Green Jello Hotdish is, simply put, an avenue by which I can share that which I feel the need to share with others.  (How’s that for a short mission statement?)

More generally, it will revolve around faith and spirituality, public affairs and politics, media and communication trends, and related subjects.  That’s mostly because my own life revolves around those things.  Occasionally you might find some other stuff on here — and even less occasionally, something interesting or of value.  But nonetheless, welcome.

You’re probably wondering about the name.  Many people do — don’t feel left out.  I grew up Lutheran in Northern Minnesota, where one is either a Lutheran or not.  If you have listened to A Prairie Home Companion on National Public Radio (“Garrison Keillor’s show”) and think that Lake Wobegon is over-the-top with its stereotypical cultural Lutheranism and Minnesota Nice, then you clearly haven’t been to my hometown.  That show might as well be located in any Minnesota community outside the Twin Cities.  Its so spot on.

Anyway, I’m one of those people.  Now any good Lutheran or former Lutheran who has been to a church potluck (and if you meet a Lutheran who claims they haven’t, they’re lying — everyone knows that God’s grace is freely given with three side dishes and orange Kool Aid) knows that Jello is required.  And proper potluck Jello is green, with pieces of fruit or vegetables inside.  Usually carrots, but occasionally also berries or pineapples or apples.  Once I had some with celery even — eww.

The other requirement is a hotdish.  No, it is not a casserole! If you call a hotdish by that “uppity” name, you will upset the church ladies, the men will be confused, and children will cry.  Not to mention that Jesus himself would call it hotdish.  Folks usually prefer tater tot hotdish, but pasta ‘n beans, or really any other combination will do.

Not a social event, family gathering, church potluck, picnic, or any other get-together went by during my childhood without having those two basic fares: green jello and hotdish.

I haven’t yet had the gumption to try to create a genuine Green Jello Hotdish, so for now it exists simply in blog-name form.  I do, however, cook a wonderful meat ‘n pasta hotdish that receives rave reviews from all who eat it.  And I usually bring a Jello salad as my dish to share to parties.

Last time, though, it was red Jello.  I noticed a few stares…