Office Potluck Suggestions...

[frankusj]

So we're having an office potluck on Friday and I'm all out of ideas. I wanted to make something to impress but I already have a few limitations. First of all I've been deglated to bring in a side. Second, we only have a small microwave and no other cooking elements so whatever I make has to be either A. Cold, or B. something I could keep warm

Comments

[jesshelga]

Alton's hot spinach and artichoke dip could easily be assembled via microwave thawing and heating and rewarmed at work. Then again, my friends have been known to eat it when it is stone cold four hours into a party.

[moonwhispers]

Heh, that sounds even better. :D

[jesshelga]

Actually, your idea is great, because the most impressive dish at our recent potluck was my coworker's pomegranate and cucumber salad with fresh lime wedges. I Googled and came up with this kinda-sorta recipe.

And hummus is good, especially with pita and/or pita chips and/or veggies.

[frankusj]

Gotta Love Alton! thanks!

[moonwhispers]

Probably the easiest thing I've found is a fruit bowl or salad. I get a bunch of different kinds of fruits (melons, apples, oranges, etc.), chop it all up and put it in a bowl, then squirt copius amounts of fresh lime juice on it. The lime juice always catches people off guard, I seem to be the only one I know that puts lime juice on everything. People really like it. Of course there are a number of other recipes for fruit salad, so it's easy to vary. It's easy to make, easy to serve, and just about anyone likes fruit.

Otherwise, hummus and pita (or similar bread) is also a favorite side of mine. Especially roasted red pepper hummus. It does require some cooking of the of the peppers, but you can make regular hummus (and some other variations without cooking). I have a wonderful middle eastern market near my house, so good bread is easy to come by for me, however.

And if push comes to shove, and you find yourself with no time whatsoever, both are easily purchased (and repackaged if you don't want people to know it's store bought).

[frankusj]

Hummus sounds good too...I might have to make multiple things at this point!

Cooking implement

[lifeofreilly]

Might I recommend something simple (gosh! Here?) like Spanish Rice (or- if you prefer- some Risotto) that you keep warm in a crock pot.

Heck- you could keep anything warm in a crock pot. :)

[anita_margarita]

Cold sesame noodles with pea pods, green onion, and peanuts?

[dmk]

Do you have a bread machine and a place to set it up? I've always gotten great responses when I've brought the whole shebang into the office.