MNP Week 28: Cake Takes The Cake

On a mellow Monday evening, Lea Chandonnet's Better Than Basketball Cake won a decisive victory at Monday Night Potluck.

Better Than Basketball Cake (which some reports have pegged as a modification of the more well known variety, Better Than Sex Cake) recorded 32 points on the night, using a combination of delicious frosting and delightful chocolate chips to power past the competition.

Jeff Graham's Tater Tot Hot Dish posted 19 points to finish second, while Tiernan "TBaby"'s Caprese Salad finished third in a rare appearance on the podium for salads (and, come to think of it, healthyish foods in general).

With the fewest dishes entered since the first month of Monday Night Potluck's existence, Better Than Basketball Cake seized its window of opportunity Monday night. But the win comes with no asterisk, as any potluck victory is an impressive one in a town full of food pioneers. 

As always, the phenomenal potluckers and their dishes:

Maria Mattera - Veggie Pasta Salad
Jeff Graham - Tater Tot Hot Dish
TBird Spence - Just Logs
Tiernan - Caprese Salad
Lea Chandonnet - Better Than Basketball Cake
Rich and Alli - Buffalo Turkey or Teryaki Mushroom Onigiri (Rice Balls)
 

Potluck will continue next Monday night (May 11) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

The championship dish  

True potluck creativity  

MNP Week 27: Onion Soup Is Super

Our 27th Monday Night Potluck, from all accounts, was a tremendous tasting affair. Your food-loving potluck blogger, however, was absent from the potluck for the first time, and is unfortunately unable to recap the events in as much detail as usual. The recaps will return next week! 

As always, the potluckers and their delicious dishes:

Jasmine Smith - Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos/Little Smokies
Kevin and Kylee - Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Cindy - Dark and Stout with Broken Compass Chocolate Coffee Stout (3rd Place)
Julia and John - Thai Turkey and Lettuce Wraps (2nd Place)
Brian and Kathy - "Snappy" Caramel Espresso Bars
Brian and Kathy again - Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Cheesecake
Brian and Kathy for the third time! - Crispy Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars
Chris Lovely - Smoked Salmon Bacon Mac N Cheese
Eli - Sweet Potato Fritters with Spicy Cilantro Mayo Sauce
Dannie and Tessa - (Un) Creative Cornbread
Seth Cohen - Broken Compass Ginger Pale Ale Onion Soup (1st Place)
Ben Redner - Spinach Cobb
Debbie Dean - Brie, Honey and Almond Pleaser
Elise R. - Pumpkin Cheesecake
Lauren Chartier - S'more Rice Crispy Treat
Steve Sizemore and Kathleen Walsh - Cheesy Potatoes
Jennifer and Kyle - Baked Brie with Apple Chips
Rich and Alli - Roasted Veggie Surprise!
Caroline - Peanut Butter Cupcakes!

Potluck will continue next Monday night (May 4) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

MNP Week 26

Monday Night Potluck gives zero forks that mud season is upon us.

Despite lowered expectations, MNP kicked off its post ski season with a bang, with 13 absurdly outstanding dishes duking it out for the prestigious honor of potluck champion. 

Red Pepper Hummus and Meatballs In Cream Sauce raced out to an early lead, only to be reeled in by a trio of delectable dishes. Drunken Ham (ham with bourbon cherry glaze), Broken Compass Ginger Pale Ale Pork Fried Rice and Sweet And Spicy Mountain Chicken quickly surpassed Hummus and Meatballs and turned the night into a three-horse race. 

Despite a terrific fight put by Pork Fried Rice (Brian Dube and Co, 36 points) and Mountain Chicken (Wendy C., 31 pionts), it was only fitting that in the end the title went to Drunken Ham (41 points), whose creator, Mike Spies, made potluck waves by taking first in his first potluck ever.

And although Dube's Pork Fried Rice fell five points short of victory, he should be commended for bringing enough pork fried rice to feed a small army. 

