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[MADem]

11. Hmmmm....potlucks! I have a few standby "go-to" selections that have yet to kill anyone and get

decent reviews:

I learned to make lasagna from an Italian family! It's good and fattening!

I can also make Puerto Rican rice-n-beans that disappear pretty fast.

I can bring along a ghormeh sabzi (it's a Persian stew with a lot of spices, served with rice--it looks like grass clippings but it tastes really good) if that's the "theme!"

I have a family member who can do fried chicken that will make you cry. It's good. Also, a mac-n-cheese that is beyond heavenly.

I don't mind being the one to "bring the salad" if that's what's gotta happen. Not my favorite to bring, but hey, I'm a team player!

I will also bring the appetizers if that's what people would like--a meat platter full of meatballs, chicken on a stick, prosciutto and melon, or a "Middle Eastern platter" full of hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pita, and other goodies, or a vegetable platter with the usual stuff, and maybe a bunch of "mini-capreses"--little mozzarella balls and grape tomatoes on a toothpick (pain in the ass to make but they go quick). I have a family source for truly superior deviled eggs (I don't make 'em myself because I'm just lacking in patience, but a small bribe and I can cough up a few dozen for a party!).

If you want me to bring desserts I will take the lazy way and go to a quality bakery, but I will bring cakes, cookies, pies or cupcakes (or all of the forementioned) ...AND ice cream (because I like ice cream, and ya gotta have ice cream).

I'm also open to suggestions--if anyone has an idea, if I can't make it, I'll find someone in the house who can!

If the people bringing food are Rachel Ray, Emeril LaGassi, Wolfgang Puck, and Paula Dean, well, I'm happy to bring the paper plates, cups, and forks/knives/spoons and napkins. Are we serving libations? I can bring along wine and beer, or even do the pedestrian workplace "soda assortment" if that's what it takes to get the party started.

We used to do a lot of potlucks in places where I worked--it seemed like we were always looking for an excuse for a party. Monthly birthday party, monthly farewell party (we had a lot of turnover owing to our line of work), and every so often, we'd have one for some other reason or no reason at all. That's one thing I miss, being retired!