I'm fortunate to have friends who are great cooks, so my husband and I typically enjoy potluck nights with a few different groups of friends multiple times a week. It's a great way to end a work day. Staples in our house: adobo baked chicken, pepper-crusted beef tenderloin with goat cheese, salmon and grouper (baked, blackened or poached), chicken picatta, beef stroganoff; and lots of fresh, raw vegetable dishes to complement all. I freeze the leftover baked chicken breasts to use as the basis for all kinds of weeknight meals: chili, enchiladas or tacos, or whatever I can make with what's on hand. I love making pasta sauces, but they don't really fit into our meal plans. Other than that, I enjoy making clean, simple dishes with bright, spicy flavors. Salads. Vinaigrettes are fast and easy, and seem to easily impress. Leaves me stuck with salad at every office potluck, though. Hommade Ginger ale. Don't plan on leaving that sugary ginger water simmering when you're about to start an online gaming episode.