The Potluck Lunch

My sister is invited to a Potluck lunch next month and she asked for some ideas on what to bring. I personally avoid all contact with Potluck. I have an Aunt, who once said something to the effect of, what is the point of inviting someone to a meal if you ask them to bring part of it? I agree, if someone asks me to a meal, personally I think they should have thought the menu through. They would have carefully chosen what flavors, wine and decor that they wanted to entertain their guests with. But I digress. The first challenges in transport, it has got to go on the subway. Second challenge is ease of service, there is only a microwave available to reheat. Third challenge is what is called the "Wow factor", there is ego at stake here people. My first idea is Lentil Salad Hot, cold or at room temp this one is an easy and good one 3 slices of thick English bacon, smoked bacon, or ham chopped into cubes 2 shallots sliced into rings 1 red pepper chopped and divided into two piles 1 can of lentils ( I really like the canned ones better then doing them yourself, but if prefer dried, be my guest) 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil teaspoon of garlic puree teaspoon of olive puree salt and pepper to taste. Heat a frying pan with a dab of olive oil and add, bacon and shallots. When the shallots soften and the bacon is firm and browning but not too crisp add 1/2 of the red pepper. Saute until the red pepper starts to soften. Drain and rinse the lentils, put into a medium bowl. Tip the contents of the frying pan over the lentils. Combine the rest of the ingredients in another small bowl, pour over the lentil mixture. Add the reserved red pepper and toss. Let sit for at least one hour, or better yet, covered over night in the fridge. Before serving season with salt and pepper.