I was having a lovely dinner with a former coworker who asked me, “Have you ever been to a bad potluck?” Hmmm. I had a hard time coming up with even one example. In fact, I’m realizing that I might be subconsciously screening new friends based on their potluck participant potential.

• Are they generous?
• Unapologetic (as Deborah Madison says, never apologize for food you serve!)?
• Love to think and talk about food?
• Not so controlling that they can’t let others contribute?

So thank you to the many of you who participated in these lovely moments:

• Learning to cook with college roommates
• 11am brunch gatherings at the only time of the day a student, caterer, and aspiring baker could make it work
• Many many many communal dinners in Fort Wingate, NM
• Get-togethers with my favorite environmental engineers
• Bike rides with my Lopez Island crew – yes, it says bike ride but really it’s a rolling potluck
• Friendsgiving
• Weekend adventures with inspiring running friends

I have a few recipes on my regular potluck rotation. I’m realizing that >50% of those go-to dishes are from Smitten Kitchen. Smashed Chickpea Salad is one of my favorites. I double the recipe to bring as a hearty vegetarian side dish. I am not a fan of olives (which I understand lowers my potluck participation score for some screeners) so I leave those out. Otherwise, I think the recipe is a fantastic last minute potluck dish.

Here’s to many more excellent potlucks!