As I entered the culinary profession, family gatherings gradually began to resemble “foodie” parties rather than the holiday potluck affairs of yesteryear, with their abundance of Chinese and American cuisine. Eager to show off my new-found skills, I sweated and insisted on crafting the perfect menu while doing most of the cooking. All I can say is that thank God I have recovered from it. Now, I am completely satisfied with contributing and taking charge of family events. I mean come on, who has time for that anyway? I like to focus on one or two (okay, maybe four) great dishes, which is where these 16 potluck recipes come in. Designed to comfort and please the crowd, they are perfect for festive cold weather gatherings. Whether it’s a cheesy pasta bake, comforting chicken pot pie, a delicious hot dip, a satisfying side dish, or a unique dessert, there’s no need to worry about what to make – just try one of these recipes.