute with fairly
elaborate assembly /serving instructions. If I have to do more than the
"hold in a warm oven" type thing or drag it out of the fridge, don't
complain if it's not out.

Otherwise my main problem is not having enough table space (to be able to
put everything out, because then people won't come into the kitchen and
complain). Next one I run, I will insist on no competing "tables" in
the hall and get another one out.

I don't "dumb down" for church potlucks but I keep things
moderately seasoned to cater for a wide audience. Otherwise I am
blessed with a remarkably non-picky group of eaters - including the
children. I made my dad's marinated leg of lamb for the Pentecost
party-with-barbeque and did not stint on the garlic and onions. That
platter was demolished with glad cries.

Also, I gotta ask, Ginny, WHY are you still bringing things? Since your
offerings have not only been not put out, but almost pitched out, twice?
I might let TPTB (church office/pastor) know there had been active
rudeness as well as wasting food.

I might start out with the carrot first by offering my organizational
services on a rotating basis. It's possible that Miss Picky there is the
only one who can be talked into doing it. Church potlucks, even in my
food-loving congregation, tend to be a Little Red Hen thing when it comes
to running the kitchen.

Charlotte


--

[ImStillMags]

On Jun 7, 1:00Â*pm, Melba's Jammin' <barbscha

You didn't SERVE that, did you?" Phyl
said no, that she put two pieces into the garbage can €¹ "How would you
feel if you'd brought a pie to share and no one touched it?"





Now THAT's a lady....

[Food Snob®[_2_]]

On Jun 7, 12:37*pm, zxcvbob > wrote:
> Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
> > Okay. *Here's the question. *Ever been invited to a potluck or covered dish
> > where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you made some
> > dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and ask for
> > more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> > Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> > Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. *Lots of people
> > 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred from a
> > kitchen are usually in charge. *Used to go, not anymore. *Saw an 'in charge'
> > person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru the dishes
> > and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the congregation' or
> > 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. *I made a shrimp/sausage/smoked
> > turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups, canned broths, etc) and
> > I caught it just as it was about to go out the door as 'the elderly might
> > get a bone stuck in their throat with this' - HELLO - no bones in it! I
> > rescued it and took it home. *Great for left overs. *Heaven forbid you
> > contradict this person, so the next week I found a recipe that my human
> > garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me 'gag, Mom, how could
> > ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.
>
> She was actually throwing the food out? *==(8-0 *I can understand
> rolling her eyes and 'Tssk tssk'ing in disapproval (I've gotten some
> remarks about stuff being "too spicy") but what she did is a supreme
> insult. *She should be called to task by the church staff before she
> runs people away.
>
She should be publicly denounced from the chancel.
>
> Bob

--Bryan

[Melba's Jammin']

In article
>,
" > wrote:

> hotdog, then rolled up and toasted. Sounds horrible, tastes great.

Sounds "interesting." "-)

> And we leave the leftovers at home since we usually run out at
> events.

<grin> You "leave some home for later" because there usually are no
leftovers. :-) Semantics.

Einstein Brothers bagels makes a dog spiral-wrapped in bagel dough.
It's pretty good.

--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
Updated 4-24-2010 with food story and pictures

[Virginia Tadrzynski[_2_]]

"Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote in message
news
> Okay. Here's the question. Ever been invited to a potluck or covered
> dish where you know that your 'finest' would not be appreciated so you
> made some dreck you wouldn't serve at home - and have them decimate it and
> ask for more? (Let's skip the obligatory green bean cassarole from
> Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving, guys,okay?)
>
> Local church has a covered dish dinner mid-week, every week. Lots of
> people 'can' cook there, unfortunately, lots of those who should be barred
> from a kitchen are usually in charge. Used to go, not anymore. Saw an
> 'in charge' person (usually a "relative" of the pastoral staff) going thru
> the dishes and tossing those who 'she felt may be 'too spicy for the
> congregation' or 'my kids don't eat this so out it goes'. I made a
> shrimp/sausage/smoked turkey jambalaya (ALL fresh ingredients - no soups,
> canned broths, etc) and I caught it just as it was about to go out the
> door as 'the elderly might get a bone stuck in their throat with this' -
> HELLO - no bones in it! I rescued it and took it home. Great for left
> overs. Heaven forbid you contradict this person, so the next week I found
> a recipe that my human garbage disposal kids found and wanted to show me
> 'gag, Mom, how could ANYONE eat this'......I had my covered dish.
>
> Chicken Burrito bake (I did plug it as okay on my blog two years ago,
> misery loves company, okay - I've since realized just how bad it not only
> tastes, but actually is for you): You need two packages of chicken
> burritos you find in the frozen fast food section of you grocer - the
> cheaper the better, I can usually get them for around $2.50 a 10/pk. A
> can of chopped chilis, two cans of cream of chicken soup (milk, water, or
> if you wanna really call it Mexican and hope no Mexican pops you for it -
> tomato juice or sauce). Lay the burritos end to end in a large pan
> (13x9). Mix the soups, chilis, and liquid (just enough to make it
> pourable ) and cover the burritos. Sprinkle cheddar, pepper jack or
> whatever kind you feel like.......grate some cheap-o government cheese if
> you want. Pop it in the oven until the burritos are thawed (use a
> thermometer) and warmed thru. There were people (esp. the kid's of this
> 'expert' at who would eat what) that wanted more and more and more.
>
> Was I evil? Perhaps. Felt underappreciated? Damn skippy. But then again,
> hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
> putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.
> -ginny
>
>
>

