Book Club: Commonwealth

Books that make for the best discussions are ones that people can relate to their own lives.  Books about families over generations lend themselves to many conversation topics.

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett is novel that tells the story of two families joined together by a chance meeting and the dysfunction that reveals itself over decades.  This book has it all: infidelity, divorce, blended families, sickness and love. Definitely read this book  and examine your own family dynamics.

The Cocktail

A classic gin and tonic

·       2 ounces gin

·       4 ounces tonic water

·       Lime wedge

Serve over ice.

The Appetizer

Baked Crab Dip

This creamy dip is a perfect started when served with crackers or toasted baguette.  

Here is a similar recipe to the one that was served.

The Dinner

Salad Greens with Feta, Dried Cranberries and Vinaigrette

Fish Stew

The Dessert

Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

It was as delicious as it looks and gluten free!

Future Book Club Members

Next up will be Skylar hosting a brunch.  The book will be The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. 

It is a quirky romantic comedy.  One of the best types of novels!

Thanks for the fun Laura.

We're Still Reading: 2016 Book Club Review

January: Cutting For Stone

February: Japanese Lover

March: Brooklyn

April: Three Wishes

May: The Betty Davis Fan Club

June: Vinegar Girl

July: A Man Called Ove

August: Bettyville

September: Away

October: Arrowood

November: Truly Madly Guilty

December: Circling the Sun

November Book Club: Truly Madly Guilty

Our book club never misses a Liane Moriarty book and since Ella was going to be joining us it was the perfect time to read her new one, Truly, Madly, Guilty. While we did not love this book as much as some of Moriarty’s others, such as What Alice Forgot and Big Little Lies, it was a page turner and cleverly written.  So happy to have past members join us and Skylar put on a wonderful dinner as usual!

The Drinks

Keeping the cocktails simple Skylar served fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and vodka along with a cranberry infused vodka Ella brought all the way from Texas with a splash of sparkling water.

The Appetizers

Skylar served a variety of cheeses and spicy pickled asparagus alongside of pumpkin hummus. 

The Menu

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Greens

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Pulled Pork Sliders

The beet salad was a delicious surprise to everyone.  It had the most wonderful citrus vinaigrette. The pulled pork was done in the crockpot so it stayed warm until it was ready to serve.

Book Club: Circling the Sun

 The book for December, Circling the Sun by Paula McClain, was Katie’s pick hosted by Cindy and Abbie with help from Skylar.  Katie provided the cheese, wine and delicious cider! We love when she is able to attend.  Paula McClain wrote another book club favorite, The Paris Wife. Most of us loved this book too.  Read it if you like adventure and tales of a strong female who perseveres.

White Christmas Mojito

A batch

Organic Limeade (We love Newman’s Own)

Fresh Mint Leaves

1 Cup White Rum

½ Cup Coconut Rum

2 Cups Organic Canned Coconut milk

Coconut LaCroix

Pomegranate arils

In a glass muddle 3 to 4 ounces limeade and mint and add ice.

In a blender, combine the two rums and coconut milk and mix until smooth.  Pour some over the ice and limeade.  Stir to combine, top with a splash of La Croix and pomegranate arils. 

For this year’s gift exchange rather than drawing names everyone brought a gift, we numbered them and then had people draw numbers.  Everyone got creative with their $10 limit.  We had a throw blanket, local honey, homemade bath products, socks, body butter, painted bowls and sparkling wine.

The Menu

Greens with Pear, Fennel and 

Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

LasagnaRolls with Béchamel

Grapefruit Pound Cake with Grapefruit Glaze

For the salad we used organic salad greens instead of arugula and doubled the recipe.  The lasagna rolls are a nice twist on a traditional recipe with the addition of prosciutto and the cream sauce.  Just plan on it taking longer to assemble then a basic lasagna dish. The grapefruit laced dessert was a perfect way to end the evening.

Another wonderful year of book club ladies! Here is to many more! Laura is hosting January and the book is Commonwealth by Ann Patchett.