Congratulations to the winners (which, really, was every person in attendance) and a huge thank you to everyone who brought delicious food. The potluckers and their dishes follow:

Kevin and Kylee - Jalapeno Serrano Poppers With Bacon Cream Cheese
Erin and Jake - (Everything But The) Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad
Brett and Katie - BK Bean And Corn And Avocado Dippers
Heather W. - Pickled With A Punch
Sam H. - Raccoon Potato Chip Dip
Diny H. - Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Wendy C. - Sweet And Spicy Mountain Chicken (3rd Place) 
Janette and Doug - Meatballs In Cream Sauce
Ben Redner - Tarragon Green Beans
Caitlyn Tongish - Mac N Cheese With Steeze
Brian Dube and The Crew - Broken Compass Ginger Pale Ale Pork Fried Rice (2nd Place)
Mike Spies - Ham With Bourbon Cherry Glaze (1st Place)
Rick and Maria - Olive Confusion Red Pepper Hummus + Black Truffle Popcorn

Potluck will continue next Monday night (April 27) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

MNP Week 25: Whiskey Sweet Cherry Pulled Pork Sliders Cruise To Victory

On the 25th anniversary of Monday Night Potluck, it was only fitting that some of the most celebrated potluckers in MNP history dominated the night. 

Brian Munger, who, along with his wife Kathy, holds the record for most MNP podium finishes with six (including four firsts), made a long-awaited return to the win column Monday night. Munger's Whiskey Sweet Cherry Pulled Pork Sliders melted hearts, tongues and minds, crushing the rest of the competitive field. Whiskey Sliders recorded 42 points on the night, more than the second and third place dishes combined. 

Munger's Whiskey Sliders were augmented by a secret sauce that remained unrevealed as of this writing and received a huge assist from Hawaiian Rolls (Hawaiian Rolls are basically the John Stockton of potlucks. They improve basically everything. And if you're reading this wondering who John Stockton is, shame on you, brush up on your 1990s NBA knowledge. He's that guy who always wore super short shorts. Remember now? Good, let's move on). 

The podium was rounded out by potluck regulars Rick and Maria Galgas, who took second with their Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, and Warren and Samantha, whose Chicken Pot Pie secured third place (why "funeral" potatoes? According to Maria, "because there's so much butter and cheese they may lead you to an early grave.")

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to each and every one of you phenomenal chefs out there that brought food for the potluck. As always, the potluckers and their dishes:

Tiernan - Chicken And Broccoli Hot Dish
Trevor Maring - Cheesy Potatoes
Maria Mattera - Chocolate Raw Pie
Wendy Weiner - Tater N Kale Frittata 
Brian Munger - Whiskey Sweet Cherry Pulled Pork Sliders (1st Place)
Ben Redner - Colorado Mashers
Rick and Maria - Cheesy Funeral Potatoes (2nd Place)
Jason Lederer - Peanut Butter & Jelly Brownies
Warren and Samantha - Chicken Pot Pie (3rd Place)
Seth Cohen - Broken Compass IPA Risotto
Alli and Rich - Mango Brie Crowns
Caroline - Fancy Chili Popcorn
Peter and Jasmine - Brolky Slaw And Doritos (apologies for the spelling)
Joe B - Spring Roll
Alex Dean - What Cowboys Dream About (award for best name)
Max Tane and Alex C - Must Go Nachos

Potluck will continue next Monday night (April 20) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

The winners

MNP Week 24: Potluckers Battle Fork And Knife In Photo Finish

The 24th Monday Night Potluck provided as much drama, tension and intrigue as is possible any food-based competition.

The battle for the podium was fought with tooth and nail, and fork and knife, coming down to a rare potluck photo finish. 

In the end, Ryan and Destiny's surprise healthy victor Beet Goat Cheese Walnut Pie surged ahead to clinch a clutch win. Beet Goat Cheese Walnut Pie's 23 points narrowly edged out Linda Ralston's Bacon Wrapped Dates (20 points), Alli and Richard's Trusty Pecan Bark (19 points), Brian Munger's Crockpot Crack Chicken Sliders (18 points), Wendy and Earl's Candied Bacon (18 points) and Luke Skywalker's White Bean Chicken Chili (21 points, disqualified for Jedi mind tricks, illegal entry under a fake name and being the bartender's entry). 

