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.

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: 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: 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!