Bob & LBF in the Morning
Bob & LBF in the Morning
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Good luck with your potluck!
We have put together the 5 worst dishes to bring to holiday potluck dinners that might be health risky. You might be surprised by them. Most of us our go-to potluck foods that we bring to parties. My wife makes a great stromboli and it is always a hit. My co-worker Lauren swears by buffalo chicken dip with nacho chips for dipping she says it’s a crowd favorite and lately has brought bacon wrapped stuffing on toothpicks with a gravy to dip in. Sounds wonderful.
Roll with a casserole?
Casserole’s used to be all the rage back in the day because of their versatility. You could bake just about anything in a casserole dish and if it was hot, it was a hit. People don’t make as many as we used to. It seems as though people prefer to bring something easier, like a charcuterie featuring all the meats and cheeses. Again, my wife takes pride in making hers look beautiful and inviting.
Here are the 5 Worst Potluck Dinners to bring to holiday parties
Now these five dishes are based on the possible health concerns that could occur when transporting these dishes to the party. Of course a lot of these are our favorites but if you’re concerned with getting people sick during the holidays, experts suggest you shy away from them and here’s why.
1. Baked potatoes in aluminum foil.
When the potatoes cool down, the moisture and steam in the foil can create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. You can use foil to bake the potatoes . . . just remove it before it cools down. Nobody wants to catch the hot potato! These are better left out of the party because they go best as a side dish to some protein like steak and then you’re full too fast, that’ no fun.
Azurita/ Getty Images
2. Mayo-based salads.
Potato salad, egg salad, and macaroni salad are common culprits. But it isn’t always the mayo itself . . . the protein or the cooked carbohydrate can make you sick too. So always keep those salads cold. These mayo based salads don’t travel well, you’re better off bringing an oil based salad like a nice pasta salad.
(Shutterstock)
3. Fish and seafood.
Not only can they spoil easily at room temperature, it’s also a risk for people with allergies. Keep it nice and easy with some shrimp co*cktail on ice with a nice sauce. The key is to keep them on ice, nobody wants room temp shrimp.
Summers in Rhode Island are filled with fried calamari and all things seafood!
4. Nuts.
It’s another one that’s bad for people with allergies. If a dish calls for sprinkling almonds or peanuts to finish a dish, consider leaving them off or bringing them in a separate container. If there are nuts in something you bake, make sure everyone knows. Just make sure you let people know that your dish contains nuts, perhaps you can make a cute note to stick near it on the table.
Did you know that they are known for hazelnuts?
5. Leafy green salads.
The issue here is that there’s a lot of opportunity for cross-contamination. Everything from cutting boards to utensils and unwashed hands used for mixing. We love our greens but at the risk of getting a gastro intestinal illness. Nobody wants to make someone sick at a party.
Ingredients
8 cups of fresh baby spinach, 1 cup of chopped tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided, 1-1/2 cups of chopped fully cooked ham, 1 small onion, chopped, 1 small green pepper, chopped, 4 large eggs, and salt and pepper to taste.
Bob is a native New Englander, growing up (sorta) in Maine where his love for radio started at a young age. While in high school he hosted radio shows on a local radio station, and he has never looked back. Bob joined the US Navy and served onboard the Sixth Fleet Flagship as a radio and TV host. After serving for 3 years, it was off to Emerson College in Boston. Bob hosted shows in Boston on WMEX, WVBF and WSSH in the 80’s and 90’s before heading to radio stations in Raleigh, NC, Manchester, NH, and New York City. Bob has been married for almost 25 years to Carolyn, a Woburn gal and they have 3 daughters, Nicole, Taylor, and Bridget. Bob and Carolyn are proud first-time grandparents to baby Caroline, who they plan to spoil every chance they get! “I started my career in New England and could not be happier to come back to Boston where I can root for all the Boston sports teams and eat lots of lobster rolls and clam chowder (okay not lots)… It is an honor to host the WROR morning show with LBF and wake up the World’s Greatest City!” Bob writes about recipes and restaurants, pop culture and trending topics.
Mastering Potluck Etiquette with These 5 Tips
Potlucks, which involve people bringing their preferred dishes to share at a gathering, have become a common practice, whether hosted in someone’s home or at the office. Dishes range from sweet treats to savory options, with each person contributing their favorites that sometimes wow the crowd but sometimes miss the mark.
Opinions about potlucks tend to differ. Some find them enjoyable, while others may not share the same enthusiasm. People have different approaches when they are in the kitchen. Confidence in the cleanliness of a friend or relative’s kitchen and their hygiene practices can contribute to a more comfortable potluck experience.
The ups and downs of a potluck.
However, a different dynamic arises when dealing with work luncheons or potlucks involving less familiar faces. Unpleasant memories may surface, such as the cringe-worthy video of a woman using the same spoon to feed her dog and stir her dish before serving it to someone. Such instances highlight the potential challenges of potluck gatherings.
While potlucks offer the promise of enjoyable times, they also present the possibility of mishaps. The diversity of dishes introduces an element of unpredictability, with certain options consistently being avoided, ranging from overcooked lasagna to underdone meat. No one wants to be responsible for ruining a potluck.
Achieving success in a potluck requires careful coordination of various elements. Regardless of if it’s a last-minute event, organizational skills are key. Implementing a sign-up sheet or getting insight into attendees’ contributions ensures a structured approach, while still allowing for creativity. Categories such as appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages can be added to inspire creativity and guarantee a well-rounded spread, avoiding the awkwardness of a lopsided menu.
Despite not being able to control every aspect, there are several ways to navigate potential potluck fails. To guide you through the potluck experience, we’ve compiled a list of potluck etiquette that aims to create a smooth and enjoyable gathering. Check a few below.
Stick to Your Potluck Commitment
If you commit to bringing something to the potluck, stick to your word! If you’ve signed up to whip up a red velvet cake, don’t surprise everyone with cookies or a dip. Deviating from your agreed-upon dish can create a gap in the spread, so be consistent.
Михаил Руденко/ Getty Images
Be Considerate of Food Sensitivities
Consider others’ food sensitivities. While it’s impossible to know everyone’s allergies, you can be considerate by creating a sign with the list of ingredients for your dish. This way, those with sensitivities can make informed choices. For example, if your chili is a meaty, spicy masterpiece, give a heads-up to the attendees.
Communicate Your Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Communicate your allergies or sensitivities to the host. If you have significant food sensitivities or allergies and are invited to a potluck, inform the host. Alternatively, bring your own dish. It ensures you have a safe option to enjoy at the event.
JLco – Julia Amaral/ Getty Images
Don't Skimp on the Goods
Don’t skimp on contributions. If you’ve chosen to bring soda, make sure you bring enough of a recognizable brand for everyone. It’s not cool to bring a small quantity of generic soda and then feast on other items, leaving little for everyone else.
Image Source/ Getty Images
Understand the Leftovers Deal
When you bring a dish to someone’s event, whether it’s an acquaintance’s dinner party or a friend’s potluck, consider it a gift without expecting to get the leftovers back. Once the dish is given to the host or placed for serving, it’s no longer yours, including unopened items. If the host insists you take leftovers, then go ahead and enjoy them.
pioneer111/ Getty Images
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