What's up next?

Jamie H. has agreed to host our next gathering in exciting downtown Chicago. She is thinking of cocktails and tapas, or wine and tapas. And we are thinking January. I'll keep you posted here.
Cheers,
Lori

Merci

Ladies,

Though the food was tres Francais, our merry gathering was decidedly American. Where else in the world could a group of beautiful, talented women get together and prepare a gourmet meal all for themselves?
Thank you again to Annie B. for this idea. Jenny, you are the perfect hostess, and the pictures show that your freshly painted home was the perfect backdrop for the evening.
Since I left early (can you belive it?!) I missed hearing whether or not a new book has been selected?
Do share.

Liebe,
Lori

Updated: We have another dessert

Here's what we have thus far on the menu:

Starters:
French 75 Cocktails: Lori
Potato Leek Soup, crusty bread, bottle of red: Laura
Quiche Aux Oignons (onion quiche): Sue

Vegetables/sides
Brussels Sprouts Braised with Chestnuts: Sandy
Gateau de Crepes a La ..... maybe  Florentine: Jan

Main courses
Filets de Poisson Bercy aux Champignons (Fish Filets Poached in White Wine with Mushrooms): Sabrina

Sauté De Boeuf A La Parisienne: Anne 

Coquilles St. Jacque: Jenny

Desserts
Reine de Saba cake also know as the Queen of Sheba cake: Hollie
Mousseline au chocolat: Jamie


Sounds excellent!

Can I fix you a drink?

Mon amie,

As you may or may not have heard, I've suffered from a kitchen disaster — again. Our oven is on the fritz. And, of course, this happened the very week we needed to replace our furnace. A new oven is not in our near future. We are doing just fine with the stove top, a George Forman, a toaster oven, microwave, and crockpot (oh, and restaurants.)

So, I'm offering my services as a mixologist/sommelier. I will make a themed cocktail for the gathering. I will also select two wines, one red and one white, to sample with our meal.

Since I DO want to purchase a new oven someday,  I can't afford to keep the liquor flowing all night. But, I will provide enough for everyone to enjoy a health pour.

What will you bring? Please do share!

Cheers,
Lori

à la bonne femme

We have a date for our next Proper Binge.

We will gather Nov. 9, 6-ish, at Jenny's home. While no specific book has been selected, we are all to make one of Julia Child's recipes. There are many titles available at the library if you don't happen to have one on hand or want to purchase one. I checked out this one on the left from the Batavia library.

Please let me (or post on the blog here) what you will be bringing no later than Monday, Nov. 5.

Tootles! Lori

Another perfect meal

Esteemed Ladies,

Once more we've really outdone ourselves. Last night's meal was even better than the previous three. I cannot be effusive enough about my thanks and praise to first, Annie B. for developing this club, and second to each and everyone of you for making this such a rousing success. A special thank you goes to Sabrina for hosting last night. And a personal thanks to her as well for introducing me to all of you.

I need to get my hands on that cookbook so I can document the recipes here, so look for that soon.
Annie will be posting photos soon too.

Our next gathering will be at Jenny's. We will be cooking Julia Child! To be determined: Date in early November, and one book, or any from her collection.

Stay tuned.

Lori

List is growing

Submitted dishes so far:

Teresa will make Spaghetti with Chickpeas

Sue will make Basic Buttermilk Muffins.

Sabrina, hostess extraordinaire, will make the following: Chopped Salad with Feta Dressing; Kale with Cannellini beans OR the Mixed Greens with Cumin & Paprika (or a combo of the two)

Betsy is taking over the  Summer Squash, Herb and Rice Gratin

Laura will make spinach and cottage cheese gratin

Jan is planning Fig Tart with Orange Flower Custard, but if she can't get fresh figs, she will make mixed cherry pie. AND...Peaches and Nectarines in Prosecco

Sandy is making Braised Fennel with Diced Vegetables 

Jamie is making the Big Tomato Sandwich

Jenny is making mushroom and spinach bruschetta

Lori is making Herb-crusted tofu

Annie is making a Pear Almond Cake



L

Forks over Knives

I thought everyone might be interested in last year's documentary Forks Over Knives in conjunction with our next dinner. Forks represent diet; knives represent surgery.  It's about Hippocrates quote, "Let food be thy medicine," and it promotes a plant protein based diet over an animal protein based diet.  While I can't make any claims about the science, I enjoyed the documentary.  But then again, I am a total sucker for documentaries.

