Episode 39: Whatever Happened To The Pot Luck?

In Top Form Podcast

Have you ever wondered why you don’t get to see friends more often? And, when you do get together is it awesome? Does it fill you with energy? Do you have a great time and recharge? Do you see more of what really matters and a bit more clearly?

Our friendships matter but in the modern world we’re busier than ever and we often sacrifice getting together.

And let’s face it, entertaining is hard and stressful so we often default to a sports bar or other less than perfect location for catching up and finding out about one another again.

Ages ago, in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s they had an institution to deal with this – the pot luck lunch of dinner. Everyone made something so it was easy on the host (and the host often rotated but someone can be a “permanent host”).

A few people brought a salad and someone brought a side or two. A person or a couple of people brought a main dish and another a dessert (or two). The host made something as well and often provided drinks (as well as the quiet relaxed venue of a home).

There was often music or a game. But people talked. They blew off steam. They didn’t always agree about everything but they were respectful of one another and dedicated to having fun and enjoying one another for who they are. They realized that we all had a right to our own opinions and that often there were things that were correct about both sides of an “argument.”

People often felt recharged and ready for the week ahead (as these events often fell on a weekend evening).

Does this sound like something you’d like to do?

Well today is all about the pot luck.

We explore how to get into the pot luck mindset and why you should.

We talk strategies to make getting together easy and fun.

How to take the stress out of food allergies and other modern dilemmas as well as tricks of the pot luck life style, where to get amazing recipes and more.

You’re gonna love seeing friends a bit more often and you’re going to really enjoy being the host that makes this happen!

The Pot Luck Mindset:

Decide to change and take an action to do it. Schedule one and invite a few couples at the most.

Everyone enjoys bringing something and “cheating” is allowed. That means that they can buy a dish or pre-made ingredients. Better that they come than not.

Seeing friends once a week or once a month matters, it’s great and you feel better and connected.

Pot Luck Strategies:

Planned is better but spur of the moment (on a Friday for Sunday) can work too.

Every now and then add a theme to it such as: Australia Day, My Big Fat Geek Wedding, Titanic, you get the picture.

In all cases, emphasize casseroles, slow cooker, and easy on them.

Decide to relax and enjoy yourself and select vodka, rum, bourbon, scotch, or other libation/natural mood equalizer (we meant 5htp! Seriously. You thought we meant weed?)

Do the real deal for invitations, call another human on the phone or send a real paper invite with advanced notice. Follow up with a quick call…it’s fun to connect even if they can’t come…and remember that people have forgotten what RSVP means.

“Assign” everyone a type of dish (such as a side, appetizer, cocktail, beer or wine, main course or dessert).

Identify food allergies in advance. Accommodate them or have them bring at least one thing they’re very certain is safe.

Create labels if they tell you what they’re bringing. Have more in case they bring something else.

Label the dishes as well as Gluten Free, Dairy, Free Vegetarian or vegan depending on the audience and what matters.

Sources of ideas:

Recipes:

Dave’s Pinterest Board on Entertaining and Food )please no judgment) https://www.pinterest.com/davefrees/food-wine-and-entertaining/

Dave’s Pinterest Board on Gluten Free

https://www.pinterest.com/davefrees/gluten-free-recipes-and-information/

Dave’s Baked Goods That Rock

https://www.pinterest.com/davefrees/baked-goods-that-rock/

The Ranch Visitor’s Cookbook

https://www.pinterest.com/davefrees/the-ranch-visitors-cookbook/

More Easy Pot Luck Recipe Resources:

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/a-z

ww.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/