Fantasy Potluck
A lot of times those Friday posts turn into food fests–food we’ve indulged in, food we see on other people’s lists and wish we could have, food we once loved and not-so-secretly miss.
And I was in the midst of all that foodiness the other night when I suddenly realized what it is I really want: somewhere, sometime, somehow–I don’t know how, but let’s just put it out there–I want to have a big potluck with all of you. I want us to have Ethiopian and Lebanese delectables, and lots of chocolate dreaminess, and some good hot dishes for those of us who grew up in the potluck culture, and generally one big food celebration with people we only know from each other’s blogs.
Come on–does that not sound like THE BEST??!!
Instead of any of us trying to meet each other at Book Expo or ALA or any other conferences, we’d pick some spot in the center of the country–someplace easy to get to, like Las Vegas or Denver or Salt Lake City or some other hub–and we could bring our significant others and children or not, and just set aside a Friday and a Saturday to actually hang out face to face and speak words to each other that do not involve typing.
And then, of course, we’d all go home on Sunday and blog about it.
What do you say? Are you up for my Fantasy Potluck?
I’m starting the signup sheet right now. Remember, we’ll need some side dishes so we don’t end up with only exotic main courses and all that chocolate.
But having said that, I’m signing up first, and I’ll bring my two favorite, most decadent and addictive desserts: Hello Dollies and 911 Cake. Both are guaranteed to make you love yourself the moment you’re eating them, and then possibly have to have your stomach pumped afterward. They’re that rich. Trust me, you’ll thank me.
I need to hear from all of you. I might just actually plan this some day. So what will the rest of you bring?
Technorati Tags: Robin’s Fantasy Potluck, Bloggers and Commenters Eat and Meet
June 4th, 2007 at 6:13 am
Hi Robin! Count me in for the fantasy potluck. Sounds like a great idea
I’ll make my best Russian potato salad (Salad olivier) which includes ham, pickles, onion, peas, carrot, egg, and potato all chopped into precise squares. And, I’ll bring the best Indian take out from whichever city you chose (all three are great, but watch out for Denver and Salt Lake most of the year!)
I hope you realy do plan this. Next May?
June 4th, 2007 at 7:32 am
Lasagna, though I have to giggle about the “Salt Lake City… easy to get to” crack.
None of those places are remotely easy for me to get to. Too west coast. If we’re going for neutral, it should be at least midwest — like Chicago.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:35 am
rb, such a cool idea. i can’t wait to t explain 10 lbs. of barbacoa, a crock pot and two dozen tortillas to airport securtiy. sign me up girl!
June 4th, 2007 at 7:47 am
Potluck dinners are one of those things that I’ve always heard about but never got a chance to attend. It does sound like fun and even tho I’m not a fancy cook,I’ld like to come anyway.
I make a pretty mean meatloaf(with tomato sauce,because real meatloaf has tomato sauce:) If you use gravy,it becomes salisbury steak.) and if my sister can come along,she makes great blondies from stratch. Can we bring a guest to the Potluck,especially if they bring a dish?
June 4th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Lady T, absolutely. Bring anyone you think would make a fun time for you and us.
Kelly, that sounds fantastic. Never heard of Russian potato salad, but now I must have it.
Annette, I’ve been thinking about the airport issue, too. We’ll figure something out.
Diana, you might be right. Chicago seems so east to me, but I guess everything other than California is east of me. Anyone else have an opinion about “central”?
June 4th, 2007 at 8:47 am
Oh, I’m bad at cooking… but if I could cook, I’d be good for the deviled eggs (I know they aren’t even cooking, but you know…).
June 4th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Katie, you don’t need to bring something you make. You could bring Ding Dongs or Little Debbies or bbq chips–really, anything that would fully fill our fat and sugar needs.
June 4th, 2007 at 8:57 am
By the way, y’all, even though I really only meant this as a fantasy, the more we’re talking about it, the more I’d really like to do it.
So how about this: If my book does really well so that I can afford it, how about if I take Kelly up on her suggestion and I really do throw this party next May? You in?
June 4th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Texas is in the central standard time zone.
I don’t know what I’d bring, but it wouldn’t be cookies. Maybe something take-out that I’d cleverly disguised as homemade.
