Potluck Survival Guide, a review

We have spurts of potlucks that we attend, whether at church or with a homeschool group. 

Somehow I have gotten into the rut of making homemade macaroni and cheese lately.

It’s nice to bring as the kids love it and it is a rare event to come home with much in the way of leftovers.

But, I long to expand my repertoire of dishes that are family-friendly, not too expensive, and travel well for a potluck.

I think I have found a great source in the book Potluck Survival Guide: Care and Feeding of the Athletic Supporter by Cherle Kimmons.

I admit that I was a little thrown with the subtitle.  However, while the author garnered experience through trial and error helping to feed growing athletes, the dishes she shares would work for any large-sized gathering.

Beyond the recipes (of which there are plenty to cover appetizers, breakfasts, entrees, side dishes, salads, soups & sandwiches, and desserts), you’ll also find suggestions for planning a FULL event. 

That’s not just what to serve and how to figure out the quantity of food you’ll make.  She also includes ideas on how to transform the venue.

For the most part, the recipes are appealing to the masses and welcome for someone like me just itching for a new dish to bring. 

Nana’s Garlic Brisket, Hot Chicken Salad, Confetti Rice and Cow Patties all get my stomach growling just thinking about them. 

But, the Enhanced Chocolate Chip Cookies had me scratching my head as to why it had an entire page. 

Personally, I would have done a ‘how to doctor up refrigerator cookie dough’ page.  That one added chocolate chips and cooked it at a slightly lower temperature for a bit longer. 

My own creative juices started thinking of ways you can doctor up different cookie doughs.  (Add chocolate chips and nuts to a sugar cookie dough; add your favorite nuts to the chocolate chip dough; add chocolate chips to a peanut butter dough…. you get the idea.)

Overall, the Potluck Survival Guide could be a great resource for those of us attending several potlucks a year. 

But, I think it is an even better resource for those who have kids in sports where snacks for post-game or traveling are necessities. 

Ms. Kimmons does a great job talking about what travels best and which food items are best served before, during or after a game.

The Potluck Survival Guide is published by Five Star Publications.

Disclaimer ~ I was sent a copy of the Potluck Survival Guide by Five Start Publications to complete this review. No other compensation was provided and the opinions expressed are my own.