Fabulous Pot Luck Dinner Party recipes!

This past weekend we had our neighbors over for a pot luck dinner. I had it at my house so I could put the baby to bed and still continue the fun! What made it better than average is that I picked an Italian theme. This gave everyone some direction and allowed us to drink plenty of Pinot Grigio.

We call ourselves the "Four Corners" because we are all on the corner across from each other. It was ten people ranging in age from 18 months to 70! It was a blast. The recipes are all easy so I have them posted below.

Sheila made her now famous Green Olive dip and Cheese and Artichoke dip here are the recipes:

Green Olive Dip:
2 10 Oz stuffed green olives with pimientos
1 15 Oz container of ricotta cheese
1 8 oz of cream cheese

Place all ingredients in Cuisinart and pulse until smooth!

Her Cheese Artichoke Dip was even better!

1 large bag (4 cups) of shredded cheddar cheese, Mexican blend
2 cans of artichokes in water
1 small bag( 6 oz) shredded Parmesan cheese
1 15 oz jar of mayo

Put all in a bowl use hand mixer or mixer to break up a little and mix
Put in large Quiche pan, mash down until flat
Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees
Serve with crackers or mini melba toasts
YUM!

I made the main course, I call it Chicken Puttanesca.


1 large can whole peeled tomatoes
1 pound of chicken breasts, pounded thinly
1 cup mushrooms sliced
3 cloves of garlic chopped
1 can black olives (no pits) and sliced
1/4 cup capers
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan- coat chicken breasts after pounding

In Large non stick pan heat olive oil on med high heat add chicken breasts when oil sizzles

Brown chicken on both sides (about 5 min per side) after first turn add lemon juice and swirl around

Remove chicken and set aside

Add more olive oil to pan

Add tomatoes and juice from can saute and stir on med high heat for 3 minutes

Add garlic (3 more minutes)

Add mushrooms stir until moisture released (about 8 minutes)

Add capers and olives and stir for about 3 minutes

Add chicken back in and saute 5-10 minutes on low

Serve with rice or pasta


Kitty brought cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory which made us all very happy.

So fabulous!!!