In winter, my comfort food cravings change. In the summer I can’t get enough of fresh berries and vegetables and homemade lemonade. In the fall, it’s anything with apples. In spring, it’s ice cream.
And in the cold season, it is hearty soups, plates of pasta and roasts that have been cooking for hours. Lucky for me — and for all those who enjoy this type of food — there are plenty of options for eating this weekend at an assortment of community dinners.
While menus might draw people to these gathering spots, it’s the company that makes them stay. With the New England winter being, well, the New England winter, it could be that it has been some time since neighbors have seen each other to exchange greetings and catch up on family news and town gossip.
It’s the perfect weekend for renewing relationships with a heaping plate of homemade comfort food and a plentiful side of socialization. Here are community meals that are taking place.
Friday
Russian Potluck in West Lebanon: 6:30 p.m. Hosted by the Lebanon Gourmet Cooking Club. Bring a dish or dessert to share. The club meets monthly. Visit Meetup.com for more information. Free. Kilton Public Library community room, 80 Main St. 603-359-7116.
Saturday
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction in Piermont:
Roast Beef Supper in Hartland: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. All-you-can-eat meal includes prime rib, homemade rolls and homemade pies. $7-$15. Hartland Brick Church (First Congregational), 10 Station Road. 802-436-2792.
Spaghetti Dinner in Plainfield:
Chicken and Biscuit Dinner in Orford: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Chicken and biscuits with salad, rolls and desserts. Donations appreciated. United Congregational Church of Orford, Route 10, Orford. 603-353-4364.
Outdoors: “Full Moon Fiesta” in Lebanon: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Snowshoe, ski or snowboard at a progressive dinner with light food and beverages offered by local restaurants. Dancing at Storrs Hill Ski Lodge. Presented by Lebanon Recreation and Parks. $5-$30. 5 and under free. Storrs Hill Ski Lodge, 60 Spring St. 603-448-5121.
