Book Club: Bettyville

Bettyville by George Hodgman is a memoir about a man caring for his elderly mother.  It was recommended to us by a friend, Glen Tulloch.  The gathering was hosted by Laura.  It was her first time and things went smashingly .  The book itself was a real conversation starter and that is what book club is all about.  Well that and cocktails! Which Betty loved!

The cocktail for the evening was a Moscow Mule.  It is light and refreshing. To make combine two ounces good vodka, half an ounce fresh squeezed lime juice, half a cup ginger beer, and add ice.  Garnish with a lime wedge and you are good to go!

The menu consisted of fresh fruit salsas and  guacamole followed by a dinner of black beans and Ahi fish tacos topped with a top secret creamy dressing that made the meal!

Dessert was Cloverleaf ice cream topped with fresh blackberries.

 

For the following book club gathering we all submitted a book title and Laura drew the winner.  It was Gin’s chosen book even though she could not make dinner.

We were so happy to have Glen join us for the gathering! We stayed too late, drank too much, and laughed a lot.  So, just another great book club!

Book Club: A Man Called Ove

With some of the book club selections you never know what you are going to get. We really try to pick a mix of funny, sad, suspense and sometimes even a little romance. Skylar's pick for July (I know we are a little behind) was A Man Called Ove and while some member's of the group (Abbie) weren't sure about the selection, it ended up being a well liked pick. 

You can now even skip the reading part and just watch the movie. Although we wouldn't recommend it. The book is funny, sad and even a little bit about love. 

I know several of us shed a few tears. 

Cindy has a garden full of beautiful wildflowers that she brought over to help decorate Skylar's back deck. She could really go into business with her talents! 

The cocktail of the evening was something Skylar created. She made a simple syrup out of lemon verbena she had growing in her garden mixed it with some fresh squeezed lemon juice,vodka,  champagne and garnished with her raspberries. 

These really sneak up on you if you aren't careful! 

We even get lucky and have book club members that have moved away return! 

Katie was in town this time and book club is one of her top priorities when she visits. 

Some of the main characters in the book are from Iran so Skylar themed the meal around traditional Persian dishes. 

                                       On the Menu:

Paneer-o Sabzi-o Gherdoo ~ Feta Cheese, Herbs, & Walnut Dip

You are going to love this dip! 
Super easy to make and it is delicious!

Simple cucumber, tomato, feta salad

Joojeh Kabab, Persian Grilled Saffron Chicken and Persian Rice

Persian Tamarind Salmon

      Another book club success and we finally got a photo that had everyone's eyes open!

Book Club: Vinegar Girl

Vinegar Girl: A Novel by Anne Tyler is a retelling of the Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.  This is a fun read that we all enjoyed.  I think we all have a little Kate in us or know someone who does!

The Cocktail: A Mojito

Makes a Pitcher

2 Cups Organic Limeade (Like Newman’s Own)

1 Cup White Rum

I cup Fresh Mint Leaves

Mix 

Serve over ice with a lime garnish. 

Add a splash of Coconut La Croix to each. 

Hosted by Jamie she thankfully ignored the food mentioned in the book and made a delicious meal of chicken kebabs full of vegetables.  When her grill was not working quite right she just popped them in the oven! She really rolls with the punches.  She also served her amazing pickled asparagus that she picks and cans in the spring.

The Menu

Baked Brie

Pickled Asparagus

Salad Greens with Honey Basil Vinaigrette

Chicken Kebabs with Peppers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Read this book, have a mojito, and dream of summer and little fluffy puppies! Thanks Jamie!

Book Club: Arrowood

October is Cindy’s favorite month to host book club.  She loves spooky books, decorating, and having one final gathering outside before the weather turns too chilly.  The book was Arrowood by Laura McHugh.  If you loved R.L. Stine’s Fear Street stories when you were young here they are all grown up. The night was perfect. We had cocktails and a fire bowl outside.

The Cocktail: Caramel Apple Martini

1 ounce caramel vodka

2 ounces vodka

3 ounces unfiltered apple cider

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake. Serve in a martini glass. Makes one.

These are SO good which means they are dangerous.  Enjoy accordingly!

The Appetizers

Pumpkin salsa served with pumpkin tortilla chips

Pumpkin shaped deviled eggs

Salty cured meats and cheeses

Black olives…. A Halloween Staple

The Menu

Salad Greens with Roasted Butternut Squash. Cranberries, Feta and Walnuts with a Shallot Vinaigrette

Pumpkin and Sage Crème over Fresh Papperdelle

Pumpkin Cheese Cake

This salad was a huge hit! Roast the cubed butternut squash until soft then let cool. The vinaigrette was shallots, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and white balsamic vinegar. The pasta is a twist on traditional Alfredo and the added pumpkin lowers the fat and adds great flavor. If you are not a fan of sage try basil instead.

Thanks to Cindy for a wonderfully spooky evening.  Love book club!