Pot Lucks!

Ok, I work in a office of 200 something people. (estimated). We have an amazing work/ social culture. One of the things we do most is pot lucking!

My co-worker who I will name "Miss T" cracks me up and is the real reason I am writing about potlucks. She is adamant about not eating from the potluck. GERMS!!! They spread fast and are scary. This is her take. Think about all the people who put their faces up to the dishes to smell the food. Their noses and breath inches from savory food. Also what how do we know the counter top was clean where they were cooking? Did they wash their hands?!!

I have to say I've sampled the potlucks several times and I've never gotten sick.

Here's the funny part. One of the definitions of "potluck" is "Taking one's chances with what is being served" go figure. The other is "a community meal composed of food contributions" and both have ancient roots. The Oxford English Dictionary traces the term "potluck" in print to the 16th century. In Elizabethan times an unannounced guest was invited to share potluck, i.e., the contents of the large cast-iron pot on the hearth. The invention of the "potluck supper" comes from the 19th century where each invited guest was expected to bring a dish.

If you are to host a pot luck, history says you are not required to prepare a dish, but to be responsible for all preparations of the party. The host can suggest the type of foods for the gathering but cannot control the quality of food that is brought. At the end of the day the host is still responsible which poses quite a predicament.

I say take your chances with close friends and family. Be weary of large gathering style pot locks where you may not know the people serving the food.

To read more about meal history check out: http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq7.html