It's a pot luck emergency! Pls help this pot luck virgin

[Anonymous]

We're going to a large potluck this weekend, and, due to our last name, we are assigned a main dish.

Just to complicate things, both of my children have food allergies, so after talking with the coordinator, we will bring food to feed our family, and also some to share. We (except maybe my husband) will not be eating anything anyone else brings, because of cross-contamination/hidden ingredient issues.

I have NO idea what to bring. I also have no clue how to deal with logistics.

There is a program from 6-6:45 (which I will be watching), and then dinner follows. So a hot dish would need to stay hot for a while.

Help! What do I make - and what do I need to transport/serve it? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Is it elegant or casual? Casual dishes are much easier. You could do something like lasagna, meatballs in a crockpot, baked ziti, or chili. I'm a fan of a crockpot recipe because you can take it in the crockpot, keep it warm, and serve it easily. If you want to do something like the lasagna, Pyrex makes portable containers that can keep it warm, although I don't know if it will work for as long as you are talking about. Can you reheat something in the host's oven?

http://www.epinions.com/review/Pyrex_Portables_4_Piece_Set/content_347752271492

[Anonymous]

Crock pot mac & cheese is a huge hit and easy to transfer to a pot luck.

[Anonymous]

Is your pot luck contribution the thing your kids will eat, or is that separate?

[Anonymous]

The event is at a church, and I don't believe there will be an opportunity to heat up (the meal is right after the Christmas Pageant, so I can't miss any of that anyway).

I would like to make just one dish, and bring it in two containers.

No gluten, no dairy, no tomatoes - most obvious dishes get knocked out. I have a recipe for vegetarian bean stew. I also have made an awesome lamb stew (which only one of my kids likes, but maybe the little one needs to suck it up that night?).

[Anonymous]

Do you have a crockpot? You could do meatballs in a sweet sauce (eg, ketchup/jelly) as opposed to a tomato-based sauce. You could also get some mini-rolls on the side for those who would like to make a sandwich. Trader Joes and Costco have pre-cooked Italian meatballs, but not sure if they are gluten-free. Cold entrees are tough! You could also just bring a cold cut platter and some rolls so people can make sandwiches.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if you've ever seen the site for crockpot365? She prepared a different meal every night for a year. Anyway - she had allergy/gluten issues - so most of the recipes are fixed with that in mind. Maybe you'll find something there?

[Anonymous]

Chili? Make it really hot before you go and then keep it covered - might stay warm?

[Anonymous]

I would do a platter of gluten free chicken nuggets and a platter of fruit salad. That way your kids are covered.

If your kids would eat it, you could do a chicken curry with rice dish.

You could also do a salad with chicken, beans, veggies. You could put everything your kids like in it. Dressing on the side.