Potluck: Tips and Ideas for Hosts and Guests
A potluck is a great way for friends to sample each others' signature recipes.
Potluck parties are a great way, as a host or hostess, to save money and to bring some variety to your event, but can also lead to disaster if not carefully planned. When you are a host/hostess, make sure to assign appetizer, entrée, dessert, and so forth, to ensure that there is a balanced amount of each course for everybody. Additionally, serve some of your own specialties and extra cheese and cracker platters, vegetable platters, and your famous dip (or Costco®’s famous dip). Be cognizant of beverages and cutlery, which is often neglected. As a guest, you need to ensure that you have prepared enough of your dish for all of the guests (unless the planner says that it does not matter).
So you have been asked to bring something. What to bring? The dish should be:
1) Easy to prepare: it is up to you how much time and money you want to spend on it, but remember that you also need to get dressed for the party and get to the venue.
2) Easy to transport: you do not want it spilling all over your car or outfit.
3) Easy to serve to guests: the host/hostess should not have to do a lot of extra preparation.
4) Something that most, if not all of the guests can eat: not everybody likes super-spicy, clear-your-sinuses food, for example.
5) Easy to clean up and bring home: I do not think your host/hostess will appreciate a very messy dish to clean up while entertaining.
There are actually cookbooks for potlucks and large gatherings such as brunches and barbecues, so if you are not accustomed to this style of party, you can purchase these for a fairly low price. If you are shy about your first potluck, then ask to bring a large salad, large cake, or something that would be easy to make in large amounts.
Here is a simple Greek salad recipe with which to start. *Note that this recipe serves 4 and must be multiplied for the appropriate number of people.*
A salad is a simple way to get your feet wet in the Potluck world.
Traditional Greek Salad
Ingredients (serves 4):
6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 crushed garlic clove (or minced)
Pinch of sugar
Salt and pepper
7 oz (or 200g) Greek feta cheese, in a block or crumbled
½ head Iceberg lettuce or 1 lettuce such as Romaine, shredded or sliced
4 small-medium tomatoes, quartered
½ cucumber, sliced
12 black Greek olives
2 tbsp fresh herbs of your choice (e.g. oregano, parsley, mint, basil, etc.)
Make the dressing by mixing together the oil, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
If feta cheese is in a block, then cut into small 1” (or 2.5 cm) squares; if it is crumbled feta cheese, no need to do anything. Mix the lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber into a large bowl. Sprinkle feta cheese and toss everything together.
Immediately before serving, whisk the dressing, pour over the salad, and toss together. Sprinkle the olives and herbs over the salad and serve.
Thanks for that. I moved to England when I was really young, and I really want to rediscover my heritage. I've been trying out a lot of random greek recipes, and the best I've found yet is this greek recipe - it totally remind me of my childhood. I dont remember much of it except for the lovely smells and delicious food on every street.
Vania, Thanks so much for that web site: I am so hungry now! I do hope you get to go back to Greece; I used to travel there was part of my studies and as you know, the food is divine. I appreciate your feedback! Sincerely, Sandra E.
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