January 2009 Book Club Meeting

"Snow Angel" by dalechumbley at flickr

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

7 pm

Host: Dakota Angel

December 2008 Book Club Meeting

Thursday, December 18, 2008

7:00 PM

The Oaxacan Kitchen

2323 Birch Street

(between Cambridge and California,

next to Ramona Pizza and around the corner from the Post Office)

Palo Alto, CA. 321-8003

Hosted by Treasurehunter

Next book

Yes indeed, I would like to get a copy of the Salinger book from you Diana. If you say I paid you, I believe it to be true (although with my combination of Alzheimers and deja vu, I have forgotten this before).

I hope everyone reads "Loving Frank" through to the end. I was absolutely blown away by the ending, and will not be able to avoid spoiling it for anyone who hasn't finished the book by the time we meet!

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving in the Big Apple. The weather was great, the Macys parade was terrific fun, and the Rockettes were kickin' at the Radio City Christmas show. What a town!

See you all on December 18th.

Nine Stories

I just picked up five copies of Treasurehunter's book choice for January: Nine Stories by J. D. Salinger. With our discount and tax, it came to $13 each. Please leave a comment whether you would like one of these books - I can get more and I'm allowed to return within 30 days.

If you don't remember your google account id, you can use our common id: bookclubangel, and our password is our oft-discussed fetish with an exclamation point. If you use this common id, please leave a hint of who you are.

Thanks!

P.S. Thomas Keller of French Laundry has a new cookbook out. He will be speaking at Kepler's on Dec 11 at 7:30. I'm planning to go.

Welcome to another baby

George and Colette had a healthy baby boy on October 30th! His name is Robert Ashton and he weighed 7 lb. 13 oz. and was 20 inches long.

Very proud Mama and Papa!

Happy Thanksgiving all

Well it's Saturday morning and I am decompressing from a hectic week, decided to post a liitle entry as I don't need my gmail account (thank you Dutchbaby). Thought I'd share my recipe for the new stress diet.



First you sign up for a conference to present your company (Travel Innovation Summit), then you realize you are the smallest and probably worst funded company and a mere ant on the landscape of travel industry providers, then you stop eating, spend a few days in a frenzy of preparation to appear larger than life (or at least, larger than you are) and then you spend the whole week hobbling around in suits n heels n spanx making connections and presentations skipping dinner in favor of a cocktail then fly home exhausted but exhilarated after a heady and productive week.



Net loss: 5 pounds. Try it, it works (actually, don't)



Look forward to seeing everyone.

December 2008 Book Club Meeting

Hello,
Thank you, dutchbaby for a wonderful evening last week...the burrata was a special treat! And wasn't the New Orleans DVD great, y'all?

The next Book Club meeting will be December 18 at my home (or maybe a restaurant - I will let you know) at 7 PM. We'll be discussing dutchbaby's book selection "Loving Frank". Hope to see all of you!

Happy Thanksgiving to all,
treasurehunter

A Star Is Born

Congratulations Mor Mor Kris!!!

Introducing...

Book Club Angel! Not only does Mor Mor Kris have a new baby in the family, so does our book club! We now have a shared gmail address and google account.

To create a post just click on the "Edit Posts" link below the Book Club Angel picture in the right column. Next click on "New Post" on the top left side of the page and start writing. Don't forget to sign your name so we know who you are.

Pass the EpiPen Please

To help our future hosts, I thought it would be a good idea to create the definitive allergy and preferences list for our book club. Please feel free to modify, this is only my best guess right:

Angel in Love: prefers no mushrooms or fish
Awakening Angel: mushrooms, peanuts. There isn't enough space on the internet to list all my allergies!!!! You could add shrimp, brazil nuts, and mold.
Dakota Angel: wood smoke
Dutchbaby: mushrooms, fly fish roe (a.k.a. tobiko), red snapper
Entrepreneur Angel:
Mor Mor Kris: all shellfish
Peggers: asiatic lilies
Treasurehunter: prefers no tomatoes, but is expert at flicking them out of any dish.

The Maltese Falcon

Mor Mor Kris' October 2008 choice:

http://www.amazon.com/Maltese-Falcon-Dashiell-Hammett/dp/0679722645/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product

November 2008 Book Club Meeting

Host: dutchbaby

Moved from Wednesday, November 12

to Thursday, November 13

7 pm

"Sorry, children. These are for the next Book Club meeting!

Tarragon Lemon Dip

Here's the dip that Peg loved, it's from http://www.foodnetwork.com/ , I changed the tarragon to chives and basil, a little italian parlsey (the herbs I had growing), plus I changed the 1 c. mayo to 1/2 c mayo, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 c. Greek natural yogurt. Served with Trader Joes sugar snap peas.


