"Puester" wrote
> cshenk wrote:

>> Others will bring a side dish and generally know if it's acceptable to
>> the others or what they added that may be a problem. Like Mary making
>> her Mac-n-cheese with Ham, she'll leave the ham out if Sadie and Art are
>> the main other guests (jewish, not overtly observant but they keep off
>> the pork and obvious seafoods). If it's Raine and John, we avoid all
>> alcohol (including wine vinegars) in one of the main dishes. If Jeane
>> and Steve, we need a main dish that is vegetarian (Kidney cancer diet,
>> low protein required).

> But what you describe is NEED-based, either medical or religious, not
> capricious picky for the sake of being indulged.

That's true. We have only one person who sometimes comes who's 'picky' and
her Mom brings something she knows that teen will eat. The Teen isn't *too*
terribly picky and is polite about it. She may ask what's in something and
turn a delicate nose up, but she often will try a tiny nibble if it is
vegetarian.

Grin, she's one I make an extra effort for in 2 ways. She really loves
plain sushi rice and my rice balls (as long as no fish or animal indredients
at all have touched it) so if she's coming, I always make an extra big batch
and put some on a plate for them to take home. Since everyone else loves
this too, it's no hardship. When I have diabetic guests, I make them small
(3TB or so) which allows most of them to have at least 1 *if they wish*.
I'll also make sure I have several small portions of up to 5 various
vegetables (easy in my big steamer) instead of 2 main veggies.

This is really just a small bunch of neighbors who pitter-patter across the
street to one another and combine dinners or a cookout most weekends. Most
of the time, you donate something to the group and don't worry other than to
know what's in it incase there's a special (usually medical) need.
Sometimes, it's a special meal with a note to 'just bring yourself and a few
extra plates and cups'.