Raw Vegan Potluck in Bellingham

[Guest guest]

Aloha fellow Raw foodies,

 

We are very excited to invite all of you to a Raw Vegan potluck in Bellingham.

           We have changed the date so that Raw Chef Bruce Horowitz from

www.thesunkitchen.com would be able to make it. So I hope this date works for

everyone but if not do not worry we are planning on setting up monthly Raw Vegan

Potlucks so there will be many more opportunities.                     

                                 When: Friday December 12th (Full Moon)

                                 Where: The Community Food Co-op Connection 

                                 What Time:

5:30pm                                      

 

Please R.S.V.P. with me ~Kristina 360-778-1677 or email familygoingraw

 

 

We want things to go off without a glitch so we are including the Potluck

Etiquette from the Raw Washington , give it a browse please. Thanks

to Jeff at www.thenaughtyvegan.com for forwarding me that. I know none of us are

100 percent raw right now but I would like if its OK with all of you to keep the

potluck as raw and as organic as possible.{ It must be 100% Vegan} It is

important for those with allergies that we make sure to label all ingredients,

we will provide post it notes so you can stick it on the bowl or plate. I

suggest going simple and if possible avoid high allergens like soy, gluten,

corn, and peanuts.   ~That way everyone can be included.

 

I know this may seem a bit thorough but it works well for the Raw Washington

Seattle group and it helps prevent the spread of viruses during this wet season.

It also helps those of us who are teaching our toddler monkeys manners.

 

Also in this etiquette he recommends you bring your own eating utensils, plates

etc. The use of the Co-op Connection building does not include the kitchen so

please bring those items or you can use something from the Co-op kitchen but you

will be responsible for washing and putting it back.

 

We hope to see everyone there and wish you all Happy Holidays,

 

The Turner Family

 

Potluck Etiquette! from Raw Washington

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 Band aid, 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 Band aid 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.

First-time potluck visitors are usually invited to go through the food line

first. It only happens once, so take advantage of it (don't be shy!)

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

.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 the 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 fuel consumption and pollution. Feel

free to post to this list if you are looking to get or offer a ride.

Thanks!

Jeff