It's a Potluck?

Question

It's a Potluck?

Answer

Yes! Our wedding day is a celebration of love, togetherness, and the cherished relationships that have shaped our lives. When we think about family gatherings, we think about the meal and cooking for those we love. We wanted to reflect this spirit of community by inviting everyone to contribute to the day in a meaningful way. A family potluck feels like the perfect choice—it’s a chance for us to celebrate our culinary traditions, stories, and love that comes from your kitchens. By sharing a dish that’s special to you, you’re helping us create a wedding spread that is as unique and diverse as the people we hold dear. Whether it’s a cherished family recipe, a favorite treat, a hot-and-a-lot firehouse staple, or something new you’d like to share, your contribution will make our day even more memorable.

Question

Do I have to cook?

Answer

Of course not. If you are traveling far or making food sounds awful, bringing a bottle of wine would great, or just come and enjoy yourself. The potluck is not meant to be a burden. But we genuinely hope you'll have fun with it and find something you like to make and are excited to share. It could be as simple as a bowl of mixed fruit.

Question

How much do I need to make?

Answer

This unique and delightful feast will feature a buffet of options, so don't feel like you have to feed 75 people a full meal yourself. Consider a 4-quart or 8-quart tray of small bites. And to make transport and cleanup easier, we encourage you to leave your cute caserole pan at home and bring your creation in an elegant chafing dish (you know, those charming silver serving dishes with the warming candles beneath). If you bring your item in a container you need back, make sure you take it at the end of the night. You're also welcome to take leftovers! We're leaving shortly after for our honeymoon and prefer to have as easy of a cleanup process as possible.

Question

How to heat/chill and serve?

Answer

Ah, yes, the enchanting chafing dish! To keep your culinary creations at their peak of perfection, we encourage the use of these magical vessels. With their gentle warmth, your culinary delights will remain piping hot throughout the festivities. Of course, if your masterpiece prefers the cozy embrace of a crockpot, fear not! It can happily simmer through the event, though we kindly ask that you don't forget your trusty pot at the end of the night. Please also give us a heads up so we can allocate space for your dish near an electrical outlet. For those delectable chilled creations, appetizers, desserts, and side dishes, Camp Pollock graciously offers its cool embrace with a refrigerator and freezer. We will also have ice available, allowing your dishes to rest upon a refreshing bed of chill.

Question

The dish is my gift, right?

Answer

Yes! We are not asking for gifts and don't need more stuff. We recognize between traveling to Camp Pollock and bringing a dish to share, you're already investing a lot in our special day. We're grateful. But if you're feeling extra generous, we have set up some funds to contribute to that will help make our future a little brighter. You can view those options here: https://www.zola.com/registry/amyandchris525

Question

What are other people bringing?

Answer

So far, we've received RSVPs for: - Bacon-wrapped Dates - Beef enchiladas - Broccoli Salad x 3 - Bottle of Wine - Case of red wine x 2 - Case of champagne - Case of white wine - Cabbage Salad - Corn Quiche - Chicken Thighs & Roasted Veggies - Lasagna - Macaroni Salad - Granddaddy Roy's Tuna Macaroni Salad - Pasta Salad - Pizzelle Cookies - Shrimp and Fish Cevche - 7 Layer Bean Dip & Chips - Artichoke Jalapeno Dip - Taco Bar - BBQ pulled pork sandos - Veggie platter - 4 trays of "I don't know" - 3 platters of "Can I decide later?"

Question

What about drinks?

Answer

We will provide a variety of beverages (wine, beer, water, soda, etc). If you have a favorite to share or would like to contribute a bottle to the bar, that would be great.

Question

Do I share the recipe?

Answer

Yes, please! We'd love a collection of recipes cherished by those we hold dear. To commemorate this joyous occasion, we envision a family cookbook, a keepsake filled with the very dishes that graced our wedding feast. By sharing your recipe, you'll add a precious page to this heirloom. Simply email us (amyandchris525@gmail.com) your recipe, and we'll craft a card to accompany your dish. It will display your family name, the dish's title (feel free to get creative), and the ingredients that bring it to life. After the celebration, this collection will be transformed into a cookbook, a gift to cherish for years to come. A testament to love, family, and the joy of shared meals. First, I offer you all our own contribution to this next best seller. Martin-Rodrigues' Clams in White Wine Sauce w/ Shell Pasta Ingredients 1 lb. of fresh or chopped clams 1/2 cup white wine 3 cloves garlic, minced (Amy adds more when Chris isn't looking) 1/2 lemon 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Fresh parsley and chives 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided Red Pepper to taste Sea salt Loaf of crusty bread (soppins!) or pasta of choice Instructions In a medium-size sauce pan, turn the burner to medium heat and add 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and mix with the oil. Cook slowly to soften but do not burn. After about 1 minute of cooking the garlic, add 1 lb. of fresh chopped or whole clams and mix with the oil. Add 1/2 cup of white wine, freshly chopped parsley and a small amount of sea salt to the pan and mix with the clams. Cover the sauce pan. After about 4-5 minutes, remove the lid. All whole clams should be open (discard any that did not open). Remove from heat and add 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter and red pepper. Stir into clams until melted and incorporated. Transfer the clams and sauce to a shallow bowl. Garnish the plate with freshly chopped parsley and a couple slices of lemon. Serve with crusty bread or over the top of fresh hot pasta.