June 4th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Deviled eggs! Yes! I was going to beg someone to bring them, but I see that now I don’t have to. They’re my favorite thing to eat at a potluck, because I NEVER have them at any other time, and cannot make them to save my life.
OK, so now that the eggs are covered, I can relax and bring one of my famous tossed salads. I never know exactly what will be in them, but they always have fresh mixed greens, some sort of fruit (strawberries, dates, craisins), something crunchy (toasted pinenuts, honey almonds, but I have been known to throw in pretzel squares) and some form of delicious cheese (goat w/herbs, feta, freshly grated parmesan) and then I make homemade raspberry vinaigrette to toss with everything at the last minute.
And at a fantasy potluck, I’m imagining there will be no bugs. And plenty of shade. And plates that hold absolutely everything.
June 4th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Sara, that sounds totally delicious. And no worry about bugs–I’d rent someplace inside. There would be no sweatiness, no stickiness, no bugginess–we’d do it on a Friday so that it could be our nice thing for ourselves that week.
June 4th, 2007 at 9:36 am
May is insane for me being the last month of school, so it would need to be near the beginning of the month. Or a different month.
And I freaking love deviled eggs.
June 4th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Beginning of May sounds nice. Anyone?
June 4th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Are there any holidays near the beginning of May? Because, well, prior commitments…not that I’d have the means to get out there anyway, as it stands right now. Sigh.
But if (IF) I could attend such a fantastic feast, I would totally bring corn pudding (yummy yummy!) and sweet potato decadence–basically, sweet potato patties covered in coconut, sugar, and cinnamon. And also my mom’s chocolate chip cookies. Seriously, there are no better chocolate chip cookies on the face of this planet.
I grew up in the potluck culture. Not only am I Southern, I’m Baptist. Catholics have the crucifix, Jews have the Star of David…we have a covered dish.
June 4th, 2007 at 10:46 am
Yep, Miri, I hear you. I have the Baptist potluck roots as well.
You’re right about the need to do this over a holiday. Not everyone works for themselves and can choose which days to take off. Let me ponder further.
June 4th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Lol. I’m Catholic, and we have pancakes. My Dad’s mom was Baptist. I have such yummy Wednesday night memories.
June 4th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Chicago sounds like a much better place for me…of course, that’s because I could just drive there.
I’d have to bring my mom’s taco salad. YUM…
June 4th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
OMG!!! lady t we have to have a transcontinental pot luck if for no other reason than the fact you have never attended one. they are the best. i love pot lucks so much i’m drooling all over my shirt front as i type– thinking of the potato salad, baked beans with bacon strips, jello salad, tatertot casserole—must stop, i’ve gained 5 lbs. just imagining it.
June 4th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
how ’bout we have the potluck at MY HOUSE–then everyone can see my insanely neat closets and alphabetized freezer. seriously, would love to host the blog.
June 4th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Annette, you’d better not be joking, because I’d totally take you up on that offer.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
i’m totally serious!
June 4th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Then we should pick a month when it’s disgusting and cold where all the easterners are, and so lovely and sunny where we are. March is nice. And don’t some people have spring break in March?
June 4th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
now yer talkin’–the blog’s version of “march madness” (with a,ahemm, book signing, by various authors). WARNING: if there is a basketball game being played anywhere in the world it will be on.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Might I suggest that St. Louis is a more likely “middle”??? And I seem to remember it as a fun place, though it’s been years.
I’m bringing a bunch of stuff from my favorite Cuban Restaurant, since you guys have the Lebanese stuff covered already. Figure you’ll be fasting for a month to clean out your clogged arteries after this Cuban Culinary Caper.
And homemade brownies for dessert.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
BJ, that sounds great, but no cannolis from that great Italian bakery in NY?
June 4th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I believe the running spring break this coming year is March 31st through April 4th. Quite a few school systems also have a midwinter break now, February 18th through the 22nd. Talk about yucky weather for the Easterners among us…
June 4th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Robin–
I first read “911 Cake” as “9/11 Cake,” and thought, “Wha…? Who could’ve possibly eaten anything during 9/11?” I’m always misreading things. Whenever I drive by the Plaid Pantry,” I honestly think for a moment that it says “Plaid Panty.” And your own Vital Matters become “viral matters.”
