FCM Book Club: The Shadow of the Wind

September’s book club was centered on the novel The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. This book is hard to describe as one genre because it has a little of everything- love, mystery, drama, and friendship. The book is set in Barcelona, so Skylar decided to host a Spanish style tapas party. 

The evening started with Estrella Damm, a beer brewed in Barcelona and a cheese plate filled with a selection of Spanish style cheeses including, Manchego, Idiazabel, Garrotxa, and Murcia al Vino. Skylar was able to find all of these cheese at the Boise Co-Op. 

This was followed by several bottles of red and white Spanish wines and a variety of tapas including, olives, paella, bocadillos, sauteed garlic mushrooms, and garlic shrimp. We couldn't forget a Spanish style dessert of flan!

Oh and of course lots of discussion about the novel...

Yet another successful book club for us! We were so glad that everyone could make it. 

Book Club Baby Tracker

See you later for Cindy's book club - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. 

Olive Tapenade Recipe to Come....

2012 Bucket List: Yard Party 50's Style

During the final warm days of summer Skylar hosted a 1950's style yard party in celebration of Josh turning 26!  Our mother, Cindy's, back yard is perfect for hosting a get together and a rousing game of croquet.

Staying true to the theme of the party everyone dressed in their best interpretation of the 50's.  The winners of the evening were Cindy and Jake.

Of course the cocktail ice was clinking and Skylar's menu had a little something for everyone.



The Bar



The cocktail menu included traditional cocktails like a whiskey sour, gimlet, and gin martini.  One of the favorites was the Hemingway daiquiri. We used a simple syrup instead of superfine sugar and Newman's Own lime aide.  Who has time to juice tons of limes?!



Gin Martini



The menu consisted of chicks in  blankets, spinach dip, deviled eggs, and a variety of grilled kabobs including shrimp, beef, and spicy chicken. Oh, and a jello mold!  Rice crispy treats were served for dessert.

Chicks in Blankets

What is a yard party without yard games?  We may not have played by the rules but it was a lot of fun!

Thanks to Skylar and Cindy for all of their hard work! What a great way to spend a Saturday evening.







2012 Bucket List: Cold Springs Winery

Cold Springs Winery is located in Hammett, Idaho. Why do we not make the twenty minute journey here more often? The tasting fee is five dollars a person that can be applied to a purchase and we were offered a selection of at least eight wines to sample. 

They have a wide variety of creatively named white and red wines.  We really liked them all but two of our favorites were Mythology, a 2007 Chardonnay, and Bromatology, a 2008 Viognier.

The tasting room is very charming and you can enjoy wine by the glass if you choose.  After you purchase a bottle, or in our case 5 (we cannot be trusted) the winery has a picnic area overlooking the hillside of vines.

Pack a picnic and head to Cold Springs Winery and toast to a beautiful fall day! The tasting room is open noon to five p.m. on Saturday and Sundays or by appointment.