The CC Friendship Group: Hosts a Potluck!! (What Will YOU Bring -- And What Will You Avoid Like the Plague?)

[Lynx]

Tempering the yolks is done by putting a little of the hot pudding into the yolks and then whisking. This is repeated a few more times. After tempering the yolks, then you stir them into your pudding. The reason for tempering is so that the yolks won't cook too quickly when they are added to the hot filling. You want a smooth pudding/filling.

Oh yes, I agree with preferring to knead the dough. One of my friends got a breadmaker years ago, and while I'm totally okay with her and anyone else owning/using a breadmaker, I clutch my chest when someone suggests that I get one lol.
I grew up making homemade yeast breads. I found the process to be satisfying. The working the dough and letting rise is all a part of the process that produces a closeness to baking/cooking like no machine can.

My favorite yeast thing to make is dough for my stromboli. Since I'm a big coffee fan and my coffee maker has a flat top, I place my covered dough on top of my coffeemaker while the coffeemaker is on. It works out just right.

Btw, I use real butter too and I use a pastry cutter tool to cut it into the flour. It makes the process faster, which helps keep the butter from getting warm from contact.

Oh... I have a different way of tempering it.

After it is cooked I puree the crap out of it with a hand blender. Then I let it cool - not get cold, just get less warm than "hot." Then I puree the crap outta it again. Then I let it set, and yes it DOES set after it is not hot anymore.

It makes a pudding or pie filling that is out-of-this-world creamy.

 

[seoulsearch]

What do you do with all the yolks?

Very sorry if I missed the answer to this, but I was wondering what people do with their extra yolks as well.

I tend to eat more whites than yolks, but never know what to do with leftover yolks and don't want to waste them.

I've heard people make mayonnaise out of them? Except that I don't like mayo.

Does anyone have any other recipes or non-food uses for egg yolks?!

 

[seoulsearch]

I think I would prefer a BBQ to a potluck, potlucks are rather awkward to cater to everyone, and the dishes/pots need to be kept warm because a cold casserole is not nice to eat.

Does this pass as a cold casserole?





So sorry, but I just find these jello "casseroles" to be so horrifying, I just can't stop sharing pictures of them!

 

[seoulsearch]

I'm not an advocate for most vegetarian meals, but spinach makes a delicious substitute for ground beef in lasagna. Spinach and Ricotta go well together.

I also forgot to mention that in another thread, @Tall_Timbers said he specially trained his kids with a magic strategy to get to the front of the buffet line.

I'll pass if the table is set with mostly jello salads and entrees...

But if it's things like brisket, meringue, and lasagna -- I'm signing up for courses from Tall Timber's kids -- and y'all better just get out of the way!

 

[Bible_Locket]

BBQ Pigs Feet!

Kidding.

Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

My whole family LOVES this Macaroni Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf! It's filled with extra cheesy macaroni and the meatloaf is perfectly tender!

iwashyoudry.com

 

[Karlon]

Hey Everyone!

We've traveled the world
Wild creatures run amok
But now we're all tired
And need a good old potluck!


A quick Google search for "What is a church potluck?" says:

"A church potluck is a community meal where members bring homemade dishes to share after a service. Classic mainstays include baked casseroles, fried chicken, potato or pasta salads, slow-cooker meatballs, and sweet desserts like sheet cakes or cobblers.

It centers on fellowship, sharing food, and building community."

I laughed out loud at the mention of "baked casseroles." The first time I went to meet a small group of CC members, one person among the group was a self-taught, nearly professional-level cook who had a strong disdain for "casseroles made with canned soups" (shuddering at the very thought!)

I didn't want to mention that not only were such casseroles a regular part of my church's potlucks, but also a staple of my mother's menu rotation! #TaterTotCasserole4Life!

What do you MEAN canned soup casseroles don't built fellowship and community?!

How about you?

1. What thing(s) are you signing up to bring to our potluck? Are you the type to bring an elegant entree? A crockpot creation? Savory sides or delectable desserts? Maybe you're the one to bring the jiggly jello... Or are you the one signing up for drinks, plates, and cutlery? (Seoulsearch raises her hand!)
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2. Does anyone at your church or wherever you have potlucks bring some favorite dishes everyone looks forward to? Aunt Mabel's famous peach pie? Or are you known for something people beg you to bring?
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3. What dishes do you avoid like the plague? The mystery jello mold? The Casserole of Questionable Contents?

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I know we've have these type of food threads before, but it's always fun to hear about what people would want to bring -- and what they would avoid!!

