Kristin Donnelly

Even if none of the recipes in this book appeal (unlikely), it's worth checking out for the front matter alone: her "Rules of the Potluck" (for hosts/organizers and for guests) are pretty smart, and there are some notes on food safety too, which are good to keep in mind.

What makes for a great potluck dish?
1. It will hold up on a buffet table.
2. It has three components, max.
3. It's crowd pleasing with just a hint of edge.

What hosts & organizers should know:
1. Control your inner control freak.
2. Keep your guests in the loop about dietary restrictions.
3. Pick a theme, or don't. (e.g. grandmother's favorite, seasonal, spicy, local, etc.)
4. Think about the flow and label the food. (Line tables with butcher paper and write on it!)
5. Remember plates, cups, utensils, etc.
6. Clean your kitchen.
7. Stock the bar.
8. If you're hosting offsite (not at your house), find out what's available.

What guests should know:
1. Ask in advance about using the oven or stove for prep.
2. Think about how you'll transport your food.
3. Ask about dietary restrictions.
4. If you sign up to bring something, bring it!
5. Bring serving utensils.
6. Take your dishes home.

Recipes I'd try:
Buttery whole wheat crackers (p. 32)
Harissa-roasted chickpeas (p. 47)
Pumpkin beer and turkey chili (p. 102-104)
Smoky squash mac & cheese (p. 119)
Roasted/grilled vegetables (p. 158--)
"Roasted or grilled vegetables are a great addition to any potluck because you can make them in advance and they are delicious at room temperature."
Chocolate cherry millet cookies (p. 214)
Potato chip-crusted magic bars (p. 217)
Salt and pepper candied cashews (p. 220)… (mehr)

I love cookbooks and this one did not disappoint in its presentation. It has beautiful photographs of dishes and of the community gatherings. My only complaint would be that the recipes seem very adventurous and involved for a potluck gathering. These recipes seemed more for impressing a very intimate group of people rather than your everyday potluck. The recipes are set for larger groups 10 to 12 people, so that you can gather enough ingredients for a large group. Even though many of the dishes seem a bit "out of my league," I still hope to try a few at some point in the future.
I received a complimentary copy via Goodreads giveaway program.… (mehr)

I saw the word Potluck and thought this would have an excellent selection of recipes. It does in fact have many recipes as well as wonderful glossy photos. The statement to give people "foolproof, crowd-pleasing" recipes fell short for me and my household in regard to taste preferences. I see many 4 and 5 star reviews and honestly, I am happy for those folks that this book was a success for them.

For me, the word Potluck inspires casseroles and easy to prepare foods that you know almost everyone wants to sample. You arrive with “the dish” and people say, yesssssssss….I love that or can’t wait to try it!

This wasn’t the mental image that came to mind as I turned page after page trying to find something I would cook. Something we would make over and over. In my opinion, this book is for people who are extremely passionate and adventurous regarding some out of the ordinary ingredients and combinations. An asparagus quiche sounds good but I’m not sure about the rye crust.

Tuna, capers and slow roasted tomatoes would work for me as would the deviled eggs. But I don’t need a cookbook to assist with deviled eggs or to come up with creative combinations to give them some zing. Same goes for the potato salad.

This book is well organized into sections for snacks, dips, drinks, main dishes, etc. Also it caters to a wide variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan. There are many recipes for meat eaters too.

It’s a pretty book, it’s just not for me so I will donate this book to the library.… (mehr)