It’s an conundrum: What to bring to a potluck?

Worse, what to bring to a potluck summer brunch or cocktail party.

Many go for the usual—a pasta dish or salad. Some go for the carefully curated cheese platter. Others just give up and stop at the deli and pick up a pre-made party platter.

This is just not YOU.

You are creative, inventive and stressed for time. You want to bring something many will enjoy but few will think of. This is your chance to hack the potluck.

How about making something that will bridge the divide between brunch and a cocktail party, or just be a great for a crowd?

Try something sophisticated but uniquely your own—a homemade-in-five-minutes spread or dip accompanied by bruschetta toasts or even a complement of interesting and crackers.

Here is one idea that many people drool over, but few remember to make and bring. It literally takes two to three minutes in a mini food processor, and probably one minute in a large food processor.

Smoked Salmon Spread with Dill and Capers

(This could be made with any smoked fish of your choice—but it makes for a great brunch item paired with bagels if you use salmon.)

4 ounces (half block) cream cheese or soft farmers cheese
4 ounces smoked salmon
¼ of a medium onion
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
¼ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
¼ cup capers, drained
Lemons for garnish

Put the cream cheese, salmon, onion, dill and Old Bay in the food processor. Process until it is smooth and everything is incorporated. (You may have to scrape the sides once or twice to get it completely mixed up.) Put the mixture in a pretty dish and surround it with capers and a few lemon wedges. Serve on a platter with toasted baguette, bruschetta or bagel halves.