As the 18th and final MNP entry and fighting disadvantages that included no bacon products, no chocolate and no candying, Beef Goat Cheese Walnut Pie rallied around each other late in the second half to overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit.

On a night when Wisconsin blew a late lead and the national championship to Duke, it was at least one small victory for cheese. 

It was another phenomenal potluck, and we couldn't have done it without your tremendous contributions. Without further ado, the potluckers and their dishes:

Luke Skywalker (aka Dr. Buckets aka Daniel Miller-McLemore) - White Bean Chicken Chili
Casey and Kristie Clark - Cuban Sandwiches
Beth Groundwater - Crazy Craisin Triple Chocolate Brownies
Eva Schiller - Lady Bugs (points for most creative)
Bev McArthur - Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Holley Adcock - Black Bean Dip
Bill Barr - Wild Rice Casserole
Brian Munger - Crock Pot Crack Slider Chicken With Cheese
Tyler Stafsholt - Kettlecorn
John Longhill - Salmon Caesar Salad
Wendy and Earl - Candied Bacon
Maria and Carol - Veggie Orzo Tofu And Feta
Heather Wickstrom - Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bites and Raspberry Fruit Stack
Linda Ralston - Bacon Wrapped Dates (2nd Place)
Alli and RIchard - Trusty Pecan Bark (3rd Place)
Nancy - Leftover Easter Ham - Turned Asia
Bryan Etkie - Meatballs and Ziti
Destiny and Ryan - Beet Goat Cheese Walnut Pie (1st Place)

The winners: Alli and Richard (3rd, left), Destiny and Ryan (1st, middle) and Linda Ralston and fam (2nd, right) 

The grub

Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bites aka the most delectable morsel  

Potluck will continue next Monday night (April 13) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

MNP Week 23: Caramel Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Bars Cruise To Victory

Monday night marked yet another monumental occasion for potluck history. 

For the first time ever, three women swept the podium at Monday Night Potluck, flexing their cooking muscles with three excellent and innovative dishes. 

Mariel Galgas' Caramel Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Bars (CCCSSB) led the way, recording 51 points for the victory. Heather Wickstrom's Major Mexican Lasagna, which bravely combined two ethnic cuisines never seen in tandem before, posted 37 points, good for second, while Linda Ralston's Gorgonzola Pecan Grapes (which, I still don't really understand what these were, but they were delicious) rounded out the podium with 32 points. 

It was a tight battle for the top spot, but CCCSSB managed to pull away with some last minute gooeyness, chocolateyness and general deliciousness. The chemistry between Chocolate and Caramel was evident down the stretch run, and manifested itself in yet another potluck victory for desserts. 

L. Dennis - Hawaiian Ham/Cheese Sliders 
Brian Dube (Apt. 5 gang) - Chicken/broccoli Ziti
Heather Wickstrom - Major Mexican Lasagna (2nd Place)
Linda Ralston - Gorgonzola Pecan Grapes (3rd Place)
Mariel Galgas - Caramel Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Bars (1st Place)
Scarlett Jones - Papa's Potato Salad
Danielle and Samantha and Warren - The Elvis
Ashley and Joel White - Pineapple Dip
Alli and Richard - Veggie Mac N' Cheese

MNP Week 22: Meatballs Bring Potluck Title Back To Portugal

After a dominant run by the USA, a foreign power finally ended the American stranglehold on the Monday Night Potluck podium. 

Adam Sunderland's Portuguese Meatballs brought the MNP title back to Portugal, its 46 point effort claiming a resounding victory. 

Cathy Griffin also made waves at her first potluck, becoming the first potlucker in MNP history to take two spots on the podium. Griffin's Mud Pie (29 points) and Mighty Meaty Manicotti (24 points, and which also came with a Might Meatless version) took second and third, respectively. 

"A truly special performance for a potluck rookie," bartender Dr. Buckets said. "There's some real talent there."

But on a night that included a near-record 25 dishes, nothing could touch Portuguese Meatballs. 

"I've never been to Portugal and never had their meatballs," one anonymous potlucker said. "But this is how they've tasted in my dreams."