Betsy

Hulu link: Forks Over Knives 

Meeting is cooking...

Our next gathering at Sabrina's house is coming up. Friday, Aug. 24 is Vegetarian Night!
Cookbook details on the right rail.

Start thinking about what you'll be making and post your dish here. Or, for the less blog-comment savvy, send a note to me: lbotterman@tribune.com.

Cheers!
Lori

Pie Trip recap

It's been a week already since Laura, Teresa, Jamie, Jan and I trekked out to Eldon Iowa to learn how to make pie from the Pie Lady herself, Beth Howard.
(If you'd like to see some pics from our trip there's a link to the Snapfish slide show on the right.)
Throughout our two-day excursion this dialog from "Field of Dreams" kept playing in my head:
"Is this heaven?"
"No. Iowa."

Our field of dreams: a kitchen within a living work of art. Our coach: Beth Howard. Our world series score: five amazing apple pies.

Beth can look forward to a trail of cars with Illinois plates this fall. Because she builds pies, we will come.

Lori

An invite!

From Annie B.: Cookbook Club Pals~ I just can't wait until our next gathering at Sabrina's to have fun with my cookbook pals. What do you say to an impromptu---somewhat---cookout on my patio soon? I've talked with a few of you, and I know that it will be hard to pick the perfect night. So, I'm proposing Tuesday, June 19th at 6:00.
 I know that many of you work the next morning, so we don't need to make it late....we just need to make it fun! I'll make something on the grill, and then you can let all of us know
 1) if you can come
 2) what you fancy bringing. I'm thinking lots of salads (I think you can make them on the smaller side since we always have so much left over), maybe one or two appetizers, and one dessert. Just a suggestion.
 Bring your own favorite beverage, and we'll be ready to have fun again! Xxx, ~Annie B.

 P.S. -- so far we have a corn and bean salad, a fruit salad and a green salad.

Black Bean Salad

Below is a link to the black bean with corn and red peppers salad that I made for the Vasilion's barbecue. I made one substitution to make it lower in sugar: I used a teaspoon-ish of Agava syrup instead of the sugar. But, I doubt it changed the flavor. --Lori

Black Bean with Corn, Red Peppers, Avacado, ect. al.

Field trip????

Ladies,
I am very nearly the perfect wife in so many ways. But there is one area in which I am lacking. It is a skill I don't possess, but if I was proficient at it, it would make my husband so very, very happy. I think you know what I'm talking about. You guessed it: Pie making.
Laura has recently interviewed this fascinating author and pie maker, Beth Howard. She hosts pie-making parties/tutorials in the world-famous American Gothic House. The party includes a tour of the house and the chance to take our own pitch-fork toting photo in front.
Website: the world needs more pie
 It's in Eldon, Iowa, a mere four and a half hour drive from Batavia.
I have oodles of vacation time and not a lot of money to go on an actual vacation. Anyone up for a road trip????
Lori

Cook book club made me look good

Ladies: Wanted to share this.
I needed a good salad/side dish to bring to a Mother's Day/ 50th birthday party for my ex-husband lunch.
He's Italian, and I knew there would be lots of carbs and sausages and maybe a green salad. So I decided to make the delicious Italian White Bean salad that Sabrina made for the Radically Simple club meeting.
I'm very happy to report the results were tasty. The Italians ate it, which is a big win.
Thanks Proper Binge Ladies!

Veggie meeting

Our Proper Binge will reconvene Friday, Aug. 24 at Sabrina's home.
The cookbook of choice is "Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone," by Deborah Madison.
Have a great, bountiful summer everyone!
L

Our next meeting

Hello everyone! 

