Sunday, May 3, 2015

Covered Dish at the Church

Today we enjoyed a "Covered Dish" meal after church. A "Potluck Party" is also referred to as a "Covered Dish" in the South

What's the difference between a "Potluck Party" and a "Covered Dish?" Notsomuch...At a "Potluck Party" each guest brings a dish.  The old-school term "Covered Dish" meals are the same and a staple of church life in the South...I can still hear mama asking friends who would call to invite her for a meal..."Is it covered dish?"

Covered Dish Etiquette:
  • Take a dish to share with the congregation.  This is a good time to get to know your fellow parishioners on a more personal level.  Bringing a dish is not optional--it's a requirement.
  • Prepare a dish that doesn't need to be cooked at the church...just reheated in the kitchen. Choose a main dish, salad, vegetable, or dessert (pre-cut your dessert into serving pieces).
  • Bring a food ID card to identify the dish.
  • Allow the elderly to go through the line first.
  • Use the serving utensils placed beside the dish to take the food.
  • Don't take too much of one dish--sample each item.  Remember, this is not an all-you-can-eat buffet!
  • Never make a nasty face or utter a rude comment about a dish. 
  • Make sure your dish is clearly marked with your name to avoid confusion after the meal.
  • Offer to help with the clean up.
Casseroles (main dish/vegetable) are a staple of the church "Covered Dish" and I decided to take a Chicken Tetrazzini casserole, the recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks--The Blue Willow Inn Cookbook.  I love the Blue Willow Restaurant and it is a must-visit if you are traveling through the state of Georgia on Interstate 20.

"Covered Dish"...not posh, but good home-cooked food!


Recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini:
1/4 cup coarsely chopped onions
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/8 tblsp garlic powder
1-1/2 cups cooked and deboned chicken
1 small package (8 oz) vermicelli noodles
1/2 cup milk
1 10-3/4 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese (I used parmesan and Swiss cheese)

Cook vermicelli noodles in chicken broth.
Saute onions and mushrooms in butter
Add all ingredients except 1/4 cup grated cheese to noodles.  Mix well.
Pour into a 10 x 13-inch casserole dish.
Cook at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until bubbly.
Top with remaining grated cheese.
Serves:  6-8



"
HERE'S WHAT I WORE" today...
This is a "White Tag" Lilly Pulitzer shift that I bought many years ago and still love it.  I wore a lavender cardigan, carried a Kate Spade wicker tote, and wore my white Revas.


8 comments:

Gramspearls said...

The white label's are the best! This one is so pretty. The recipe is so easy and a go to for a quick dinner or to take to someone who needs a meal.

Thank you, as always,Kathleen

Fran @ Sassy Southern Bride said...

I just absolutely adore you!! I will try the recipe, it sounds good.

Kari said...

I want your dress! ......and the cardigan as well!

Farrah said...

I just love covered dishes, but haven't been to one since leaving Kentucky 20 years ago.

Miss Janice said...

I LOVE the White Labels!!! I made one casserole for the church and one for my husband...both were finished off.

Miss Janice said...

Thank you Fran! So sweet.

Miss Janice said...

It's one of my favorites...I love the colors!

Miss Janice said...

I love them...it reminds me of the church where I grew up.