Tastebud Tantalizers

• If you’re in charge of bringing a main dish, wake up your fellow congregation members' taste buds with a pan of mac ’n cheese infused with jalapenos, salsa and sour cream for a Tex-Mex flavor. Instead of deviled eggs, try a bacon and onion egg tart. Crepes stuffed with chicken Divan or a Reuben casserole are novel ways to serve up specialty dishes for a crowd. If an appetizer or side dish is on the menu, try a BLT dip with toast points, California rolls wrapped in flour tortillas, a lentil ratatouille, or a refreshing grilled watermelon salad. Don't feel shy about trying a new dish -- you can't please everyone, but chances are you'll still please a good many people.

Decidedly Different Desserts

• Think outside the cake box when planning a sweet ending for your church supper. Sweet, moist tres leches cupcakes, made with a mix of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream, are a way to neatly serve decadence in single-serving portions. For a lighter taste, think orange or lemon ricotta cookies. Or turn classic desserts on their heads by constructing strawberry shortcake egg rolls or mini cheesecake burritos drizzled with fruit syrup -- both a memorable way to conclude a cozy church dinner.