VPR Cooks: Our Winning Potluck Recipes

We recently had a potluck barbecue at VPR to welcome summer. Many of us prepared our favorite side dishes to share with the staff. We're a bunch of over-achievers around here, so naturally we decided to make it a contest. While everything was delicious, we voted on our favorites and sharing the winning recipes with you. What's your favorite summer side dish?

Best Side Dish: Gail England's Miniature Stuffed Peppers

20 Peppadew peppers from South Africa - sweet & spicy

1 small can tuna - finely flaked

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1 Tbsp mayonnaise to moisten

Finely chop:

1 tsp parsley

1 Tbsp lovage, celery, or celeriac

3 wild violet leaves

1 Tbsp wild clover leaves

dash of salt & freshly ground pepper

Mix all together and stuff in the peppers. Adding wild edibles adds subtle flavor and lots of nutritional value. Naturally, only use plants that you know well and are unmistakable!

You can also try stuffing the peppers with fresh breadcrumbs or cooked millet, parmesan cheese, freshly chopped basil and oregano, a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt & pepper, or any other combination that suits your fancy.

Best Dessert: Jonathan Butler's Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

Jonathan says: This is the easiest recipe ever. I'd like to tell you it was Grandma's ol' family recipe handed down through the years, but I got it from a Google search and a few clicks. Check out the comments. I followed some of their tips (like mix the sugar and graham together before blending, maybe use more chocolate and less butter in the topping, etc.). Enjoy!