A potluck is a communal gathering where each guest or group contributes a different, often homemade, dish of food to be shared.
Other names for a "potluck" include: potluck dinner, pitch-in, shared lunch, spread, faith supper, carry-in dinner, covered-dish-supper, fuddle, Jacob's Join, and fellowship meal.
While there exists some disagreement as to the origin of the English term, two principal theories exist: that it is the deliberate combination of the English words pot and luck, or that it is an eggcorn of the North American indigenous communal meal known as a potlatch (meaning "to give away").
The word pot-luck appears in the 16th century English work of Thomas Nashe, and used to mean "food provided for an unexpected or uninvited guest, the luck of the pot". The modern execution of a "communal meal, where guests bring their own food", most likely originated in the 1930s during the Depression.
Potluck dinners are events where the attendees bring a dish to a meal. Potluck dinners are often organized by religious or community groups, since they simplify the meal planning and distribute the costs among the participants. Smaller, more informal get-togethers with distributed food preparation may also be called potlucks. The only traditional rule is that each dish be large enough to be shared among a good portion (but not necessarily all) of the anticipated guests. In some cases each participant agrees ahead of time to bring a single course, and the result is a multi-course meal. This agreement rectifies the problem of many participants bringing the same dish. Guests may bring in any form of food, ranging from the main course to desserts.
This all-in-one baked stuffed potato will guarantee that your spuds will never be duds! Enjoy as a main dish meal for a light lunch or supper; and reap the easy clean up rewards as well!
- 3 large baking potatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups chunked cooked chicken or sliced pre-cooked breakfast sausage
- 1 (10-3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli soup
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- Preheat the oven to 400º. Scrub the potatoes and pierce the skins several times with a fork. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until tender.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then cut each in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick potato skin; set aside the pulp in a medium bowl. Brush the potato skins with the oil, coating completely, and place on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Coarsely mash the potato in the bowl, add the chicken or sausage, the broccoli soup, and 1-1/2 cups of the cheese blend; mix well and spoon equally into the potato shells. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and brown and the filling is heated through. Serve.
***ADD ZIP...by sprinkling these with chopped fresh basil, dill, chives, or parsley before serving.
Each year in July we celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day. This day recognizes the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.
Americans have had a fascination with automobiles since the first U.S. horseless carriage was demonstrated in 1893 by the Duryea Motor Wagon Company. The romance of the motor took us from rough country roads to iconic highways and byways. We were also able to stretch our legs and cross the country more independently than ever before. The urge to go faster, fleeter and finer were inspirations for design and ingenuity. Additionally, assembly lines made cars more affordable.
The appeal of the automobile influenced the American sense of adventure. Nostalgia, perseverance, and exploration are the topics of the day. Surprisingly, the automobile and the horse shared the road for a time causing much confusion. Stop signs and signal lights were non-existent. Rules of the road were not yet established. Still, motor companies began to tailor their designs to a public demanding a particular style.
Today, the collectors of these bygone eras keep history and memories alive. They restore and maintain old metal, engines, and blinkers. Crank, push-button, or throttle starters once rusting in a barn rev to life. Specialists take great care to find the right part or color, and skilled artists put their hard labor to work restoring a single collector car. They spend hours on end painting, repairing, rebuilding, and welding to recreate the final result of a pristine collector car.
This day recognizes those individuals dedicated to preserving a piece of American history. We associate each era with a certain car. Whether we ride in a Prohibition-era Cadillac Sedan, a 1950s era muscle car, or in our grandfather’s pickup truck, they take us back.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Give a shout out to a dedicated restorer you know. Recognize their talent and knowledge. Attend a collector car event or show. Share your tips and videos. While you’re celebrating, take a ride in your classic car. Post photos of your collector car.
CAR COLLECTOR APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY
Since 2009, SEMA Action Network (SAN) has sponsored Collector Car Appreciation Day. Per the request of The SEMA Action Network (SAN), each year the U.S. Senate has passed a Resolution helping to launch the day.
