Which food bringers should be turned away from the neighborhood bbq?

[bearmom]

I just read something about people that bring bad stuff to pot-lucks, and it had me thinking what food is regularly brought to gatherings that I attend, that no one wants to eat.

My vote, is anything vegan.
Oh, and those pre-formed hamburger patties that seem to have a piece of cartilage or something unchewable in every other bite.

So, what dish would you consider not letting across cross the threshold?

 

[newanatomy]

I agree with your choices and will add to it, a vegetable tray. They never get eaten!

 

[DianaCox]

Nothing doesn't get eaten at my house. Except maybe jello molds.

 

[JackieOnLine]

this morning my workplace is having a breakfast potluck which was thought up by two people last Friday - in other words not enough time to be organized. the last one was like 12 sweet things and only one protein dish (egg bake)

I remember another potluck, back at some other work place that was all desserts and potato chips and no main dish. gah!

they are trying to have these monthly and that is too often for me. once every three months and do it right is what I think.

less donuts! more utensils, as we never have enough of those.

 

[bearmom]

The veggie tray is one thing I'll actually nibble at, IF there is good dip.

The work potlucks we have dubbed "dessert smorgasbord, with chips". The only good thing that came of the repeated dessert fests is that we decided we needed really good coffee and teas to go with so many sweets, to that was added to the office supplies budget and there is now every perons exact favorite coffee, teas, and anything you can add to them, at all times.

Our book group has famously bad potlucks, which is a shame since they used to be amazing as we'd try to pick a theme based on the book (like the last one took place in Morocco, so we all made a Moroccan dish) we learned new dishes, and it was really fun to try new stuff.

But over the last few years, just about every person there has new requirements for some food intolerance or preference, and between the gluten, dairy, soy, grain, vegan etc, the variety of things that match all the requirements are getting too limited.

Oh. And vegan cheese. Don't even get me started on vegan cheese.

 

[southernlady]

Except maybe jello molds.

LOL, at my cousin's memorial service last month (she was 89 when she died) the ladies of the church did a tomato aspic because that is what SHE wanted on the menu according to what she planned ahead. While most of my generation knew what it was and even ate some, the younger kids looked at it like "what in the hell is that???" Tomato Aspic: http://www.thesaucysoutherner.com/tomato-aspic/

In the south, these tend to be staples; they are the wallpaper glue that holds a holiday meal together…not only for those who love them, but for those who love to snark about them.

 

[brooklyngirl]

Those gawdawful cookies from the grocery store with the icing and sprinkles on top. Blech. If you're gonna bring baked goods, either bake them or get them from someone who baked them in the last day or 2, not the last decade

 

[Will2014]

I'd say it's the big bag of air that too damn many tend to bring to these events that bothers me most. Even that wacky militant Vegan bearing rabbit food is better than the same gaggle of goons who seem to NEVER contribute anything ever "Oh...was that today...?". Hehe. You know who I mean....I bet if you have enough of these events you have 2-3 'takers' who regularly fail to contribute but eat multiple plates of food. Now THAT's what should be turned away from the neighborhood BBQ! And, of course, people who fail to practice proper food safety in their cooking or food storage leading up to the event. "Oh...it's only been in my hot car for 2-3 hrs now. I'm sure it's fine...don't tell anyone...ok?" Argh!!!

 

[GirlFriday]

Hummus. At our work pitch-ins (I am from Indiana, we don't have potlucks, we have pitch-ins), there is always someone that runs to the store at the last minute and buys pre-packaged hummus and pita chips. It never gets touched. The person that brings it won't even take it home with them.

 

[k9ophile]

less donuts! more utensils, as we never have enough of those.

I am a notorious non-cook. If there is a sign -up sheet, I usually sign up for plates and/or utensils.

 

[Elizabeth N.]

Anything intended to be a chip that is baked, low fat, fat free or has the texture of Styrofoam!

 

[DSRIGGS]

I agree with your choices and will add to it, a vegetable tray. They never get eaten!

Veggie tray gets demolished at our gatherings

 

[DSRIGGS]

You guys are killing me. I love the store bought sugar cookies with icing and pita chips with hummus.

There isn't really any food I don't eat. I get plenty of protein now that my absorbtion is better(still taking Creon but not as much) and although I get protein with every meal and a good 150 grams a day I eat the same food I did pre DS. If I see my weight going up too much I will adjust but I eat it all right now (naturally I don't go nuts on sweets buy I do eat them).

What I can't get enough of at gatherings are deviled eggs.. Man I love those.

 

[hilary1617]

Okay, I'm clearly secretly hated by any and all who have invited me to potluck events. I only bring items cooked by a professional or otherwise store-bought. I do try to make sure whatever I contribute is either pretty or has flair. For instance, I drew minion faces with a sharpie on 20 bananas I brought to a cub scout picnic.

While this is neither announced nor truly appreciated, I do this as a public service so as not to subject others to my cooking.

 

[Barb1]

@southernlady Hell no! Yuck!

@Will2014 I agree with you. Once a girl I worked with a can of pork and beans put in a bowl. Not even baked mind you.

At family gatherings if I don't bring my broccoli casserole or potato salad I might as well stay home.

@bearmom I agree about the cardboard hamburger patties. I'd rather have cheap hotdogs!