MNP Week 30: Chicken Chili Ekes Out Narrow Victory Over Dad, Pig Balls

With a recipe straight from a golf pro, Rinker's Bogey Free Chicken Chili rose to the top of the potluck crop Monday night.

Matt Kelly, in his Monday Night Potluck debut, took first place with Rinker's Bogey Free Chicken Chili (which a quick Google search reveals to be that of Larry Rinker, not his brother Lee or sister Laurie, all of whom apparently were professional golfers at one point or the other).

A quick inspection of the delicious Chicken Chili (read: shoveling it into the mouth by the spoonful) revealed it to be truly bogey free, as it shot an under par 25 to outpace the other competitors. 

Miranda Sprague's Dad's Famous Crab Stuffed Mushrooms narrowly claimed second place with 21 points, and will now be truly famous after its inclusion in this well regarded, widely read potluck blog (all seven of my readers will remember you and your crab stuffed mushrooms, Dad). 

The A-Team's Porky Pig Balls claimed the final spot on the podium, recording 19 points with its juicy combination of ground ham, ground bacon, and ground beef covered in some type of tangy barbecue sauce (which should really be the three key ingredients to any dish, don't you think?)

As always, thanks to everyone who brought food to another amazing potluck. Here are all the potluckers and their dishes:

Miranda Sprague - Dad's Famous Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (2nd Place)
Kim Hawks - Chocolate Khalua Cake
Matt Kelly - Rinker's Bogey Free Chicken Chili (1st Place, verifiably bogey free)
Noah Coleman - Baked Mac
The A-Team - Porky Pig Balls (3rd Place)
Nancy - Red Lobster Shrimp Alfredo and Biscuits
Luke - Bacon, Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts

Potluck will continue next Monday night (May 25) 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(from left to right) the A-Team, Miranda and Matt

MNP Week 29: A Dessertalicious Affair

On a night when desserts dominated the potluck tables, they were unceremoniously shut out of the winner's column. 

No less than six desserts made their way to the table Monday evening, all delicious in their own right. And yet their combined sweetness appeared to cancel each other out, paving the way for a relatively easy victory for Aaron Lenz's Italian Sausage Croissants. 

Croissants cruised to the win with 35 points, outpacing Regular Old Bacon and Coq a la Bierre, who finished second and third, respectively. 

Using the unlikely yet delicious combination of two underrated and outstanding representations of their food groups, Italian sausage and croissants, Italian Sausage Croissants raced out to an early lead and never looked back. Regular Old Bacon managed to put up a fight for a short time, but it was to no avail (a word, for a moment, on Bacon, which, in all honesty, was some of the most delicious bacon this humble writer has ever had the honor to taste. Some of you may decry Mr. Coleman for lack of creativity in his dish, but the sheer deliciousness of it, and the large quantities of it (it was a legit mound of bacon) render those naysayers silent).

It was Lenz's first appearance at a Monday Night Potluck, and a strong start for what promises to be a prolific potluck career. 

As always, here are the potluckers and their delicious dishes:

Frodo Baggins - Raspberry Blackberry Chocolate Chip Scones
Aaron Lenz - Italian Sausage Croissants (1st Place)
Noah Coleman - Bacon (2nd Place) (Seriously, it was just plain old bacon)
Maria Mattera - Fudge Strip Cookie "Salad"
Mia and Alex - Avocado Black Onyx Mousse
Ike and G - Pizza Bites
Jack and Chelsea - Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Seth Cohen - Coq a la Bierre (3rd Place)
Mike Spies - Bourbon Candied Bacon
Ginger Hatton - Handmade Salsa and Chips
Meghan Lovely - Caramel Pecan Bars
Vanessa Zachman - Cheerio Bars

Potluck will continue next Monday night (May 18) 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 from left, Aaron, Noah and Seth

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