Okay, now to answer a few of the questions. Charlotte and George both have
a point about 'not going there anymore' as the dinner on the grounds has
taken a life of it's own and is endemic of other problems. The person who
was 'picking and choosing' what stayed and what went was the assistant
pastor's daughter in law, herself a pastor's daughter, and is inclined to
get indignantly loudly and try to make anyone look small who contradicts
her, "because" of who she is no one really complains because the main
comment is 'oh that's Pastor X's DIL, shrugs their shoulders and does
nothing. Usually if you 'catch the wrath of Cath' as it is referred to ,
the rest of the kitchen ladies shun you, so that leaves out the volunteering
to help bit. But, at the end of the season, you will get a call.....they
are cleaning the church kitchen for the season and they decided to give the
janitor a break, so 'can you come scrub the toilets for us?'.....Nah, toots,
I'm busy.

This basically wasn't a feed the needy type situation, but was for the
congregants who came to prayer meeting on Wednesday nights, they were served
dinner first. It was just held in the summer months. What always cracked me
up was the ones who came empty handed were couples who lived in a McMansion
and had no kids (the whole time talking about their 'new' car, their
investment portfolio, etc)....the biggest offerings came from families with
6-8 kids, the ones that it would ding financially moreso than the others. I
went last year, when I had volunteered to take meals to a dear lady who
passed in January. I would take her little cups of just about everything
put out and she would graze from them for another 2-3 days. I did it mostly
for her, in the end, as we were getting disgusted with how it was panning
out. I had suspected such activity earlier, but saw if first hand the
middle of August. Since the program ran only until the end of the month, we
continued till the end so that I could continue to drop off 'samples', then
the dear little lady went back on meal rotation with the fellowship
committee of people dropping off meals on an assigned basis.

For those last couple of weeks I got mad. Christian response, no, not
really, but I was going to hold to my commitment to do the 'meal run' so we
had to go. The burritos were samples of what I did take. Pack of hot dogs
warmed over in a pot of canned pork and beans was another 'offering'. This
year it's started up again, we haven't darkened the doorway. The dear soul
who I worried about is dining with Jesus this summer, so that obligation is
fulfilled. And to add insult to injury, when this whole concept came about,
another woman and I were on the committee...she had just gotten back from a
mission trip, and usually prayer meetings talk about missions,etc. so she
suggested a 'theme' night...where if we talk about assisting in the Gulf, we
serve Cajun food, if we talk about the kids going to France, we serve
French..(the topic of Wednesday was always in the Sunday bulletin, so the
congregation knew ahead of time) .'Oh, no! we were told, you think too
lofty, no one would go for that. In fact, you two are just trying to take
over *MY* , err- make that OUR, committee' and we were never called again.
Now, two years later...we are heralded with 'Look at Cath's new idea -
Mission themed potlucks'. The other woman is on the outs as well as I, and
she made the wise crack she'd love to meet the 'idea person' in the
alley...I told her I'd provide the blanket for the blanket party we'd throw
her.

