Summer sure has swept in and increased my busy meter in a very fun way…more get togethers.
Today our women’s group had their annual summer pool party! We kept things super simple and it was just time to chat and chill (I say that lightly as the temperature was 99 degrees here in the panhandle of Florida).
The host made a big pot of sloppy joes and each lady brought a dessert or a side. Lot’s of food!!
Growing up in Illinois I don’t remember many potlucks. My mom basically taught me if you host a gathering you are treating your guests to the the food, etc. I would often hear her say, “Just bring yourselves.” I don’t know if if it was an upbringing thing or a regional thing but here in the south..potlucks are a thing all the time. It is something I really had to get used to but now I love them.
So I’m curious…do you live in a community where potluck style gatherings are a normal and expected thing or in an area where if you get in an invite you would be completely surprised if the host asked you to bring a dish? Comment below and let me know…I really am curious.
I brought a “go to” potluck dish of mine that I learned to make when my husband and I were stationed over in Turkey. It’s called Shepherd Salad. I feel as if it is a perfect dish for a summer gathering–very light and refreshing (and super easy).
Below is the basic recipe but the amounts of each item is totally up to you.
When my husband and I was stationed overseas in Turkey, we ordered this every chance we got. When we found out how easy it was we were so surprised. Tastes so good.
Ingredients
Cucumbers (I used 3 large english)
Tomatoes (I used a container to grape tomatoes cut in quarters)
Onion (I used 1/2 of a large Vidalia onion)
Lemon (I used 2)
Sumac (Okay I don’t measure….two “pinches”)
Directions
- Dice cucumbers; dice tomatoes ; dice onion and mix together
- Squeeze the juice from the lemons and toss.
- Sprinkle with Sumac and toss again. (Okay they did not add Sumac in Turkey but I love it.)
- Chill. That’s it. You can adjust the ingredients to your taste or to what you have on hand.
Here’s a quick summer potluck tip: Use an insulated bowl!
But here is the key to make that super successful….fill it with ice and let it chill down. I usually do it before I get to chopping and dicing and it is ready when I am!
Enjoy!
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