The Office Potluck.

Ah yes, the potluck lunch in an office space equipped with little more than a shared fridge and a small microwave for any heating of food that may be necessary. Despite these hurdles I am always trying to go against the grain of dips, brownies, cheese logs and cracker spreads. Cookies, especially bar cookies, are such a good go-to because most everyone loves a good cookie and they are easy to transport. The period leading up to Christmas is just so indulgent with cookies and chocolates that sweets in general are rather exhausted by the end of December. I am placing myself on a sugar detox…soon…with a slow and steady reduction beginning now, so no to bringing a dessert.

Last year I committed a ‘what not to do’ by serving Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Squares. Altoids anyone? The title alone serves as a bold-faced italicized warning that this is certainly not office cuisine, but my concern for finding something that could be made ahead and served cold to room temperature prevailed over good judgement. The recipe is very good and easy to make, just be sure to use common sense when picking a menu item.

This year, I stuck with a classic, Deviled Eggs, and a very basic rendition. Void of chopped onions, relish, truffle oil or hot sauce, these appetizers have a clean, traditional flavor that won’t confound or challenge anyone’s pallate. I did not pipe the yolk into the eggs. I do not own a piping bag and the zip-lock method, while forgiving, grew frustrating, but I think as long as the filling tastes great then the spooned-in yolks are quaint.