By Jenny Harper

VeryBestBaking.com

Easy. Portable. Crowd-pleaser. Potluck recipes for a large gathering need to hit on all marks, but especially the pleasing part. Everyone should have a dish that's a real winner, one we stake our reputation on, with a recipe everyone begs for.

We all love to have a dish that's a surefire hit, and I'm no exception. I'm known for my baking, and I love to share my favorite dessert recipes. But I've got a few savory side dishes that are in my "most requested" file. Though I'm often asked to bring a home-baked dessert, I love to share some of my other offerings -- thereby securing my reputation as an all-around great cook.

This Oriental Ramen Salad hits the mark on many levels:

It's crunchy with a creamy dressing.

The creamy dressing is made with fat-free evaporated milk, providing rich, creamy flavor but no fat.

The component parts can be made ahead, stored separately and transported to the party, so the salad can be tossed together at the last minute.

It also can be boosted to entrée status with the addition of precooked chicken pieces or grilled shrimp.

Take some potluck pointers for holiday gatherings or summer family reunions:

Focus on food: If you're coordinating, be as specific as possible when assigning dishes -- note what types of dishes you want and how many people you'll serve.

Monitor the menu: Select dishes with a variety of tastes and textures -- go for opposites: crunchy/creamy, spicy/mild, soft/firm.

Keep it cool: Use a decorative ice bucket for cold foods such as chilled side dishes. Fill with ice, and place a container of dish in the bucket.

Fun, not fussy, service: Line a basket with a bandana or colorful kitchen towels for rolls or muffins; roll up fork and spoon in large napkins.

Recycle, reuse: If you're toting a dish, bring it in a reusable disposable container that the hostess can keep or throw away.

When it's a potluck, a family reunion or other gathering, check out www.VeryBestBaking.com for crowd-pleasing ideas. Be prepared to print several copies of the recipes for sharing!

Oriental Ramen Salad

(Makes 8 servings)

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 package (3 ounces) dry oriental-flavor ramen noodle soup, noodles crumbled and seasoning packet reserved

1/2 cup sliced almonds

2/3 cup (5 fluid-ounce can) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Fat-Free Milk

2/3 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 packages (10 ounces each) romaine-radicchio salad greens

4 green onions, sliced diagonally

Melt butter in large skillet. Add crumbled ramen noodles and nuts; cook, stirring constantly, until noodles are golden. Remove from pan; cool. Place evaporated milk, oil, ramen seasoning packet, vinegar and sugar in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Combine salad greens, noodle mixture, green onions and dressing in large bowl; toss to coat well. Serve immediately.

Jenny Harper is Senior Culinary Specialist for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.