Anyway, I’ll bring stuffed grape-leaves and little spinach pies (both homemade) plus the deadliest delicious babaganouj I’ve ever tasted, bought at my local Pacific Community Coop. Maybe I’ll make some sangria, too. I’ve never made it, but I sure love to drink it, so….
June 4th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I know, Alkelda, it’s unfortunate how the emergency number has been co-opted. I may have to return to the alternate name for the dessert, Hospital Cake.
Your babaganouj will be welcome.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Alkelda, that’s like how I’ve read Katie’s name as “Katie Alexander” twice now and thought “Why’s that B on this blog?!” because the person with that name almost ruined my life. Until I B-slapped her. This is self-censorship. Apologies to the kind and talented, certainly non-life-ruining Katie Alender.
I will make red velvet cake. And meatballs.
June 4th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Molly, what a hoot. Thanks for the self-censorship as well as the confession. As far as I can tell, our Katie Alender is as nice as they come. I’m sure she accepts your apology for your secret, unwarranted anger.
June 4th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
I’ve never had red velvet cake with meatballs. My family has always had it with sweet italian sausage.
June 4th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
who is katie alexander, and why did she ruin molly’s life? did i miss something earlier?
June 4th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Who is this person tainting my almost-name with horribleness?? No worries, Molly — I’ll accept a red velvet cake and meatball apology any day of the year!
And I must say, it’s much better than in middle school, where I had the same almost-name as the most popular girl in the county, and people were always soooo disappointed to learn I was me and not her.
(I knew I was in trouble when the driver picking us up from our honeymoon was holding a sign that read “Alexander”.)
June 4th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Sounds like fun to me. I’m in California, too, but I’m pretty flexible about travel. I think of Dallas as the middle of the country, because I connect through there all the time on American.
I make some very decadent brownies, and could scare up some Armenian appetizers from my local middle eastern store and deli (the owners go to our church, and we know them, so it’s not like food prepared by strangers).
How fun would it be to not have to pay for an expensive conference to hang out?
June 5th, 2007 at 1:34 am
If I was still in Australia next year I would bring some yummy local food, perhaps some Moreton Bay Bugs (a type of crustacean). I would come in my private jet so they would still be fresh. I’d even bring some crusty bread and homemade seafood sauce to go with them.
But as I’m hoping to be in the UK I will have to wait and see what food to bring to the fantast potluck
June 5th, 2007 at 7:32 am
Wow, I wish someone would refer to me as “the most popular girl in the county.” Is that like an award they give at a county fair? Here, we have a Fire Queen. And an Apple Queen. And a Beef Queen, though I find that to be an undesirable title.
Anyway, to hijack this a little more … long story short, freshman year of college there was this girl, KA, and she was just a horrible girl and said mean stuff about me online (this is like, the earliest recorded incidence of cyber bullying - 2002
) Anyway, I ended up getting in a fight with her and getting kicked out of my dorm. And I almost ended up not going back to college after that because of it. Which is why she’s a life ruiner. An almost life ruiner.
Really funny part was the girls on my floor made a petition to keep me in the dorm and kick the other girl out. I’m sure it’s in my permanent record somewhere.
So I guess I’m the ass-kicking librarian. Me and the pink haired librarian are starting a rebels club.
June 5th, 2007 at 8:53 am
molly, ya mean a fight, fight? bloody noses, black-eyes kinda fight or just a girlie fight (not to put down girlie fights, but you know what i mean)? and i speak for the entire blog when i say we HATE her too. she better not turn up at the potluck if she knows whats best for her, noooo sirreee.
June 5th, 2007 at 9:21 am
Jen, I like the idea of some Armenian food–another thing I’ve never tried.
Emma, never heard of Moreton Bay Bugs, but now that you’ve teased us with them, you must bring them! Congratulations on getting your visa for the U.K., but you’ll just have to get your private jet to take you back to Australia to pick up food before coming out to meet us. Or you could always send your butler.
Molly, thanks for the full story. I agree with Annette.