Tell us all about YOUR most favorite -- and feared -- communal dishes, and any funny, or tragic, stories of potlucks pasts!

my home made meatballs. they are bite size. it's my father's recipe but i made 2 changes. & the changes are: dad used 80% lean meat, hamburg, i use 95% fresh from the farm hamburg & dad put his meatballs in the sauce after he baked them, i don't. i keep them warm in the oven. i found out that the sauce cancels out the flavor of the meatball & they just taste like hamburg with out much flavor. my 2nd choice would be shrimp cocktail. a 3rd choice would be a spinach salad that includes spinach, pine nuts, portobello mushrooms & bacon. i avoid anything overcooked, average, common, liver, coleslaw, bean salads, hard boiled eggs, mackerel fish, anchovy's & egg salad.

 

[Lanolin]

Well I made lasagne last night as I found a lasagna dish (bought one and it was on special too!)

My dad and my sister liked it so success! But the next time I make it, might add some mushrooms to the meat sauce, and maybe a bit of carrot.

Now I have about five different cheeses in my fridge -- parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, tasty and creamy blue. Hmm what could I make with five cheeses? Cheese fries? Cheese toasted sandwiches? Or Cheese pizza?

 

[Lanolin]

hmm food I avoid like the plague...

I am not too fond of tuna fish sandwiches, or cold ham, or sashimi. I don't like chicken nuggets although I used to eat them as a child. Chicken flavoured potato chips. I don't really enjoy cold salads, with soggy lettuce and tomatoes. Cheerios, no. Thick icing on cakes. Cold pies. Microwaved ready meals that people heat up still in the plastic. Anything that attracts flies. Sugar encrusted donuts. Super spicy foods with more than 3 chilli ratings! Deep fried food cooked in old oil/fat -- too greasy and makes a mess.

Not being fussy, its just I can't eat food that may make me sick. It needs to be fresh and hot for the best taste.

 

[zeroturbulence]

This thread kind of makes me sad because it reminds me of the dishes I used to cook for my mom, my aunt and myself after my dad passed away. I made filet mignon, meatloaf, breaded fish fillets with lemon and herbs (frozen), chicken parmigiana, and a couple other dishes. I always wanted cooking to be a hobby/skill of mine but now food is too expensive and I'm always too tired. Those are too hard to make for pot luck. I would probably just bring some KFC.

 

[Karlon]

This thread kind of makes me sad because it reminds me of the dishes I used to cook for my mom, my aunt and myself after my dad passed away. I made filet mignon, meatloaf, breaded fish fillets with lemon and herbs (frozen), chicken parmigiana, and a couple other dishes. I always wanted cooking to be a hobby/skill of mine but now food is too expensive and I'm always too tired. Those are too hard to make for pot luck. I would probably just bring some KFC.

more vitamins may compete the trick to being less tired.

 

[Lanolin]

This thread kind of makes me sad because it reminds me of the dishes I used to cook for my mom, my aunt and myself after my dad passed away. I made filet mignon, meatloaf, breaded fish fillets with lemon and herbs (frozen), chicken parmigiana, and a couple other dishes. I always wanted cooking to be a hobby/skill of mine but now food is too expensive and I'm always too tired. Those are too hard to make for pot luck. I would probably just bring some KFC.

I wouldn't say no to freshly cooked KFC my favourite part is the wings.
Its ok cold too for a picnic though you do need somewhere to put the bones, however, chicken tastes better with the bone in.

Fresh pizza is always a crowd pleaser for a big group if you get several different ones and can be easy sliced up and shared.

Sometimes potluck can be too much work for people plus trying to keep everything hot, and then what do you do with leftovers just take them back home again?

The reason why I'd prefer a bbq is the meat would be cooked there which is better than cold meat or warm meat , and the men can feel good about doing the grilling/cooking while ladies can just concentrate on salad and fresh fruits and drinks. Potato salad for me. Fresh watermelons, pineapples, mangos.

Does anyone do hotpot? I think those are better than pot luck because you all gathered round and can cook the food together. It's best to have two going as one can be spicy and one not spicy. Or one for meats and seafoods and the other vegetarians

Work spreads for morning tea used to in my country be the sole domain of ladies, they were told 'ladies, a plate' meaning bring a plate of food, it would mostly be baked goods like cakes, muffins, scones, slices, club sandwiches, lamingtons, brownies, loaves, homemade bikkies just finger foods. I didn't really have the time to go home and bake the night before to bring the next day so I'd bring things like popcorn or cheese and crackers and dips or grapes. I'm sure some ladies were disappointed in me that I wouldn't go all out and take over mum's kitchen and bake the night before.

I once baked a feijoa pie just for my boss and workmates to share but my boss was too busy to eat /share with us workers so that was the last time I bothered baking anything for work.

