This month, we decided to revisit all things Smitten Kitchen with cookbook author Deb Perleman by sharing recipes from both The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook and Smitten Kitchen Every Day, as well as her blog.
Our Cookbook Club
After all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we had a smaller group gather (virtually) this month, but it was great to see everyone’s faces after ringing in the New Year.
Feedback
We all had such positive things to share about the many recipes we prepared, how refreshing! Other than a few adjustments in temperature and cook time, we could all agree that her recipes are consistently tried and true. Collectively, we felt the author gives great advice and clear directions, requires accessible ingredients, and the photos included in her books and blog are beautiful and helpful. It’s a fun added twist that she has the best sense of humor, which you can find in her storied introductions to recipes, and more prevalently on her blog.
The Food
Among the recipes we tried and discussed some of our favorites were the Broccoli Slaw, Broccoli, Cheddar and Wild Rice Fritters, Winter Squash Flatbread with Hummus and Za’atar, Balsamic and Beer-Braised Short Ribs with Parsnip Puree, and Quick Pasta and Chickpeas. We didn’t skimp on the sweets! Blueberry Cornmeal Butter Cake, Alex’s Chocolate Raspberry Rugelach, Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats, and Grapefruit Olive Oil Pound Cake were amid the many we enjoyed preparing.
Our Next Meeting
Next month, we will be meeting virtually on Wednesday, February 17th from 6-7:00pm, and we will be sharing recipes from Toni Tipton-Martin’s Jubilee: recipes form two centuries of African American cooking. Be sure to contact Amanda to sign up, and copies of the books will be located on the holds shelf next to Circulation for check out!
Please remember: you MUST sign up each and every month for the Cookbook Club. This can be done by emailing Amanda at awagner@westerlylibrary.org. Prior to the meeting, you must also let us know which recipe(s) you will be preparing, so we can reserve it for you! Check out the “This Month’s Recipe” tab (above) to see which recipes have already been taken.
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