Hodgepodge
International students have joined us for dinner many times. One of their favorite dishes includes a hodgepodge of ingredients.
- Chicken
- Mild cheddar cheese
- Rice
- Onion
- Milk
- Broccoli
- Cream of mushroom soup
The mixture looks messy but tastes great.
Hodgepodge refers to a jumbled mess of ingredients.
According to The Phrase Finder, hodgepodge “is a stew made with meat and a variety of vegetables.” It also refers to “any mixture of ingredients or … a mess.”
The expression can be traced to 14th century France. The French made a dish called hotchpot. It was similar to our casserole or hotpot.
Hodgepodge describes more than food.
Notice the example in the above Magnolia Plantation scene. Neat flower rows can’t compare to several varieties mixed together like this.
Hodgepodge also includes:
- Ideas
- Clothes
- Toys
- Art
- Pictures
- Junk
- Clutter of any kind
If we must clutter, I pray our clutter makes us burst with joy.
May we also spread that joy with friends from a hodgepodge of backgrounds.
Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! (Psalm 47:1 NIV).
Thanks to Ginny Merritt for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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9 thoughts on “Hodgepodge”
Love it Ms. Diana. You remind me that although I despise “clutter” in my life, there are some hodgepodge collections that add great variety and value to my life. Always enjoy your thoughts ma’am.
Thank you, J.D. I have a few hodgepodge collections with wonderful memories attached. Blessings on you and Ms. Diane.
A hodgepodge can be a blessing when we least expect it. Thanks for this reflection, Diana!
You are so right, Martha. Blessings on your day and life.
Love this – a hodgepodge of friends from different backgrounds! Yes, writing has brought such joy to my life in meeting people I never would have met on my own. Blessings on your day!
The many new friends was one of my unexpected joys from writing as well, Joanne. I pray for God’s blessings on all your endeavors.
Some of those “hodgepodge” recipes are the best! People would probably describe my house as hodgepodge since I tend to “save” things until I might need them. Enjoyed your message, Diana.
Thank you, Katherine. I agree on those great hodgepodge recipes, and I love the description of your house. What fun! Have a great week.