Most people probably don’t feel this way, but all the prep going into a big party is actually a gift to myself. The confluence of making lists, organizing, cooking and then being with the people of my life makes a big party a perfect experience for me. I’m pretty sure that if there was such a thing as a glow-meter, I’d be off the scales during my gatherings.
I often get asked what guests should bring to one of my parties. If you’ve done this, you’ve gotten my standard answers. “Bring yourself.” “Bring your appetite.” Occasionally I will tell someone if they have a particular beverage that they can’t live without, they might bring that.
It’s a testament to how our society has changed that everyone goes under the assumption that every party is potluck and you have to pony up. A friend who has never been able to come to my Pi Day festivities (but has always stopped by the next day for tea and leftovers) showed up with a strawberry rhubarb pie. She was a little worried and left it sitting on the dining room buffet but it was just fine and I put it out. But it is a bit like bringing coals to Newcastle when you bring pie to my Pi Day. LOL.
Folks brought flowers (all of which are doing nicely and safe from the cat) and, of course, wine. My people do seem to be wine people. Lots of empties into the recycling after the party was over!
And for those who aren’t local or couldn’t make it, here is a list of this year’s pies: Blueberry, Dutch Apple, Peaches & Cream, Macadamia Coconut Caramel, Crack, Chocolate Chip/PB Whoopies, Banofi, Pear Croustade, Key Lime and Butterfinger Cream. Oh, and let’s not forget the Strawberry Rhubarb!
Do you have a go-to dish that you take to potlucks?
Trail Baboon 
On those occasions, my spouse, who likes to bring raw vegetables and dip (which can be purchased ready chopped at the supermarket), usually speaks first, so that’s what we bring. I’d like to actually cook something (not have HER cook something), but I don’t get the first, or the last, word on what we will bring.
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Doritos and Diet Pepsi.
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That’s pretty lame, Wes, but then again, there’s always that one guy…
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It reminds me of the time that Dale came to the party at Steve’s (when Steve was still at the prettiest little bungalow in St. Paul). Dale was worried about what to bring because it was potluck and I said even if he stopped by the store and picked up chips and salsa that’s would be fine. And that’s what Dale showed up with!
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chili
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chili takes a long time but it lasts a long time. it tends to grow and grow as it sits on the stove. the beans soak in water overnight( i cant believe the wonder pot does as good a job but i really should set aside a day for a test batch) onions first then tomato sauce and paste then the cumin chili powder and paprika (turmeric was added a few years ago) italian spices and bay leafs then the identity. beer and peanut butter or not? black olives and juice, corn meal and sides of cheese or sour cream.
i can say pie day is an experience i likely wont get to do at sherrilee’s due to birthday conflicts
two kids birthdays are on 3.14 and i am a celebrate on the real day kind of guy. we had all 5 grand kids together for the first time with great grandma in heaven holding lily for most of the night . sister didnt get off work until 830 with 9 oclock arrival but arrived as the twins were leaving.
my wife loves putting out cheese meat dip and crackers with olives and veggies and chips when folks come over. son cranks up the grill and grills something. brats this time with potato salad for the masses
banana bread showed up but no pies. i guess the birthday people dont want to share the limelight
i would but its not my birthday
im getting hungry
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We don’t do many potlucks, so no go-to dishes. We’re not party people in general. Mostly just family get-togethers every several months. If I do offer to bring something, it’s usually an appetizer. Easy to make, transport, and ideally, matched to be complementary to the main course.
Chris in Owatonna
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We have fairly frequent potlucks at work. I bring a dessert, usually, but sometimes chili. I like making fruit crumbles or cakes.
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We had a work potluck last year and were to bring “ethnic” foods. I brought a North Indian vegetable dish with cauliflower, carrots, peas, and green beans, along with basmati rice. One of my coworkers who is from India tried some and started to cry since it tasted just like the vegetables her mother in Delhi made for her.
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All the pies look yummy!
My family has a lot of ‘get-togethers’ and we all bring something. One family always does the potatoes, and one does mini-hot dogs, but the rest are up for grabs.
A few salads, lots of cookies, treats, deserts. We usually provide another treat. Not often do we get the main course, just because the others have those covered.
I remember many church potlucks when I was growing up. Casseroles were- and still are- my favorites.
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someone must have a tater tot jello recipe
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Rise and Shine, Baboons,
I go to a few potlucks regularly. I like to take devilled eggs, a hummus dip with tomatoes,olives, scallions, and pita crqckers, or a dessert. Right now at church there are WEdnesday soup suppers. I took cookies last week. This week I will take Beef Barley soup.
VS, is the Crack Pie an old Pennsylvania Dutch recipe?
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JacAnon
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I saw a Food Network show years and years and years ago with this pie and then I went online and found the bakery that was mentioned in the show and they had the recipe online. The bakery was on the East Coast. That’s all I remember so it could’ve been a spin off of the Pennsylvania Dutch, but I don’t know. I do know that it is addictive.
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My policy is don’t bring a hotdish to a pie fight.
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Excellent policy!!
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Depends on the time of day – my easiest egg bake if it’s a brunch. Last potluck I took an Asparagus Pasta Salad that is pretty easy…
I am happy just to see the table in your photo, VS – lets me recall the couple of times I WAS able to get to this wonderful party! I remember the Crack Pie…
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Oh yes… your egg bake is wonderful.
And I trace my addiction to Trader Joe’s Trail Mix crackers to Occasional Caroline, who has brought then to book club a few times!
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Potlucks with Babooners are the best…
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Same here–those crackers are wonderful.
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I usually go with pretty simple stuff, chips and salsa, flatbread and hummus, cheese and crackers. But I think my favorite thing to bring is a popcorn tin from Candyland. You can get Chicago mix, or you can ask them to package it in three sections, one cheese, one plain, one caramel.
Most people just mix the flavors, whether they come mixed or not.
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/12/12/appetites-investigates-was-chicago-mix-actually-invented-in-minnesota
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It’s probably not really a potluck, but after tim’s jello comment…
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Thanks- I LOVE Joan Morris!!!!!
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The Eddie’s annual Memorial Day picnic was my favorite pot luck. There was always a great variety of food, in addition to the grilled meats that the Eddies provided. Lot’s of home made salads of all kinds, an interesting bunch of “neighbors,” and an opportunity for singing and visiting with a diverse group of folks. I would usually contribute a salad of some sort, depending on what looked best at the farmers’ market.
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I got to that one just once, and it was so much fun!
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