What a gas!!!

There are 19 different communes in Brussels, and each is basically like a borough in New York. Our commune (Ixelles) is near the center of town and is very urban. Through the American Women's Club we have a neighborhood group made up of members who live in Ixelles that meet throughout the year for coffee, lunch, and parties. Since Ixelles is an urban area, most of us live in apartments. And since apartments aren't as conducive to large families, our neighborhood group is a unique mix of a few newlyweds and mostly empty nesters. For instance, Kyle and I recently went to our neighborhood Christmas party and decided we were the youngest there by 25 years. The most common comment I get as these lunches is, "Oh my goodness, you are my daughter's age!"

I just received an invitation (below) to a potluck luncheon. Although I think the idea is a little lost on me because of my age, I loved the idea of it and will take any suggestions on a good dish to share.

Do you remember Brownies’ awards ceremonies, 4H meetings, church evenings etc from your youth that included potluck meals? Tables groaning with casseroles made from lots of noodles and canned mushroom soup or spaghetti with the sauce all mixed in? Three bean salad, Jello with fruit cocktail, and home made potato salad? Desserts like ambrosia, Texas sheet cake, cherry crisp and lemon meringue pie?

Well! Here is the chance to relive your past and bring one of your mother’s or grandmother’s favorite dishes to a Retro Potluck on Friday, 10 February 2006 at 1200 at my home. If you need any inspiration, please call your mother, if she’s still around. Or I have all my mother’s recipes and would be happy to loan you one. In keeping with the retro theme, think comfort food. If your mother wasn’t much of a cook, you can always bring bread, drinks, or chips and dip. See you then!