Probably being the least blog savvy person in this group, I am emailing in hopes you all will do me a favor with the choosing of our next date.  I thought if everyone could tell me weekend days they are NOT available, I would try to coordinate the evening that will hopefully work for everyone.  Summer scheduling is tricky w/travel, weddings etc., and thought to get on this before I forget.  I'll cross my fingers we all have one Friday or Saturday that works for all!  I am looking forward to our "Farmer's Market" summer dinner & close to choosing a cookbook.  It's hard to decide! 

Thanks in advance!
Sabrina

Who's zooming who?

Hey gals: check out the page above  "Hotties and Fence Jumpers" and let me know if I've forgotten anyone.
:)

Pleased me

A special twist and shout to Teresa for hosting our 4-star "Beatles vs. Stones Jamie Oliver" concert.
Though the clear winner among us was the Beatles, every dish was delish.
From the Mother's Little Helper Bellinis to the Emotional Rescue chocolate, nut and fruit pie it was a rockin' good time.

And Annie B., thank you for the shake it up baby salad dressing. Had it yesterday for lunch and having it again today!

I'll post the recipes soon. Meantime, enjoy the concert program photos to the right here, courtesy of Ann.

Next gathering will likely be in July at the home of Sabrina. Vegetarian cookbook TBA.

"If you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need."
Lori

Gimme Food

Here's the set list:

Start Me Ups

"Mother's Little Helper Rhubarb Bellinis" -- Jan with the Faraway Eyes

 "All You Need Is Love and Slow Roasted Tomato Bread Soup" -- Lovely Teresa

"While My Salmon Gently Rolls" -- Hey Jamie

The Main Act

 "The Glimmer Twins Bangers and Mash (sausages and mashed potatoes)" -- Bitch Lori

 "Wild Horses Couldn't Drag Me Away From Chicken, Sausage, and Prawn Jambalaya" -- Some Girl Sue

"She's Got a Chicken to Fry, Poultry Beware" -- Hello Little Girl Kate

"Crispy and Delicious Asparagus and Potato Tart Me Up" -- Jan with the Faraway Eyes

"Do You Want to Know a Secret Risotto" -- Laura in the Sky

"A Revolution Green Salad" -- Dizzy Miss Annie

"Good Day Sunshine Salad -- Betsy Lane in My Eyes


The Encore

 "I'm Happy Just to Dance with Apple & Lancashire Cheese Pie" -- Honey Pie Hollie

 

"On With The Show Orchard Eve's Pudding with Whiskey Jersey Cream" -- Jumping Jack Jenny

 "Emotional Rescue Chocolate Fruit and Nut Tart " -- Ruby Sabrina

Our intrepid traveler

Sandy has teased us with this:

"One of the restaurants at the hotel is :  "the Cookbook Cafe"...  Our kind of place.  More to share for the next meeting."

Beggar's Banquet

Here's the menu so far:
"Mother's Little Helper Rhubarb Bellinis" -- Jan with the Faraway Eyes
 "All You Need Is Love and Slow Roasted Tomato Bread Soup" -- Lovely Teresa
 "The Glimmer Twins Bangers and Mash (sausages and mashed potatoes)" -- Bitch Lori
 "Wild Horses Couldn't Drag Me Away From Chicken, Sausage, and Prawn Jambalaya" -- Some Girl Sue
"She's Got a Chicken to Fry, Poultry Beware" -- Hello Little Girl Kate

"Crispy and Delicious Asparagus and Potato Tart Me Up" -- Jan with the Faraway Eyes

"Do You Want to Know a Secret Risotto" -- Laura in the Sky

"On With The Show Orchard Eve's Pudding with Whiskey Jersey Cream" -- Jumping Jack Jenny

Next meeting is approaching

'Allo luvs!
It's getting close to the first anniversary of royal couple, and close our Proper English night.
Please please me and select your dish for the beggars banquet.
Try not to have your 19th nervous breakdown over it: Just let it be, take a sip from your loving cup and get rockin!
We'll meet at the shelter of Teresa R.

