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Potluck Protocol!

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I’ve been to at least three potluck parties in the last two months. Potlucks are fun, and deciding what to bring can be just as fun.

Everyone has their own idea about what makes a good potluck -- just like everyone has their favorite go-to potluck dish. I was talking with some of my friends about good “potluck protocol”, so I decided to put together a list. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts or additions.

By the way, my favorite potluck dish to take is quiche. It’s easy to make, it can be served hot or at room temperature, and it doesn’t require a lot of fuss. With a quiche (see below for the recipe) and the list, I’m ready for a good potluck. Enjoy!

Potluck Protocol -- My top 10

1. It always helps if the host of the potluck assigns categories of food for guests to bring. That way, you don’t end up with a table full of desserts and no main dishes or sides.

2. Bring a dish that’s ready to serve -- unless you’ve checked with the hostess first, or it’s a close family member, don’t expect there will be extra space in the oven, stove or fridge.

3. Bring everything you need to serve your dish. Asking the hostess for a platter to serve the bucket of chicken that you brought is bad form. It means more work and clean up for her (or him. )

4. Label the food. It’s not always easy to tell by looking what the dish is. It also helps for anyone with dietary restrictions.

5. If you ask the hostess what to bring and she tells you -- bring it.

6. Make enough for the number of guests expected.

7. Make it look good. People eat with their eyes first -- if it looks good people will eat it.

8. Store bought is fine. Your real friends won’t judge you.

9. Take a sympathy scoop. Sometimes there’s a dish that no one seems to be eating. Do the right thing and put a little of it on your plate so the maker of the dish won’t feel bad.

10. And most importantly, enjoy the potluck party and have a good time!

Here's my recipe for

Easy Quiche

1 9-inch deep frozen pie crust

4 eggs

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

1 cup half & half

1/2 onion, diced

*optional (1 cup diced ham or sautéed vegetables)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat together eggs and half & half, and add salt and pepper. Stir cheese, onions, ham and/or vegetables into the egg mixture. Pour into pie crust and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and cook for another 40 minutes until done.