Potluck

Eating healthy has become my full-time job, and I'm not going to lie to you — I'm lacking in the creativity department. I mean, how many times a week can I make pasta primavera, tacos, and grilled chicken? If you're desperate for some healthy new meal ideas, why not tap into your friend's brains?

Invite your buddies over for a Name Game Healthy Potluck dinner. Everyone has to bring a healthy food or dish that begins with the first letter of their names. So Susi could bring grilled summer squash and salmon, Brian would bring tomato and basil bruschetta, and Jenny would bring juice smoothies for dessert. Make sure they know each dish needs to be made from scratch with real ingredients. It should be low fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, or low in sugar. Have people make copies of their healthy recipes, and not only will you leave with a tummy full of nutritious food, but you'll also have a stack of new ideas to add to you repertoire.

Here's a quick and easy tip that reduces waste. When making and transporting crostini — for dips or other appetizers to a potluck — save the bread bag. Make the crostini following your favorite recipe. Once the bread is cool enough to handle, place the toasts in the original bread bag. Fold to close. Voila: the crostini is travel ready.

Do you have any tips for bringing food to and from holiday potlucks? Please share your ideas with us below!

While putting together the appetizers at a recent potluck, I ended up needing several cookie sheets. Some were mine, while others were borrowed. When I finished baking the prosciutto pinwheels, I had a really hard time figuring out which were my three cookie sheets. Next time I attend a potluck — or bring any sort of cooking dish to a party — I'll label my cookie sheets and baking pans.

To ensure that you don't lose or mix-up pans, write your first initial on the bottom of the pan with a black sharpie. If you aren't baking the dish in the oven, put a small piece of masking tape on the bottom and write your initials on the tape.

How do you keep track of your pans? Have you ever lost a baking dish at a party? Share your ideas and stories below!

Last weekend I attended a very large Easter dinner complete with extended family and an excessive amount of food. There were over 70 people so it was a potluck. While the event had a commercial-style kitchen — complete with two ovens — it got crowded in the kitchen fast. While it may seem unnecessary to mention this, be careful when deciding what dish to volunteer. Here are some things to remember:

• If you bring appetizers: You cannot arrive to the party late. Instead you should show up a little early and at the latest, on time. Choose dishes that can be made in advance, travel well, and need as little time in the oven as possible. My appetizers required last-minute reheating and it got a little difficult when all of the guests started to arrive and bring their dishes into the kitchen.
• If you bring a main dish: You will have to leave in the middle of the party to make your dish. You should speak with the hostess or coordinator to determine what time the dinner is to begin and to figure out which oven space is yours.
• If you bring a dessert: Be happy! It's the easiest of options, especially if you make the entire dessert in advance. Avoid any dishes that involve last-minute broiling or baking. Also steer clear of desserts like ice cream that will melt.

I prefer to bring an appetizer or dessert. What do you like to bring to a potluck? Do you have any tips to add to mine? Please share below!

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Salads don't travel as well as other dishes, especially when the greens are doused in dressing or vinaigrette. When bringing a salad to a potluck, prepare all of the elements in advance. Assemble the salad later upon arrival at the dinner. To avoid a soggy salad use the following technique:

• Always wash the greens and lettuce. Even if you purchase a washed bag of greens there are so many recalls these days, it's best to take the time and wash them.
• Throughly dry the greens in a salad spinner, colander, or with paper towels and place in the serving bowl.
• Chop or dice the vegetable elements. Store in separate containers or plastic baggies and place on top of the lettuce in the bowl.



• If using an ingredient that browns easily — like avocado — wait until the last minute to cut it.
• Make the dressing or vinaigrette and store in a small Tupperware. Place on top of the salad greens.
• Cover the entire bowl with plastic wrap or foil, grab your salad tongs and head out to the party.

Got a tip for keeping salads fresh for potlucks? Please share with us below!