Hot Dish

[Malawry]

I think what people mean by "hot dish" depends on their location. What does it mean where you are?

I am from North Carolina, and I am familiar with the "covered dish," but am not so sure what a "hot dish" means. Especially in the context of, say, a luncheon. I was just asked, "Can you serve a hot dish?" for somebody hosting a birthday luncheon for an 80 year old lady--which made me realize that this might mean different things to different people.

[WHT]

Basically the same thing. Casserole type food and related dishes.

[shellfishfiend]

Around here, hot dish means a casserole or finger foods that are recently cooked and served hot.

[Lady T]

By my Midwestern understanding, hot (or covered; I've heard both terms) dishes are either sustenance for sick/shut-in folks who can't shop or fix for themselves, or kindly gifts for bereaved families around the time of the funerals, to save them the effort of fussing around the kitchen at such a sad time. Ingredients tend to be sturdy enough to survive two or more reheatings safely -- sauced/seasoned/cheese-laden pasta/vegetable casserole combinations and such would comprise one (but not the only) huge category of the genre.

The terms seem to be associated with suburban/rural areas, but I can tell you that the tradition is alive and thriving in Chicago and environs: I remember the sign-up list that was passed around with brisk efficiency when a cellist friend who also sings in our church choir was immobilized temporarily by hip-replacement surgery. She never ate such a variety of home cooking in her life, I suspect.

[srhcb]

By my Midwestern understanding, hot (or covered; I've heard both terms) dishes are either sustenance for sick/shut-in folks who can't shop or fix for themselves, or kindly gifts for bereaved families around the time of the funerals, to save them the effort of fussing around the kitchen at such a sad time.  Ingredients tend to be sturdy enough to survive two or more reheatings safely -- sauced/seasoned/cheese-laden pasta/vegetable casserole combinations and such would comprise one (but not the only) huge category of the genre.

←

I can agree with that definition.

Here in Minnesota hot dish is associated with church suppers, potlucks and funerals. It's joked that a real hotdish must contain at least one can of Campbells Cream of Lutheran Soup!

SB ("casseroles" are considered "uppity" )

Edited February 13, 2007 by srhcb (log)

[Pam R]

And I thought all Minnesota hot dishes had to have tater tots in them!

I'd never heard of a hotdish until I went to university in Northern Minnesota - creamy and starchy casserole is what I think of.

[moosnsqrl]

And I always thought it was a comedic device invented by Garrison Keillor (perhaps involving Powder Milk biscuits and ketchup).

[snowangel]

And I thought all Minnesota hot dishes had to have tater tots in them! 

←

No, not it they have canned tuna or chicken and the Cream of Lutheran Soup.

And, you'd better have bars for dessert.

[maggiethecat]

And I always thought it was a comedic device invented by Garrison Keillor (perhaps involving Powder Milk biscuits and ketchup).

←

And rhubarb.

It's a casserole. And having just typed that word, can any of the many smarties here give me the etymology of casserole?

[highchef]

And I always thought it was a comedic device invented by Garrison Keillor (perhaps involving Powder Milk biscuits and ketchup).

←

And rhubarb.

It's a casserole. And having just typed that word, can any of the many smarties here give me the etymology of casserole?

←

Yes, it began with leftovers and evolved from there. period.

[srhcb]

And I always thought it was a comedic device invented by Garrison Keillor (perhaps involving Powder Milk biscuits and ketchup).

←

And rhubarb.

It's a casserole. And having just typed that word, can any of the many smarties here give me the etymology of casserole?

←

casseroles are dishes for making cassolets. (and DO NOT contain Campbells soup)

SB

[Lady T]

A casserole is a dish, and also a casserole is the composed combination of foods that will go in that dish to be baked or perhaps broiled, like a gratin, before eating -- but that may be after considerable transport and/or a spell in the freezer.

Which is the clue you may be waiting for, Madamethecat: a casserole is a dish in which the food is carried, yes?

[Lilija]

A hot dish in my neighborhood generally involves something Italian American, and baked. Ziti, lasagna, manicotti, stuffed shells, something parm. It's not a get together, without one or more of these.

[CaliPoutine]

And I thought all Minnesota hot dishes had to have tater tots in them! 

I'd never heard of a hotdish until I went to university in Northern Minnesota - creamy and starchy casserole is what I think of.

←

The first Hot Dish I ever made( and still make) is a Tater Tot hot dish. My ex's mom gave me the recipe( they're from Minnesota).

I've changed it up a bit, using ground turkey instead of beef, adding mushrooms, onions, etc.

My sister now makes it( she lives in Florida) and my neice up here in Canada absolutely loves it. I entered it in a recipe contest for turkey products and I won 100 bucks. LOLOLOLOL.

Edited February 14, 2007 by CaliPoutine (log)

[CaliPoutine]

Especially in the context of, say, a luncheon. I was just asked, "Can you serve a hot dish?" for somebody hosting a birthday luncheon for an 80 year old lady--which made me realize that this might mean different things to different people.

←

I think in that case, they're asking you if you can serve a hot entree. Instead of say soup/salad.

At my work, we host lunches for a theater guild and the women are always wanting a hot dish in the winter. The last lunch we served chicken ala king in puff pasty cups with a really great mixed green salad, fruit and assorted desserts.

[Malawry]

I haven't been living in this area all that long, and the lady in question sounds like a native. I will of course flesh out what she's looking for at this luncheon, but it occurred to me when she used this term that it might mean different things to different people--a thought that's been borne out by responses in this thread.