The Potluck Cookbook: Classic Recipes for Any Occasion

The Potluck Cookbook: Classic Recipes for Any Occasion aims to bring back the traditional potluck. This cookbook includes recipes for appetizers, breakfasts, meat entries, vegetable side dishes, and desserts. There is even a recipe section that includes family favourites and examples of menus for those wanting to create a potluck. I like the recipes in this book for several reasons. Most importantly, most of delicious dishes are quick and easy with only one dish to clean up. So very important. Also, many of these recipes can be used in a potluck situation or as a meal (or part of a meal) for my own family. I also like the variety of tastes as there is a nice choice of traditional cultural recipes represented throughout this book.

Just the word "potluck" brings to mind sharing good friends, good cheer, and good food. For years potluck suppers have been a mainstay of church events, and they're very much a part of our history. What was a barnraiser without a potluck supper? However, in bygone days women often could spent a great deal of time in the kitchen. That's no longer true today, but we still have a yen for the friends, the cheer, and the food. "The Potluck Cookbook" holds many classic recipes, most of which can easily be prepared ahead of time and with a minimum of effort. All of the recipe ingredients are easily found in supermarkets, and the dishes are not only delicious but easily portable. Following a bit of history of potluck suppers, this tried-and-true filled book begins with party starters, slow cooker soups, and appetizer casseroles. The always popular A-Cup-A-Cup-A-Cup Dip (remember 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup green peppers plus a tad of minced onion and dried parsley flakes?) is given new life with the addition of chopped black olives or for southwesterners jalapeno jelly. For breakfast or brunch we find "Delia's Overnight Orange Pull-Apart Sweet Rolls," which are guaranteed to please, and a special recipe for omelets that serves ten. Following chapters offer meats, poultry, vegetables, salads and, of course, desserts. Carrot Wedding Cake with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting is always well received, as is Apple Cobbler. Many will find this cookbook an indispensable addition to their kitchen library. - Gail Cooke