So yesterday I found out that I'm part of a group hosting a potluck picnic shin dig at a local park this coming Friday. The potluck starts around 6:30pm. At 5:30pm there is a recreational component to said potluck...I'm leading a hike at one of the nearby local foothills trails...there's also the choice of doing two mountain bike rides further away. Anyhoo...I feel that I am not required to bring any food or beverages to the picnic since I'm doing the hike. Asking me to also bring food or beverage is above and beyond the call of duty IMNSHO. That and I'm cheap and lazy. However...if I'm guilted into bringing something...WTF should I bring? It has to be very easy to prepare. Now please keep in mind I won't have any way to refrigerate it on Friday and most likely it will be sitting in my trunk all day. Thanks!
I'm of the mind to not bring anything, but to eat some of everything. Or just bring a tube of Pringles.
get some suppermarket desserts. Apple pie is a good call or some cheesecake.... one for you and one for the potluck.
You can stop at the deli at your supermarket and get some deli meats and rolls, or if you are feeling adventurous could try making some chili.
If you have a crockpot, stew is pretty easy: Two cans diced tomatoes Cubed Beef Chunks of Potatos Vidalia Onions (fresh, not the jarred or canned ones) Baby Carrots French Onion Seasoning Simmer on low for about 5 hours.
I hate pot-lucks. I know, that sounds strange. But I just don't like them. Ironically, I love to cook and prepare meals... but not for Pot lucks. Funny... unless its people that I know, and that I've eaten at their house, etc. then I will be okay with eating the food. Otherwise it is one of the things I am incredibly anal about. But if its potato salad, anything cooked with eggs, or a strange custom dip then forget about it - I won't touch it. So when pot-lucks come, I'm the boring schmo that brings sodas, "Chips A'Hoy", potatoe chips, doritos, supermarket stuff. On a side - since it is a nature hike, why not bring something simple and nutritious? Like trail mixes, energy bars or simple fruits or veggies like carrot and celery sticks. Maybe a fruit salad from the grocery store or watermelon slices since its the season again? If you have a cooler, just keep it in there and it should be fine.
I'm with you. As a leader of the hike, the other participants should be ready to feed you. But, just in case, have some chips handy. Or, pack a package of cups or plates or napkins. Someone's bound to forget at least one of those items.
Bring a salad. Can't go wrong with that. Potato, macaroni, green, Greek... doesn't matter. Makes a nice compliment to everything.