Missed You/February Meeting

Hello everyone,

I am sorry I missed everyone last night and the book discussion. I am sure it was a great meeting.

The meeting date of February 25 is Diana's 21st birthday. I have to leave that date open to celebrate with Diana. She may have other plans but at the very least we can hopefully have dinner and a celebatory drink or two with her.

I know how difficult it is to schedule a meeting date. Keep the February 25 date because it works for most of you. It's not a problem. I have to get back on track and host the meeting after the February 25 meeting.

We will talk soon . . . is it too early to say Think Spring?

Your book club buddy ~ Lorraine

Next Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 19, 7:00

I look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday night at my house to discuss A Gate At The Stairs. Let’s plan on 7:00.

Here’s a link to the Independent paperback bestsellers list if you’re interested. You might need to copy the URL and paste it in your address bar.

http://www.bookweb.org/files/open/files/lists/2010/20100114p.pdf

I was wondering if we might consider reading one of Michael Pollan’s books? I’ve heard In Defense of Food is the most readable. There’s also several fiction books on the list we haven’t read yet.

Bring your ideas!

Betsy

ps - don't forget to vote!

Christmas Dinner Recipes

Hello all you fabulous chefs:

Please post the recipe for your dish that you brought to our Christmas Dinner so that we add them to our recipe box.

Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans

3 to 4 large sweet potatoes-cut into bite size pieces and roasted with olive in the oven
1 can black beans -drained
1 red pepper=diced
1 red onion-diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Red pepper flakes-to taste

Mix and enjoy!
Becky

Christmas book list

Hello all:

Thanks to Midge and everyone for a truly delightful evening. The food was extraordinary and the company even better!
I would ask everyone to respond to this posting and add the book and author you received for our yankee swap so that we can use it as a reading list for the coming year.
I received:
The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama

Thanks,
Becky

Book Club Recipe Corner!

Ok...So here's the spot for us to share our favorites!

By popular demand from this weeks meeting (and just in time for Thanksgiving):

Pumpkin Dip

3/4 cup (6 oz) lo-fat cream cheese

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 teaspoons maple syrup

1/2 tsp cinnamon

apple slices and/or Honey Graham Sticks

Place first 3 ingredients in a medium bowl. Beat with mixer until well blended. Add syrup, cinnamon and mix till smooth. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes (or...as in my case, over night!)

Rustic Goat Cheese and Roasted Vegetable Tart

Nonstick cooking spray

1 zucchini and 1 yellow squash thinly sliced

1/2 lb assorted mushroom, thinly sliced

2 shallots, you got it, thinly sliced

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 red pepper, diced small

1/2 T fresh rosemary

1 T fresh thyme

1/4 c EVO

salt and pepper to taste

4 oz goat cheese, room temp

3 oz cream cheese, room temp

1 T freshly grated Parm

2 eggs

1 (15oz) pkg pie crusts

Preheat oven to 450

Combine all your vegetables, spices and olive oil. Mix well so veggies are well coated. Pour on to large roasting pan in a single layer. You may have to use two sheets to get things well spread out. Roast until they are softened, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix cheese in electric mixer. Add 1 egg, mix on high until smooth.

Coat baking sheets with non-stick baking spray and lay out pie crusts (one on each). Divide cheese mixture btwn 2 crusts, spreading to within 2 inches of the edge. Spread vegetables on top of the cheese. Fold in the sides of the crust toward the middle so that each fold overlaps the last slightly to form a 'rustic looking' tart. (Easier than it sounds.) Pinch overlapping edges to seal and brush exposed coat with egg wash.

Bake until golden brown..about 20 minutes.....et, voila!