I am a long-time subscriber. Cook's Illustrated almost makes cooking into a low-risk venture (especially when cooking for friends). My personal pot-luck guarantee/favorite: Teriyaki Stir-Fried Beef with Green Beans and Shiitakes. Subscribe to their email list just to read the Editor-in-Chief's emails - show how you can live on a farm and off the land if you provide value to people who don't live on a farm..

My one criticism is the recipes are not typically health friendly (you can adjust) and the fact that they keep on sending me 'subscribe' email spam for 'Cook's Country'.