Here are 10 tips to keep in mind the next time you participate in a potluck, whether as the host or as a guest. In the process, I learned that by adopting a handful of general approaches, we can all make our potlucks a lot easier, more interesting, and more delicious. I wrote my book, Modern Potluck, to give cooks some fresh recipe ideas that are more in line with the ways many of us aspire to eat today. Pulled chicken is made so easy in the slow-cooker and this version includes brown sugar, a little Italian dressing, and bourbon for a bit of smokiness. While the food world obsessed over farmers market produce, house-fermented sauerkraut, sprouted-grain breads, and za'atar, people still turned to the same old ramen salads (those curious 'Asian' slaws with broken instant ramen noodles) and green bean casseroles for bring-a-dish gatherings.

As I thought about potlucks, I realized it was a genre in serious need of an update. Essentially, I started hosting more potlucks. If I wanted to maintain a social life, I discovered, I'd need to ask friends to share some of the work. For the time when the host insists you don’t have to bring anything, but you obviously don’t listen (rightly so), bring this rich, salty tapenade along with some cheese and grissini for the easiest-ever appetizer. When my daughter was born, four years ago, hosting my usual dinner party-you know, the kind that involves shopping and cooking all day-became nearly impossible. Pepper dips are one of the most popular game day dips in the country. She's joining us today to share some of the best tips and tricks she picked up while working on her book. We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. Please welcome Kristin Donnelly, author of the new Modern Potluck cookbook.

Pot luck ideas