June 5th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
This is aweseome–just a few weeks ago I was testing a recipe and thought “If this works, it’ll be a great church supper staple.” And then I realized I haven’t been to a church supper in about fourteen years. I still go to church, but in NYC even the churches order take-out.
So, I’m bringing a savory ambrosia salad (it works, trust me) and these wonderful eggwhite/chocolate/almond cookies that I always bake for parties. They’re flourless and can be dairy-free if anyone requests.
June 5th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Sweet, Kathryne! Seems perfect to have both deviled eggs and ambrosia salad (never had the savory kind, though–interesting). Cookies sound good, too. Yummmm.
June 5th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I tend to bring Oreos to these sorts of things and go on and on about how long it took me to carve the chocolate cookies.
If we’re talking March, it’s quite possible I could make an appearance.
Though, Robin, I hope you will look for any opportunity - speaking engagement, conference, pyramid scheme recruitment - to come DC way.
June 5th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
It’s definitely on my Must Go list. I’m working on it.
June 5th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
The Oreos (yeah, Oreos!) made me think of the world’s easiest summer dessert: you take ice cream sandwiches and make two layers of them in a pan with caramel sauce and whipped cream in between (and nuts, if you so desire.) Then you cover the whole thing with more whipped cream so no one can tell those yummy layers are store bought.
I second MotherReader’s plea for you to come to DC. Although, I’ll take any excuse to get out of town and go to say…Paris. Potluck in Paris. Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? (not Paris, TX, either)
June 5th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I just have to go all the way back to Robin’s original post and say: HELLO DOLLIES! YUM!!! I haven’t had those in ages, and they are so good.
I make a pretty good black bean salad. But by then, I’ll be living near Moosewood - I wonder what sort of yumminess I could bring from there? I’ll investigate and report back in March.
June 5th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Moosewood! With a name like that, they have to be famous for something delicious. And I bet it’s plenty fatty, too. You must bring it, whatever it is.
June 6th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
The fantasy potluck sounds really great. I’d love to come if I can. I’m another East Coast person, so the further east, the better, LOL.
I would bring deviled eggs, since that’s my specialty, but I see that’s already taken (although it sounds like there’ll be a demand for them). Maybe we could bring my husband’s family recipe (hard) eggnog and (paper thin) sugar cookies, even if it won’t be the right season for them.
June 6th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Sheila, welcome! And how could it ever be not the season for sugar cookies? I don’t care if they’re Christmas tree cutouts–bring them. And yeah, looks like deviled eggs will go fast, so bring those, too.
June 7th, 2007 at 3:33 am
I’m another one who would love to come but can’t make it - but maybe Emmaco and I can have our own British version with our Bloggers ?
June 7th, 2007 at 6:03 am
By all means, Michele. What will you bring?
June 7th, 2007 at 7:56 am
The middle of the country would be St Louis or Memphis.
Time of year? If this were to happen in the summer, I’d bring insalata caprese and gazpacho. If it were winter, I’d bring feijoada.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insalata_caprese
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazpacho
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feijoada
June 7th, 2007 at 8:20 am
RM1(SS)(ret) (can’t pretend to know what all that means, except for the “ret.” part), it is incredibly kind of you to include definitions and recipes for your food choices. Saves us all the trouble of pretending we know what feijoada is–which, by the way, sounds delicious! You’re invited.
June 8th, 2007 at 7:23 am
I’ll bring some really good coffee for the after-potluck treat.
June 8th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I’m in for a good peppery brisket, and dates stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon! Two of my most popular potluck dishes.
June 8th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Oh, my gosh, Nancy. You are SO invited. You must have more friends than you know what to do with, cooking like that.
Jules, you’re on!
June 10th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
RM1(SS)(ret) - Radioman First Class (Submarines) (retired)
I meant the Brazilian feijoada, by the way. Learned of it from a friend who’s been to Brazil several times. Never seen the Portuguese kind. (The one meal in Portugal that really stands out was grilled swordfish, with a glass of the most incredible white Madeira….)
June 10th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
RM1, thank you for clearing up all your codes. I wouldn’t have guessed those no matter how long I spent at it. How cool are you with a background like that?
We’ll take the Brazilian feijoada. And the white Madeira, too, if you can get it past security.