by Teresa Feil

Created on: May 30, 2008

Pot luck Suppers
Pot luck suppers have been around forever. The grade school that I attended, which was many years ago, sponsored potlucks twice a year. You put that many Moms that love to cook in one place and there is going to be trouble.

The children learned early that it was not about them, but it was all about who was the best cook. This was a time that your Mom didn't worry about what you were eating. It was imperative that as her child you ate her food and praised it. Somehow the children became the ball and Mom's were the goalies that kicked them back into the game.

Dad's, you might ask? They had learned to sit passively on the sidelines. Apparently there is strength in numbers, because they would bunch up like a covey of quail. If an irritated Mom was fast approaching, the men would gather together to protect and to agree with the wounded warrior.

The food, I recall was plentiful and pleasing to the stomach. I never realized that potato salad and meatloaf came in so many different varieties. Of course the dessert table was the highlight for the children. The Dad's seemed to be happy just to be served and to be overly stuffed.

We had one family that would leave with more than they arrived with. But when you have a family of eight and a large buffet to choose from, why not! After a few times that this occurred, others simply placed their leftovers in the family's vehicle. I am sure that gossip was abundant, but the children never knew it. For the children, our tummies were full and satisfied. The family raised their children in our community and attended every potluck. Eventually the other Mothers simply banded together and provided all that they could. Most of the Mothers were pleased to be helping a sister in need.

Potlucks are fun but aren't done as often these days. People are busy and families and friends go in many different directions. I feel they should be resurrecting the pot luck supper for the sake of communication. We might get to know our neighbor better, or learn the names of all the children in the neighborhood. Besides, we Moms are always looking for a new and true recipe for tonight's meal.

Churches often have potluck suppers these days. The church that I attend has the every fifth Sunday buffet! It is a great time to fellowship and show off your cooking skills or lack of! If you are invited to a potluck supper, take the time to attend. You will love the food and the people.

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