So, to allay your thoughts that I might still be involved in this, no, I'm
not. I just thought I'd throw it out for commentary since I was asked by
someone the other day 'why don't we see you at the potluck?'.
-ginny

[blake murphy[_2_]]

On Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:00:12 -0500, Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article
> >,
> ImStillMags > wrote:
>
>> well, that 'person' who set herself up as judge and jury needs to go
>> bye bye......If I were you I'd send Barb in, sounds like she could
>> take care of the situation pretty quick.
>
> Grrrr. :-) The most gracious woman I've ever had the pleasure to
> know died last winter. Phyllis Ehmke had a lot of class. She was a
> neighbor. I'm not as smooth as Phyl was: At a Thanksgiving Eve pumpkin
> pie fest at church one year, the deal was donated pumpkin pies to be cut
> and served after the worship service. Have you ever encountered one of
> those cans of pumpkin where the pumpkin is green? Or becomes green
> after baking? It's naught to do with spoilage ‹ some other factor
> involved.
>
> Anyway, someone brought in a green pumpkin pie. Looked horrible. Phyl
> was in charge and more than one person remarked about the godawful green
> pie. Phyl cut the pies and dished them up during the service. When it
> was time to clean up, someone remarked that that pie had two slices out
> of it ‹ "Oh, my Alex, Phyllis!! You didn't SERVE that, did you?" Phyl
> said no, that she put two pieces into the garbage can ‹ "How would you
> feel if you'd brought a pie to share and no one touched it?" The
> world lost a fine woman last winter. :-(

now, that's class.

your pal,
blake

[blake murphy[_2_]]

On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 09:43:09 -0400, Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:

> This basically wasn't a feed the needy type situation, but was for the
> congregants who came to prayer meeting on Wednesday nights, they were served
> dinner first. It was just held in the summer months.

for what it's worth, i didn't take it as a 'soup kitchen'-type operation
either. not sure why some others did.

your pal,
blake

[sf[_9_]]

On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 09:43:09 -0400, "Virginia Tadrzynski"
> wrote:

> Now, two years later...we are heralded with 'Look at Cath's new idea -
> Mission themed potlucks'.

Laugh! You are not alone. I'm sure that sort of thing has happened
to everyone at one time or another. If it hasn't, it sure has
happened to me - many times.

> The other woman is on the outs as well as I, and
> she made the wise crack she'd love to meet the 'idea person' in the
> alley...I told her I'd provide the blanket for the blanket party we'd throw
> her.

It's fun plotting revenge, even if you'd never do it.

--
Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

[Lou decruss]

On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:35:43 -0500, George Shirley
> wrote:

>The high school I graduated from "mumble mumble" years ago has an annual
>reunion. Always the second Saturday in June and that's this week. The
>committee buys the meat, usually brisket and sausage and the rest of us
>bring veggies, desserts, all sorts of side dishes. Since many of us are
>elderly and have allergies, food restrictions, etc. I always put a label
>on what I bring with a list of the ingredients in descending order of
>magnitude. I noticed last year that my desserts, usually a fruit cobbler
>or a sweet bread, get eaten up and I wondered why. Asked a friend why
>had some on her plate and she told me it was because I labeled it and
>she knew she could eat it with no ill effects. Made me feel good about
>it anyway.

It is a good feeling when your offering goes well. I've made the same
dish for different crowds. One finished it all and one didn't touch
it. Weird.

Lou

[Dora]

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
>
> This basically wasn't a feed the needy type situation, but was for
> the
> congregants who came to prayer meeting on Wednesday nights, they
> were
> served dinner first. It was just held in the summer months.

I suppose we've all run into this type of person, who gets puffed up
with his/her own sense of importance and superiority. It's especially
sad in a church environment, where Christian fellowship is supposed to
prevail. I really think the pastor (and the assistant pastor!) need
to be clued in, since it's driving people away and causing the
opposite of what it's supposed to achieve.

[Omelet[_7_]]

In article >,
"Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote:

> Was I evil? Perhaps. Felt underappreciated? Damn skippy. But then again,
> hubby said 'realize, these are the same people who think haute cuisine is
> putting pretzels in red jello and calling it dessert.
> -ginny

My gawd... <lol>
But were you really surprised that they liked it? ;-D
--
Peace! Om

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/OMPOmelet>
*Only Irish *coffee provides in a single glass all four *essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar *and fat. --Alex Levine

[Melba's Jammin']

In article >,
"Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote:

> not. I just thought I'd throw it out for commentary since I was asked by
> someone the other day 'why don't we see you at the potluck?'.
> -ginny

Did you tell the person why?
--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
Updated 4-24-2010 with food story and pictures

[gloria.p]

Dora wrote:
> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>> Are you sh*****' me? Your potluck supper has become a juried event?
>> I'd be in her face, Minnesota Nice be hanged! Da noive! She puts it
>> in the garbage? Sends it back with a big red X on the lid? Holy
>> balls.
>
> I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
> organization) and not, fortunately, to me. "Oh, another one - we don't
> need it, we have two of those already." The person was left hanging,
> with her dish in her hand.
>
> Dora
>
>


Lord save us from controlling biddies.

