J Agrees to Attend M's Preschool Potluck (no, I'm not drunk)

Today I did a very brave thing. I RSVP'd to M's upcoming preschool potluck.

What's the big deal, you ask? Let's just say being too social has never been a problem for me. In truth, I typically loathe large gatherings in which I am expected to make small talk with people I don't know (and sometimes, even with people I do know). First off, I suck at small talk. I find it boring and can barely keep my eyes from glazing over when I'm in the midst of it. Secondly, too many people exhaust me. I have a hard time filtering out all the conversations and activities going on around me. So I notice everything to the extent that I become quickly overwhelmed and over stimulated. Generally the only way I can cope at social events is by getting drunk. But something tells me that won't be an option at the preschool potluck (file that one under "how not to make a good impression in 20 seconds or less").

We don't actually have to go to this thing. It's not mandatory. But one of the reasons we chose this preschool over many others was because they seem to be hellbent on fostering a strong parent community. K and I aren't churchgoers by any stretch of the imagination and we don't live in one of those "block party" neighborhoods. So we jump at any opportunity we have to belong to a larger community of families. And we want to start off on the right foot...get to know the kids and parents M will be interacting with for the next two years.

Which brings me to my decision to RSVP. After some deliberation, I bit the bullet and sent an email saying we'd go. Shortly after, I received an email from the directress asking what type of meal I'd like to bring (it being a potluck and all). I have a choice between a main course or a side dish/appetizer. I've opted for side dish/appetizer.

Now I just have to come up with something to bring. A german potato salad seems so dull. Ditto on the three-bean salad and pasta salad. It needs to be relatively simple to make, something that doesn't require reheating, and a definite "tried and true" recipe--as my mom would tell me, this isn't the time to experiment.

So far I found two recipes online that seem to fit the bill: Monica's Organic Edamame Salad (it's the second recipe on the page) and Joanne Weir's Cucumber and Feta Salad. I find myself leaning towards the feta and cucumber salad, mostly because I'm a freak for feta. But what do you think? Or maybe you have a killer potluck recipe you want to share? Bring it on!