Although especially true while Mennonites lived in mostly rural areas, somewhat isolated from their non-Mennonite counterparts, community remains an important part of this tradition for those in cities. Fellowship meals continue to be held at weddings, funerals, meetings, and other gatherings. Many culinary favourites are seasonal traditions, with specific recipes prepared for Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. Nonetheless, perhaps the most famous Mennonite culinary tradition is the potluck . Often held as congregational gatherings at church, each family brings enough food for their own family and more.
Some people bring main course, others salads, drinks, vegetables, fruit, and desserts.
There is a great assortment, and plenty to go around. Sometimes recipes themselves reflect the importance of community. In the back of The Mennonite Treasury of Recipes , for example, there is a whole section of recipes for 100 people or more. Since cooking has been an area dominated by women, old cookbooks can often give us a unique perspective into Mennonite culture. The Mennonite church welcomes people of many cultures and backgrounds.