Those situations are so inexcusable they are beyond description.
There is absolutely no reason for wasting food that way especially in
these hard times. Every donated food should be put on the table and
anyone who doesn't like the look of it doesn't have to try it.

The only excuse I can think of was described by an old favorite author
of mine as "Dotty's Collywobbles", where an older woman used to add wild
herbs and greens (her version of "health foods") to her potluck dishes
that always made everyone sick. Making something spicy doesn't begin to
approach that category.

gloria p

[gloria.p]

Stu wrote:
> On Mon, 7 Jun 2010 14:46:47 -0400, "Dora" > wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>>> Are you sh*****' me? Your potluck supper has become a juried event?
>>> I'd be in her face, Minnesota Nice be hanged! Da noive! She puts
>>> it
>>> in the garbage? Sends it back with a big red X on the lid? Holy
>>> balls.
>> I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
>> organization) and not, fortunately, to me. "Oh, another one - we
>> don't need it, we have two of those already." The person was left
>> hanging, with her dish in her hand.
>>
>> Dora
>>
>
> Us as well, we took the dish and left. We got a call from the minister
> a few days later. He said that he wondered why the numbers for the
> potluck were dropping, and after someone mentioned to him what had
> happened he understood why. A week later she was off the committee.


Smart man.

Back in the late 70s when the Senior Citizen mealsite program was
first set up (USDA, maybe?) a friend and I volunteered once a week to
serve the hot lunch that was made at a central site and shipped to us
daily, and clean up afterward.

In our small town, lunch was held at the Rec Center, a beautiful old
Victorian house on huge acreage that had been donated by a wealthy
family. Leftover full meals were available in take out containers for
anyone who wanted the food for dinner or the next day. We served food to
all who arrived at noon and collected a donation ($1) from all who were
able. We ate there on the days we volunteered and the meals were
surprisingly good (except the once-a-quarter liver-and-onions meals, but
that was my personal dislike--the Seniors who came that day loved it.)

There were two paid employees. The assistant was an older lady who was
a real control freak and had everyone under her thumb. After a few
weeks I noticed she was saving the vegetables (already on the verge of
being overcooked) in the refrigerator and adding them to the following
day's soup, whatever we were sent, instead of letting us pack them in
the takeout meals. We had been trained to give it away or throw it out,
not saving anything because of the risk of contamination. She was
adamant that the veg should be served again in this way and were "still
full of good nutrition." (You haven't lived till you've tried her clam
chowder with leftover string beans.)

We finally gave up trying to change her mind and get in touch with the
state program director. She was relieved of her duties. Later we
discovered that she had been embarrassing some of the lunch bunch into
donating even if they were really unable to, causing some of the
neediest to stop coming for their only decent meal of the day/week.

Control freaks are really hard to deal with.

gloria p

[gloria.p]

George Leppla wrote:

>
>
> Pot lucks at our church seem to be long on salads and vegetable
> casseroles and way short on meat dishes.


I noticed that starting to happen about 15 years ago. Our PTO
organization at the high school used to serve a potluck for the teachers
every August on their first day back. Every PTO member would contact 3
friends or neighbors with kids in the school for the donation of a dish.

As the price of meat began to rise, we had way too many side dishes and
not enough meat. We finally solved it by having a few members make
something like big briskets and pork shoulders for shredded oven BBQ
and turkey for turkey salad, beef for chili, etc. and the PTO paid for
the meat. Albertson's usually gave us a nice discount.

One of the most successful meals we served to the staff during parent
conference night was those huge baked potatoes with lots of choices of
toppings, and a big salad.

gloria p

[James Silverton[_4_]]

gloria.p wrote on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:22:14 -0600:

>> Pot lucks at our church seem to be long on salads and
>> vegetable casseroles and way short on meat dishes.

> I noticed that starting to happen about 15 years ago. Our PTO
> organization at the high school used to serve a potluck for
> the teachers every August on their first day back. Every PTO
> member would contact 3 friends or neighbors with kids in the
> school for the donation of a dish.

> As the price of meat began to rise, we had way too many side
> dishes and not enough meat. We finally solved it by having a
> few members make something like big briskets and pork
> shoulders for shredded oven BBQ and turkey for turkey salad,
> beef for chili, etc. and the PTO paid for the meat.
> Albertson's usually gave us a nice discount.

> One of the most successful meals we served to the staff during
> parent conference night was those huge baked potatoes with
> lots of choices of toppings, and a big salad.

What sort of dressing did you serve with the big salad?