Once again, a huge thank you goes out to all of you who brought food for the potluck. You continue to provide the best food in Breckenridge every Monday night. Without further ado, the potluckers and their dishes:

Heather - Pecan Pie
Brittany Holloman - Sausage Balls
Danielle Tarloff - Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Joey Jansen-Hedrick - Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Katie L'estrange - White Queso
Cathy Wagner - Manicotti (3rd Place)
Cathy Wagner - Mud Pie (2nd Place)
Tiernan Spencer - Vanilla Pavlova
Jennifer Santangelo - Cream Filled Strawberries
Steve Sizemore and Kathleen Walsh - Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Kelly Hepburn - Tater Tot Shepherds Pie
Sam Tallen and Justin Jimenez - PB Cookies
Samantha and Warren - Baby Berry Pies
Johnny Neuman - Spicy Deviled Eggs
Sam Heindel - Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
Hayley Heindel - Veggie Pizza
Grace Gabree - Breck Distillery Bourbon Chicken and Apples
Adam Sunderland - Portuguese Meatballs (1st Place)
Sarah Jo and Allison - Sausage Cream Cheese Rollup
Chloe - Bruschetta Veggie And Prosciutto
Bo and Matt - 14 Layer Dip (Our layered dips are now in double digits. Who can hit 20?)
Maria and Rick - Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates With Prosciutto
Shelby, Ford, John and David - Cheesy Delight
Nick, Julia and Alex - Holy Moly Guacamole!
CJ and Austen - Spinach Artichoke Bacon Dip

The winners: Cathy and Adam

Packed house for potluck  

Potluck will continue next Monday night (March 30) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!

(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)

MNP Week 21: Moms Always Win

It's a timeless lesson in cooking (or anything, really): Moms always win.

It's impossible to pinpoint exactly why mom-cooked-meals are superior. They just are. Maybe the secret ingredient is nostalgia. Or the experience gained over years of momming. Or the extra love and care that goes into the preparation. 

Whatever the reason, Samantha and Warren put it to full use to conquer the 21st weekly Monday Night Potluck last week with My Mom's Pulled Pork, a delicious, carnivorous dish that took the better part of the previous 24 hours to prepare. Samantha credited her mother (also in attendance) with the recipe.

Mom's Pulled Pork beat out stiff competition from a number of dishes, most notably John, Shelby and Ford's Baked Bacon Mac N' Cheese (a cousin of last week's winner) and Paula and Tom's Sweeeeeeeet Potato Casserole (extra E's added by author to emphasize that, holy hell, this casserole crazy sweet), which placed second and third, respectively. Justin's Smoked Salmon, a true revelation in its own right, narrowly missed the podium, finishing just two points behind Sweeeeeeeeet Potato Casserole. 

But despite the plethora of delicious foods loading the table, the result was really never in question. Don't mess with Moms. 

As always, a huge thank you goes out to all who brought food and made it another successful and delicious MNP. You rock. Here's the potluckers and their foods:

Warren and Samantha - My Mom's Pulled Pork (1st Place)
Lunds - My Dad's Guac (the lesson, again: Moms always win)
Finns - Browkie (which, I believe, was a combo cookie-brownie that was so gooey it should have just been scooped up with your bare hands. In other news, I loved it)
Heather and Linda - Wild Elk Chili 
Nancy Redner - Chinese Almond Salad
Aaron Redner - Red's St. Paddy's Cookies
Derek Snook - Tater Tot Hot Dish 
Scarlet Jones - Meatballs
Tessa Neal - Mediterranean Salad
Isabelle - Chicken Oriental Salad
Brian Munger - Sticky Honey Lime Chicken Wings
Kathy Munger - Peanut Butter Pie (which combined two of my absolute favorite things into one of my absolute favorite thing)
Paula and Tom - Sweeeeeeeeet Potato Casserole (3rd Place)
Grant Robinson - Pigs On A Date (which wins the award for "Most Creative Name")
Maggie Vander Pol - Avocado Tomato Salad
John, Shelby and Ford - Baked Bacon Mac N Cheese (2nd Place)
Buck Beatrous - Chicken Parm
Justin - Smoked Salmon
Rick and Maria - St. Paddy's Pasta