 

[Bible_Locket]

No-cook Tabbouleh - Cardamom and Tea

The best tabbouleh around, with just enough bulgur, and plenty of tomato, herbs, and lemon juice (plus my secret for super flavorful bulgur).

cardamomandtea.com

No-cook Tabbouleh
2) Skip the boiling—soak your bulgur in lemon and tomato juice instead.


My husband's Tabbouleh is so delicious,I could eat just that for the rest of my days. Which translates to,a week.

Seriously though,this recipe isn't his. But delicious Tabbouleh is something you never forget.

 

[Churchgoer]

One time an Egyptian girl made something like that, I am learning a new word tabbouleh.

 

[Churchgoer]

One time an Egyptian girl made something like that, I am learning a new word tabbouleh.

A lot of chopping

 

[Bible_Locket]

A lot of chopping

Worth it!

 

[zeroturbulence]

I wouldn't say no to freshly cooked KFC my favourite part is the wings.
Its ok cold too for a picnic though you do need somewhere to put the bones, however, chicken tastes better with the bone in.

Fresh pizza is always a crowd pleaser for a big group if you get several different ones and can be easy sliced up and shared.

Sometimes potluck can be too much work for people plus trying to keep everything hot, and then what do you do with leftovers just take them back home again?

The reason why I'd prefer a bbq is the meat would be cooked there which is better than cold meat or warm meat , and the men can feel good about doing the grilling/cooking while ladies can just concentrate on salad and fresh fruits and drinks. Potato salad for me. Fresh watermelons, pineapples, mangos.

Does anyone do hotpot? I think those are better than pot luck because you all gathered round and can cook the food together. It's best to have two going as one can be spicy and one not spicy. Or one for meats and seafoods and the other vegetarians

Work spreads for morning tea used to in my country be the sole domain of ladies, they were told 'ladies, a plate' meaning bring a plate of food, it would mostly be baked goods like cakes, muffins, scones, slices, club sandwiches, lamingtons, brownies, loaves, homemade bikkies just finger foods. I didn't really have the time to go home and bake the night before to bring the next day so I'd bring things like popcorn or cheese and crackers and dips or grapes. I'm sure some ladies were disappointed in me that I wouldn't go all out and take over mum's kitchen and bake the night before.

I once baked a feijoa pie just for my boss and workmates to share but my boss was too busy to eat /share with us workers so that was the last time I bothered baking anything for work.

I love KFC Although I think it tasted better years ago.

I'm not a fan of having a BBQ because I don't like waiting around to eat. As an introvert I have no desire for chit chat and I want any kind of social event to be over with as soon as possible.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I love KFC Although I think it tasted better years ago.

I'm not a fan of having a BBQ because I don't like waiting around to eat. As an introvert I have no desire for chit chat and I want any kind of social event to be over with as soon as possible. I'm not a big fan of grilling either because you have to constantly watch the flame and the meat.

 

[Lanolin]

I love KFC Although I think it tasted better years ago.

I'm not a fan of having a BBQ because I don't like waiting around to eat. As an introvert I have no desire for chit chat and I want any kind of social event to be over with as soon as possible.

Just get there late, I don't think there's any rule you have to be on time at a bbq. Plus usually there will be snacks/appetisers while waiting. But don't get there too late or everything will be gone.

Except for the hot potatoes, usually the last to go as they'd be wrapped in tin foil and taken out when the embers have died down. I mean if you bbq like I do with charcoal/real fire. Gas ones just are an outdoor oven. You want your food bbq or do you want it gassed?

Also, do you mean to say you are not even going to help with the grilling? Or making the sauces, or pouring drinks or threading the kebabs or whatever else needs to be done when at a bbq? It's really not about the chit chat.

 

[Lanolin]

Cafes are for chit chat. Which is why I'm not a fan of them.

 

[zeroturbulence]

Just get there late, I don't think there's any rule you have to be on time at a bbq. Plus usually there will be snacks/appetisers while waiting. But don't get there too late or everything will be gone.

Except for the hot potatoes, usually the last to go as they'd be wrapped in tin foil and taken out when the embers have died down. I mean if you bbq like I do with charcoal/real fire. Gas ones just are an outdoor oven. You want your food bbq or do you want it gassed?

Also, do you mean to say you are not even going to help with the grilling? Or making the sauces, or pouring drinks or threading the kebabs or whatever else needs to be done when at a bbq? It's really not about the chit chat.

If I'm invited to something, I don't want to have to work there. I don't want to be around people anyway so just showing up is already a big sacrifice on my part. I used to show up late at gatherings exactly for the reason you suggested but then it doesn't seem right if you don't give an excuse. The only exception to all this is if I had a date go with me. Then I would show up on time with my date and pretend to enjoy myself. I might even have a glass of wine.