posted by admin on Jun 18
Hey, gang. So, I’ve been at my new job for almost three months now and I haven’t yet introduced my co-workers to the insanity of my cooking. (I call it insanity because I’ve brought in all kinds of foods to my co-workers over the years, and I’ve taken some pretty big chances with some pretty unusual stuff, like Burmese tea-leaf salad and vegan stroganoff.)
Anyway, I’ve decided that it’s time to whip something up for the gang and show them what I can do. I’ve been thinking all week about what should I should make. I have to choose wisely because the first time should be special. The first time sets the tone for future offerings.
Co-workers will always remember the first food you bring in for them. If it’s good the first time, they’ll expect all your food to be good. Conversely, if it’s bad the first time, don’t be surprised if the next time they sniff and inspect it before eating it. Plus, I think that the outcome of the first experience psychologically sets them up to either like or dislike subsequent dishes. In other words, if they expect it to be good or bad, they will find it good or bad, despite what the reality might be.
So, what will it be? Cookies? Brownies? Chocolate chip muffins? It’s too soon for “real” food. That comes later, after I’ve established a food rapport with my co-workers, after I’ve planted it in their heads that it’s okay to try my dishes, to take a chance on something “new.”
I’d be interested in hearing stories about foods you’ve brought in to your co-workers and their reactions. Please feel free to leave a comment.
In the meantime, I’m going to look through my cookbooks for ideas. It’s been a while since I’ve fed a crowd. This might just be the thing I need to get myself back on track.
So, that’s it for me this week. Hope everyone has a great week.
peace
June 18th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
MUAH HA HA! BRIBE THEM! YES!
June 18th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Muffins are suitable, or maybe scones, for a first offering. Of course, if there was an office potluck, you could let yourself go a little: a fabulous salad, or a nice pasta dish–or cupcakes! Everybody loves cupcakes!
June 18th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I’m not brave enough to cook for co-workers! I once brought in some fruit, instead of the usual offerings of sweets and chocolate. It was picked from my in-laws orchard. Apples, plums and raspberries. Everyone loved it! It was really popular and everyone asked for more.
As a consumer, I love it when someone else bakes. We once had home-made samosas, which were amazing, and the lady who made them gets regular requests for more!
My boss bakes huge cakes for slicing and sharing. It’s fun to take five minutes away from the keyboard because you are eating a big messy, sticky slice of cake
June 19th, 2010 at 4:06 am
I only started bringing homemade potluck items when I moved out to CA. Capitalizing on the perception of southerners being white trash, my first food was Trailer Truffles ie Velveeta fudge. These days, I bring bacon brownies.
June 19th, 2010 at 5:26 am
I’d made so many comments about how I can’t cook or bake (which is no longer true) that the first time I brought cookies in to the office, everyone looked at them warily, then politely nibbled, then started chowing down after realizing they were pretty tasty. I’ll never forget the look of surprise on their faces!
June 19th, 2010 at 5:51 am
Carrie has been the recipient of many of my experiments over the years. She has bravely tasted everything I’ve offered. Carrie, it’s people like you who make cookbook writers’ lives easier. Thanks for being so courageous.
June 19th, 2010 at 5:52 am
Yeah, I’m leaning toward muffins myself. It’s breakfast material, but not like a “meal”; sweet but not dessert-ish; healthful (to a certain degree) but not diet-like. Thanks, Melynda.
June 19th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Mary and Jo, the funny thing is, I have found that where free food is concerned, people are willing to try anything. And if they like it, yes, they will demand more.
June 19th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Andi, “bribe” is an ugly word. I’d say influence is more appropriate.
June 19th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Roberta, knowing that you are a serious chef and cookbook writer (as well as knowing the recipes in “What, No Meat?”), why would I NOT want to taste your experiments? You made the only okra I’ve ever liked!