Emeril Lagasse - Emerils Potluck: Comfort Food with a Kicked-Up Attitude

J ust like a real potluck dinner, the book Emerils Potluck is the result of many wonderful people working together toward the common good. My heartfelt thanks go out to every one of you:

My immediate familymy always supportive parents, Miss Hilda and Mr. John, my amazing wife, Alden, and my darling children, Jessie, Jillie, and E.J.all who give special meaning to my potluck dinners

Charlotte Armstrong Martory, who is just a little gem with incredible vision and also an amazing cook. I thank you for your hard work and dedication and am proud to have you as a great friend.

The Emerils culinary teamChef David McCelvey, Chef Bernard Carmouche, Marcelle Bienvenu, Charlotte Armstrong Martory, Trevor Wisdom, Alain Joseph, and Sarah O. Etheridge, who never tired of trying just one more casserole!

Marti Dalton, whose creativity invigorates every project

Mara Warner, who always keeps me on track

My comradesEric Linquest, Tony Cruz, Mauricio Andrade, and Scott Farbersome of my favorite people to gather around the dinner table

Jim McGrew, for his expert legal counsel in all matters

Our Web guys, Damion Michaels and Ivan Bryant, for their expert in-house photo documentation of all stages of Emerils Potluck

Everyone at my headquarters, Homebasethe amazing people behind the scenes who work wonders

The hardworking staffs at all my restaurants: Emerils Restaurant, NOLA, and Emerils Delmonico Restaurant in New Orleans; Emerils New Orleans Fish House and Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas; Emerils Restaurant Orlando and Emerils Tchoup Chop in Orlando; Emerils Restaurant Atlanta; and Emerils Restaurant Miami

Photographer Quentin Bacon, whose eye always knows best, and his assistant on this project, Mandy Ward

All the folks at William Morrow/HarperCollins who worked so hard to make this book a reality:

Jane Friedman, chief executive officer

Michael Morrison, publisher

Harriet Bell, my friend and editor with a vision

Lucy Baker, editorial assistant

Karen Lumley, production manager

Leah Carlson-Stanisic, design director, and William Ruoto, designer

Ann Cahn, production editor

Roberto de Vicq de Cumptich, creative director

Carrie Bachman, director of publicity

Gypsy Lovett, senior publicist

I hate to play favorites, but I have to tell you that I am crazy about this book. Emerils Potluck brings together everything that I love about cooking and eating. The food is straightforward, delicious, and meant to be sharedit brings family and friends together. I cannot imagine a better time! Seriously, some of my best memories are of potluck parties. I always enjoy such gatherings, whether its Classic Seafood Gumbo on a lazy Christmas afternoon at home with Alden and my kids, enjoying Gigis Carrot Cake at Thanksgiving with my good friends the Gunthers, or diving into a creamy dish of Kicked-Up Spinach and Artichoke Dip at a Super Bowl party with my comrades Eric, Tony, Mauricio, and Scott. These are the times we remember, and these are the foods that make these times shine.

I look back at all these good times, and I am struck by the warmth. No, Im not talking about that Louisiana heat! I am talking about the warmth that comes when you share with those you love. That is the very essence of the potluck traditionsharingand that is what I want to pass along to everyone, whether young or old, novice cook or seasoned veteran. I tried to create recipes that would cross all lines and really live up to potlucks past, but also anticipate its future.

I am talking about dishes ranging from potluck classicslike deviled eggs and tuna casseroleto nouveau potlucklike endive salad and risotto casserole. These are dishes that fit a variety of occasions. How about sharing Lasagna Bolognese at your book club? Or hosting a jambalaya party on the next family birthday? Or taking Blue Cheese Coins to a wine-tasting dinner? I would welcome any of these dishes anytime, anywhere!

Of course, a big part of potluck is transportation, so I have included storage tips and easy ways to make sure your dishes travel well. I even devised an easy way to carry fried chicken! And for your further ease, many of these dishes can be made in advance. So dont stress out if you are short on timejust pull a homemade casserole from the freezer!

I really want your potluck experience to be a joy that becomes part of your everyday life. The key ingredient is sharing. Potluck doesnt demand a special occasionjust good friends enjoying good food together. I dont think there is any real documentation of potlucks beginnings, but if I had to guess I would imagine that it was spontaneous. Thats what I encourage in youjust come together and cook!