Maryana Vollstedt - The big book of potluck: Good food — and lots of it — for parties, gatherings, and all occasions

The Big Book of Potluck is a collection of more than 275 exciting recipes suitable for potlucks on all occasions. Rediscovering some of your old favorites will bring back fond memories and make you want to try them all over again. The book also includes ethnic-inspired dishes as well as new and creative recipes and ideas for contemporary potlucks. Many of the recipes include suggestions for complementary side dishes to help you plan your potluck. Also included here are guidelines for a successful potluck: helpful tips for the host and guests; theme ideas; serving suggestions; appropriate dishes; picnic essentials; tips on transporting dishes; and important food safety tips.

The recipes that follow are easy and practical, with straightforward directions that will appeal to all cooks. Most of the ingredients are either conveniently on hand or are readily available. Enjoy!

A potluck is a shared meal to which everyone brings a contribution. At one time, potluck meant taking the luck of the days pot. The dictionary says a potluck is whatever food happens to be available, especially when offered to a guest. Potlucks have been popular for church suppers, meetings, and reunions for many years. Potlucks have been popular for church suppers, meetings, and reunions for many years.

Today potlucks are part of a wide variety of social events, such as tailgate parties, dinner parties, gourmet clubs, card clubs, showers, barbecues, picnics, office parties, brunches, farewell parties, anniversaries, singles parties, block parties, and holiday dinners. They are also popular at rallies (whether political or religious), fundraisers, and business meetings. A potluck can be large or small, formal or informal and casual, planned or impromptu. They can be whatever you want them to be.

• They are relaxed, carefree, casual, and fun.
• Everyone has a good time.
• They save time, energy, and expense.
• They offer a variety of great food.
• They appeal to people of any age, gender, or background.
• They are an easy way to entertain.
• Theyre a convenient way to feed a crowd.
• Theres minimal cleanup afterward.

Themes for potlucks are fun and festive, but they are optional. They help you to determine the food, dress, dcor, and music.

Here are some theme suggestions to get you started:

• International potlucks: Mexican, Italian, Asian, Moroccan, French, Japanese, Hawaiian, all-American (or regional American), etc.
• Holidays or seasonal potlucks: Fourth of July, Harvest Party, Warm and Cozy Winter, Spring Fling.
• Wine and hors doeuvre potlucks: Guests bring a bottle of wine and hearty hors d oeuvres to take the place of dinner.
• Soup and salad potlucks: Assign several people to bring different soups or salads. Others can bring assorted breads, wine, or other drinks.
• Era parties: The Roaring 20s, the Fabulous 50s, etc.
• All-dessert potlucks: Time to splurge with your most decadent treat.
• All-ages parties: Foods that appeal to both adults and kids. (Macaroni and cheese is a must.)
• New foods potlucks: Each guest uses a recipe or ingredient that he or she has never made or tasted before.
• Favorite recipe nights : Everyone brings their all-time favorite recipes, along with printed recipe cards to share.
• Teenage parties: Teenagers plan food and music.
• Sports: A Super Bowl potluck party can be fun and easily accommodate sports fans, food fanatics, and hungry kids. The host can provide a huge pot of chili and the guests bring accompaniments such as home-baked bread, salads, and scrumptious desserts.
• Progressive dinners: A sort of reverse potluck, where guests travel from home to home, enjoying a single course at each stop.

Potlucks can be held in churches, schools, public buildings, community halls, private clubs, homes, backyards, parks, or almost anywhere else people assemble to share food. In the past, our grandmothers and mothers made dishes from scratch to show off their prized recipes. Then they would hover over the serving table to see if everyone was eating their contribution, and worry if they werent.

Later, with the improved quality of deli food, take-out food became a popular trend for potlucks, especially at last-minute affairs. Today, potluck fare seems to be returning to homemade and satisfying comfort food made with fresh ingredients. Variety is the key to a good potluck. At a small gathering, specific dishes can be assigned to round out the menu and avoid duplicate dishes. If the group is on the large side, the alphabet can be divided into sections, such as main courses, salads, side dishes, and desserts. Those whose last names begin with a letter in a designated section bring that assigned course.

Your potluck contribution should be appropriate for the occasion. Casseroles are a popular choice because they transport well and are easy to serve. For a general potluck, especially if you dont know the tastes of the other guests, stick to the basic and familiar dishes. Avoid rich, overly spicy, or exotic foods. But if the theme is gourmet, by all means bring a creative dish. Take along appropriate garnishes and serving pieces to go with your dish.