Potluck Etiquette!

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(This will be posted, automatically, once a month. This posting is

manual.)

 

Potluck Etiquette!

 

We've had some comments on this list in the past about etiquette for

potlucks, such as washing hands and food preparation, etc. I've also

received comments off-list about etiquette at potlucks (or lack

thereof). Here are some general guidelines for potlucks, so we may

honor others attending the potlucks.

 

We all may have different views of " proper " etiquette. For some, like

those who do not believe in the germ theory or, at least, do not worry

about possible consequences of preparing/eating/serving foods, it may

be that not much time is devoted to " precautions " that others would

take. I am sure there are others who, like me, will follow a higher

level of cleanliness when preparing foods for others, including

classes, dinners, and potlucks. To me, it is a courtesy to others so

they will be comfortable in that situation and can take joy in

partaking in the foods. Similarly, those witnessing practices that

bother them, may be turned off by those people and may even choose not

return to our potlucks.

 

As one of our members mentioned, there is also the " gross out factor "

(aka " yuck factor " .) Even though I realize I may not be harmed by

eating food with a " surprise " , finding a hair, fingernail, or Bandaid,

etc. can be gross. Simple precautions can reduce such surprises.

 

Here are some suggestions:

 

Wash hands before any food preparations and after any interruptions of

preparing food, such as using the restroom or sponging up a spillage,

petting the cat/dog or taking the garbage out, etc.

 

If you DO have a Bandaid on, or have a cut or rash on your hand, wear

gloves. Wearing gloves is standard practice for food service. Gloves

also help keep your hands from drying out from frequent washing. (Of

course you still need to keep the GLOVES clean, as they still contact

the food.) One general rule in food service is this: Any food being

served directly to a person (without being cooked) should not be

touched by bare hands.

 

When attending a potluck, the ideal may be for everyone to wash their

hands before serving themselves, but as long as serving utensils are

used, hands should not be contacting the food, so the food should

remain " clean " . If utensils are used, then those concerned with others

having dirty hands and sharing serving utensils can always wash up

after serving themselves and before eating their food.

 

Always use the serving utensils, when available. For finger foods, such

as crackers, cookies, fruit, and carrot/celery sticks, etc. just touch

the ones you will eat (or parts, such as when breaking a cracker.) Keep

your fingers off other foods you are not taking. If you are NOT

planning to eat it, please do NOT touch it! No-one should ever pick up

foods with their fingers and replace them or move foods around with

their fingers. Just " touch " what you take! This should be “common”

sense, but apparently is not.

 

No " double dipping " . This is the practice of repeatedly dipping

something like a celery or carrot stick into a dip after it has been

bitten off, likely sending saliva into the dip ( " yuck! " ) The only times

I double dip is when I dip the two (clean) ends of a carrot or celery

stick (usually to then place on my plate.) The ideal is to use the

serving spoon for the dip or pate and put some on your plate. Then you

can dip all you want and no one else should be concerned!

 

Some other potluck thoughts:

 

In general, bring enough food to fill you up if that was the only thing

you would eat. Preferably, bring enough to fill two or more people.

That way there should always be plenty for everyone. When enough people

bring less than adequate amounts, some people may leave the potluck

still hungry.

 

Similarly, take only what is for you (at the event). Do not take food

out (for you or others) unless you are not eating while at the event or

there is left-overs that the host has offered. If you have brought food

prepared by others, who could not make it to the event, in addition to

the food you prepared, certainly they are entitled to some food in

return, but let those who are attending the potluck to go through the

food line first. They have taken the time and effort to make it to the

event, so they deserve that much. Similarly, if we arrive late to an

event, lets not go to the front of the food line when it's time to eat.

Others have been waiting patiently.

 

Make sure others are able to sample all the dishes. Especially when

there is not much of one item, please don't take more than your

portion. If there are 24 cookies, 24 people and you take 2 or more,

then some people are not getting some. You can always go back through

the line after everyone else, to check for left-overs.

 

Please bring only raw, organic, vegan (plant-based) foods.

 

Label all the ingredients of your dish (no, not " ceramic... " I meant

the food!) Also label whether organic or not. If you are not sure if

specific ingredients are raw, please ask someone before including it.

 

Honor the wishes of the hosts, both from their posting of the event on

RawSeattle.org and at the event itself.

 

Potluck hosts open up their home for potlucks, but not necessarily for

food preparation. Please have your food prepared prior to arriving at

the potluck. If special circumstances require you do some food prep

after arriving at the potluck, please contact the host to see if you

can use their kitchen/knives, etc.

 

Bring your own dishes, serving utensils, and eating utensils, unless

otherwise noted.

 

Please clean up after yourself. The hosts have generously offered their

space for our potlucks, but they shouldn’t have to spend hours cleaning

up after us. Let’s show our gratitude and make their lives easier:

let’s clean up after ourselves!

 

Many raw foodists love durian! Many don’t! Some homes are durian-free.

Please contact hosts before bringing durian.

 

For people who choose to not eat specific ingredients, such as salt or

vinegar, etc. consider leaving them out of the recipe and keep them " on

the side " for those who want it. Add to your ingredient list " Optional:

Salt " etc.

 

Please try to keep your potluck foods as fresh as possible, which means

keeping prepared dishes refrigerated, when necessary. When traveling a

longer distance or when you will be doing errands, etc. for several

hours before an event, consider using a cooler.

 

Some homes are " shoe-free " . If you are not sure if you should keep your

shoes on or take them off, ask.

 

Please honor your host(s). They have opened up their homes to us. If

you are not sure of " proper " etiquette at a specific event, talk to the

host.

 

Consider car-pooling to the event to reduce gas consumption and

pollution. Feel free to post to this list if you are looking to get or

offer a ride.

 

Thanks!

 

Jeff