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

[Food Snob®[_2_]]

On Jun 8, 8:06*am, Melba's Jammin' > wrote:
> In article
> >,
>
> " > wrote:
> > hotdog, then rolled up and toasted. Sounds horrible, tastes great.
>
> Sounds "interesting." *"-)

In the sense of the Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting
times."

> --
> Barb

--Bryan

[Food Snob®[_2_]]

On Jun 8, 4:11*pm, "gloria.p" > wrote:
> Stu wrote:
> > On Mon, 7 Jun 2010 14:46:47 -0400, "Dora" > wrote:
>
> >> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> >>> Are you sh*****' me? Your potluck supper has become a juried event?
> >>> I'd be in her face, Minnesota Nice be hanged! *Da noive! *She puts
> >>> it
> >>> in the garbage? *Sends it back with a big red X on the lid? *Holy
> >>> balls.
> >> I've encountered something similar (potluck, by a different
> >> organization) and not, fortunately, to me. *"Oh, another one - we
> >> don't need it, we have two of those already." *The person was left
> >> hanging, with her dish in her hand.
>
> >> Dora
>
> > Us as well, we took the dish and left. We got a call from the minister
> > a few days later. He said that he wondered why the numbers for the
> > potluck were dropping, and after someone mentioned to him what had
> > happened he understood why. A week later she was off the committee.
>
> Smart man.
>
> Back in the late 70s when the Senior Citizen mealsite program was
> first set up (USDA, maybe?) *a friend and I volunteered once a week to
> serve the hot lunch that was made at a central site and shipped to us
> daily, and clean up afterward.
>
> In our small town, lunch was held at the Rec Center, a beautiful old
> Victorian house on huge acreage that had been donated by a wealthy
> family. * Leftover full meals were available in take out containers for
> anyone who wanted the food for dinner or the next day. We served food to
> all who arrived at noon and collected a donation ($1) from all who were
> able. *We ate there on the days we volunteered and the meals were
> surprisingly good (except the once-a-quarter liver-and-onions meals, but
> that was my personal dislike--the Seniors who came that day loved it.)
>
> There were two paid employees. * The assistant was an older lady who was
> a real control freak and had everyone under her thumb. *After a few
> weeks I noticed she was saving the vegetables (already on the verge of
> being overcooked) in the refrigerator and adding them to the following
> day's soup, whatever we were sent, instead of letting us pack them in
> the takeout meals. We had been trained to give it away or throw it out,
> not saving anything because of the risk of contamination. *She was
> adamant that the veg should be served again in this way and were "still
> full of good nutrition." *(You haven't lived till you've tried her clam
> chowder with leftover string beans.)
>
> We finally gave up trying to change her mind and get in touch with the
> state program director. *She was relieved of her duties. *Later we
> discovered that she had been embarrassing some of the lunch bunch into
> donating even if they were really unable to, causing some of the
> neediest to stop coming for their only decent meal of the day/week.
>
> Control freaks are really hard to deal with.

Electrical current applied to sensitive body parts usually gets their
attention.
>
> gloria p

--Bryan

[Food Snob®[_2_]]

On Jun 8, 11:10*am, sf > wrote:
>
>
> It's fun plotting revenge, even if you'd never do it.
>
What a great quote for a sig.

--Bryan

It's fun plotting revenge, even if you'd never do it.
-- sf in rec.food.cooking, 06-08-2010

[gloria.p]

James Silverton wrote:
> gloria.p wrote on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:22:14 -0600:
>
>>> Pot lucks at our church seem to be long on salads and
>>> vegetable casseroles and way short on meat dishes.
>
>> I noticed that starting to happen about 15 years ago. Our PTO
>> organization at the high school used to serve a potluck for
>> the teachers every August on their first day back. Every PTO member
>> would contact 3 friends or neighbors with kids in the
>> school for the donation of a dish.
>
>> As the price of meat began to rise, we had way too many side
>> dishes and not enough meat. We finally solved it by having a few
>> members make something like big briskets and pork
>> shoulders for shredded oven BBQ and turkey for turkey salad,
>> beef for chili, etc. and the PTO paid for the meat. Albertson's
>> usually gave us a nice discount.
>
>> One of the most successful meals we served to the staff during
>> parent conference night was those huge baked potatoes with
>> lots of choices of toppings, and a big salad.
>
> What sort of dressing did you serve with the big salad?
>

If the person who brought each salad hadn't already dressed it, a
variety of bottled dressings and oil-and-vinegar were available on the
condiment table. When you are preparing for 300+ people you don't get
terribly fancy.

gloriap