Cheerio mates.
L

Beatles vs. Stones

Hi Ladies,
We are set for our next cook book club meeting at Teresa's house Saturday, April 14. That's right, it's a Saturday this time.
The original idea was to have a Beatles vs. Stones night where we cook dishes inspired by Beatles or Stones songs then perhaps discuss/debate which band is better. Naturally, a British chef/cookbook author would be best. So, we selected Jamie Oliver, a Brit known for his healthy food revolution.
This time around there won't be a specific book, so feel free to select any Jamie Oliver recipe from any of his books or his website (linked to the right here).
For fun feel free to rename your dish after a Beatles or Stones song.
Lori

Carlyn Berghoff loves us

Thanks to Laura V. for sharing our blog and recap of our Berghoff cookbook evening.
Here is Carlyn's response to Laura's email:
Hi Laura,

Wow, what a wonderful night! I'm so honored that you chose to include Berghoff in your club...and what a delicious spread! I love the idea of your book club and the inspiration from Julia Childs, one of my favorite :)

If you have time we'd love for you to share your book club night on our website. If you go towww.theberghoff.com, click on Carlyn's Corner, and then Share Your Family Tradition. It's sure to inspire some readers!

Best of luck with the future months and thanks again for the message.

Cheers,

Carlyn 

Danke Shoen

Hi Ladies,

Sandy: A big thank you for hosting last night. Your beautiful home was the perfect backdrop for an evening of refined food, stimulating conversation and good wine. It was also a great backdrop for an evening of overdulgence, silly gossip and beer.

The recipes are posted as is the photo gallery. Thank you Annie for the wonderful photos which really captured the evening. I'm especially fond of the snow picture for some reason. A beautiful snowfall seemed an appropriate way to end the night.

Thanks to all for your excellent cooking. Everything was perfect.

Liebe,

Lori

Gemütlichkeit Küche

There's more! OK, here's what we have so far:

Starters:

Rye Bread: Betsy

Lentil soup: Sabrina

Sides:

Creamed Spinach: Sue (if she can make the event)

Wild rice: Anne

Saurkraut: Jan

Potato pancakes: Lori, if she's ambitious. Can't have German food without them.

Main course:

Pork Jaeger Schnitzel: Lori

Sausage sampler: Jan

Veal Cordon Bleu: Jenny

Dessert:

Blueberry pie: Laura

Rice pudding: Teresa

White Chocolate Mousse

Beverages

12 pack of Berghoff Beer: Lori

Updates to come...

Frau Botterman

p.s.: Thanks for indulging my rusty German

Menu update

OK, here's what we have so far:

Starters:

Rye Bread: Betsy

Lentil soup: Sabrina

Sides:

Creamed Spinach: Sue (if she can make the event)

Wild rice: Anne

Saurkraut: Jan

Potato pancakes: Lori, if she's ambitious. Can't have German food without them.

Main course:

Pork Jaeger Schnitzel: Lori

Sausage sampler: Jan

Veal Cordon Bleu: Jenny

Dessert:

Blueberry pie: Laura

Rice pudding: Teresa

Beverages

12 pack of Berghoff Beer: Lori

Updates to come...

Frau Botterman

Menu so far

OK, here's what we have so far:

Starters:

Rye Bread: Betsy

Lentil soup: Laura, though she's willing to relinquish this

Sides:

Creamed Spinach: Sandy

Wild rice: Anne

Main course:

Pork Jaeger Schnitzel: Lori

Dessert:

Blueberry pie: Laura

Rice pudding: Teresa

Updates to come...

Frau Botterman

Pork Jaeger Schnitzel

Lady chefs,

I have selected Pork Jaeger Schnitzel as the dish I'd like to make.

Of course, there will be a backstory as to why I selected it.

So far we have:

Rye bread: Betsy

Creamed spinach: Sandy

Lentil soup: Laura

Blueberry pie: Laura

Aufwiedesehn!

Frau Botterman

Our next binge!

Ladies/chefs: We have a date for our next binge: Friday, Jan. 27. 6 p.m. Sandy Jelm has graciously offered to host. The book has already been selected: "The Berghoff Family Cookbook" (link to Amazon offering is on this page, right rail.

RSVP here, in the comments. Let us know what you want to make. If you have issues posting comments to this blog, email Lori or Ann.

Once everyone weighs in, Ann or Lori will post the menu.

"Ich bin sat, und nicht ein Blatt."*

Frau Botterman

*Translation: "I am full and cannot eat another leaf."