Potluck is not a Bad Word

By David Hu
A new video for Video Friday

“Potluck” the word strikes fear in many. What do I bring? What is everyone else bringing? How much food do I need to make?

I, however, embrace the potluck. The more the merrier! I love that you get to try all sorts of different dishes from all cooking skill levels. (Just don’t be that person who brings the pre-packaged veggie dip tray from the supermarket.)

I have some favorite potluck dishes that are always a hit:

• Curry Chutney Deviled Eggs
• Stuffed Asiago Basil Mushrooms
• Roasted Almonds with Coriander, Chili, and Olive Oil
• Smoked Salmon Crostini
• Crispy California Asparagus Straws
• Dubliner Cheesy Polenta.

But sometimes I just don’t have time. Sometimes I just need to be able to whip up something quick and easy. This tapenade recipe never lets me down. It has only a handful of ingredients and there’s not really any prep work since everything is blended in the food processor.

It’s so simple that if you are the aforementioned bringer of pre-packaged veggies, please give this tapenade a try.

Here’s hoping you look forward to the next potluck!

And if you’re hosting the potluck, here are a few tips and recipes that I’ve compiled.

To get the recipe and shopping list on your smartphone (iPhone, BlackBerry, Android device) or PC, click here.

Tapenade
3 garlic cloves
2 cups pitted kalamata olives or pitted black olives
5 anchovy fillets
1 tablespoon capers
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper

Start food processor running and drop garlic cloves through the feed tube to chop. Stop processor and add olives, anchovies, capers, rosemary and lemon juice. Puree until chunky. With machine running, pour oil slowly through feed tube and continue to process until smooth. Season with pepper.

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