Asparagus and Green Beans with Tarragon Lemon Dip
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
Show:
30 Minute Meals
Episode:
Triple Dip

1 pound asparagus, trimmed 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed Salt 1 cup mayonnaise 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 small shallot, finely chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon, (4 sprigs), chopped, plus sprigs for garnish 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves, plus sprigs for garnish Few grinds freshly ground black pepper
Cook asparagus spears and green beans in 1-inch of salted boiling water, covered, for 3 or 4 minutes. Drain and cool the vegetables and arrange them on a serving plate. Combine the dip ingredients in a small bowl and garnish with sprigs of parsley and tarragon and set dip along side vegetables on serving dish.

October 2008 Book Club Meeting

Host: Mor Mor Kris

Wednesday, October 8

7 pm

Chicken Marbella

Chicken Marbella

2 chickens, 2 ½ pounds each, quartered, skins removed
1 head of garlic, peeled and finely pureed
¼ cup dried oregano
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup olive oil
1 cup pitted prunes, dried apricots, dried figs or any combination of your favorite dried fruits
½ cup pitted Spanish green olives
½ cup capers with a bit juice
6 bay leaves

½ cup brown sugar
1 cup white wine
¼ cup Italian parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped

In a large bowl combine chicken quarters, garlic, oregano, pepper, and coarse salt to taste, vinegar, olive oil, dried fruits, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Arrange chicken in a single layer in one or two large, shallow baking pans and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken pieces with brown sugar and pour white wine around them.

Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently with pan juices. Chicken is done when the pieces, pricked with a fork at their thickest, yield clear yellow (rather than pink) juice.

With a slotted spoon, transfer chicken, dried fruits, olives and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley or cilantro. Pass remaining pan juices in a sauceboat.

8 pieces, 5 or more portions

dutchbaby's notes: I am a great fan of all the Silver Palate cookbooks. This is by far my favorite recipe of Rosso and Lukins'.

Modifications to the original recipe:
* The original recipe calls for 4 chickens instead of two, but I didn't change the proportions of the remaining ingredients because double the amount of sauce is a real bonus!
* The original recipe calls for prunes only, I like to use other dried fruits as well.
* The original recipe call for 1 cup brown sugar, I prefer to add only ½ cup.

angel-in-love's notes: Made the same recipe modifications as dutchbaby plus: I used only chicken tenders and I tried to find apricots that are not too sweet.

the day i ate whatever i wanted

Angel-In-Love's September 2008 choice:







http://www.elizabeth-berg.net/site/epage/59312_662.htm

September 2008 Book Club Meeting

Host: Angel in Love
Wednesday, September 3
7 pm

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Awakening Angel's choice:

http://www.amazon.com/Brief-Wondrous-Life-Oscar-Wao/dp/1594489580

Chocolate Polenta Cake

Light and fluffy and oh so delish! Awakening Angel ended the meal on a high note:


Chocolate Polenta Cake

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/4 cup ALBERS® Yellow Corn Meal
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (we recommend LAND O LAKES® Butter), softened
3 bars (6 oz. total) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bars, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
5 large egg whites
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Sweetened whipped cream (optional)
1 bar (2 oz. total) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bars, shaved (optional)

Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 300° F. Grease 9-inch springformpan.

COMBINE water and cornmeal in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Cover; cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Remove from heat; let stand 2 minutes. Add butter, chocolate and vanilla extract; stir until melted. Cool completely.

COMBINE 1/4 cup sugar and egg yolks in small mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes or until mixture is thick and lemon-colored. Stir in chocolate mixture.

BEAT egg whites in large mixer bowl at high speed until soft peaks form. Continue beating; gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar. Beat until glossy and stiff peaks form. (DO NOT OVER BEAT.) Gently stir in chocolate mixture. Pour mixture into prepared springformpan.

BAKE for 40 to 45 minutes or until cake is set in center. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Remove side of pan. Serve with whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate.

Cold Cucumber Soup

Awakening Angel outdid herself once again by hosting the most amazing meeting this month. The Cold Cucumber Soup was world-class fabulous! I agree with Mor Mor Kris' description that it really should be called Hot and Cold Cucumber Soup. I'm hopefull that Santa will put some of that Bayou Blast in my stocking this year (hint, hint Awakening Angel ;-) )

Cold Cucumber Soup
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2004
Show:
The Essence of Emeril
Episode:
Summer Entertaining
6 pounds cucumbers (about 6 cucumbers), peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped (12 cups)
2 yellow bell peppers, stem and seeds removed, coarsely chopped
4 green onions, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
3 to 4 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste with 1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups plain yogurt
3 cups sour cream, divided
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives


Combine the cucumbers, bell peppers, green onions, jalapenos, cilantro, mint, dill, garlic, Essence, salt, cayenne, yogurt, 2 cups sour cream, olive oil, and white wine vinegar in a large bowl. Working in batches, puree the ingredients in a blender until very smooth. Transfer the soup to the refrigerator until well chilled, at least 2 hours. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup, with each bowl garnished with a dollop of the remaining sour cream and some of the minced chives.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Yield: 2/3 cup
Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Freak Show

Just want to record our fetishes as we go along :)



Here's an interesting solution:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUHBdHH9hOE

Fog City News

Fog City News is a place I've been meaning to check out. This place is a news stand plus. It's not just a news stand with tons of magazines, unique greeting cards, and soda pops but they offer group chocolate sit-down tastings in this lovely setting:

We can visit on our way to hoofing from the hotel to the Ferry Building.

http://www.fogcitynews.com/chocolate.html

Possible photo captions: Bookclub Kicks A**! Extreme

Convalescing Babes

I would like to invite you all to a Name-That-Caption contest.....

Book club This Week

This is a reminder that book club meets at my house this Wednesday, June 25 at 7 pm. I know Sara told me she can't make it. Please let me know if you will not be able to make it. I look forward to seeing you....Sara, we will miss you!

Summer Days

Sorry to miss the meeting this week. I'll host the next meeting and we can continue making plans for cooler weather...

Road Trip

I didn't have my Treo at our last meeting, so of course I can't remember what October dates we selected for our extravaganza in SF. Which weekend are we aiming for?

From what I recall, we discussed the following options for things to do:

Beach Blanket Babylon
The drag queen show at a bar, the name of which I can't remember.
The de Young Museum (and I'd like to add Strybing Arboretum if we are in GG Park)
The Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building
A day spa (Bliss Spa at the W Hotel was mentioned)
Ferry to Sausalito or Angel Island
Segway tour
Shopping (of course)
A chocolate and knitting place or tour that Sarah found (not clear what this was)
Grace Cathedral on Sunday
Biscuits & Blues for music
The newly remodeled Cliff House
Walk across the Golden Gate bridge

What did I forget?

This is going to be fun!

An October Retreat Just Can't Be Beat !

Treasurehunter is working on the October retreat
in San Francisco...

Next Bookclub

Thank you Peg for a great bookclub last week.  The dinner was excellent!  Next book club is at my house on Wednesday, June 25th at 7 pm.  The book for this month is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.  Kris, good luck on your surgery this week and Jane hope you are mending well!  Lalitha, we missed you!

 

Still working on getting  the hang of this!!

My Sister's Keeper

Pegger's choice for June 08.

I don't remember who's hosting next month.

One foot in each great ocean

One foot in each great ocean
Is a record stride or stretch.

Robert Frost (1874–1963), “A Record Stride.”

Thank you, Peggers, for a fabulous evening of stimulating conversation and delicious food in your oh so comfy home. You sure know how to put together a great menu! I would love to post the recipes for the chicken, salad, and of course the awsome brownie cake! Just in an e-mail to me would be fine; I'll take care of bloggifying it.

Get Well, Mor Mor Kris!

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Greetings from Treasurehunter !

Can someone fill me on on the date, time and location of the next meeting?

(Maybe until we are all pros at posting we should conduct official business via email?)

"The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day." -- Robert Frost

I'm here, somewhere on the blog....a bit lost as usual but happy to be amongst friends........

Sonoma Mission Inn

Hi....a friend of mine is going to Sonoma Mission Inn this week, it sounds lovely, has anyone been there? Or anywhere up there that would be a good place for us? Funky would be fun, too........


Posted by dutchbaby on behalf of Angel in Love while she's working out some technical details on getting authorship on this blog.

Old School by Tobias Wolff

This month's book choice by Entrepreneur Angel is Old School by Tobias Wolff. http://www.amazon.com/Old-School-Tobias-Wolff/dp/0375701494/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208724356&sr=8-2

Testing, Testing

I am a blog virgin, so this is a very timid toe in the water. Wow! This will be very useful Diana!

Start Spreading the News

My daughter will be taking a three-week photography class in New York this summer. Even though she will be living in a dorm, given her young age, I decided that I wanted to be in The City during this time. I reserved a small, two-bedroom apartment from July 7th through July 25th. It is on the Upper West Side, on 89th Street, one block from Central Park. My son will be with me for one to two weeks, depending upon his summer camp plans. Put on your vagabond shoes, crash at my pied-à-terre, stop by for a martini, or should I say a ... Manhattan.

You'll want to be a part of it, New York, New York!

Our Fall Adventure

As you all know, one of the angels of this group agreed to plan our next adventure. THANK YOU, Antique-Lover Angel! Here's an excerpt of her initial grand plan:

"Ideally there would be three options to pursue and I am willing to take on the job of exploring edited options. Most important to me is picking an option that EVERYONE will or can attend.

So far we seem to agree that:
1. The idea of another trip seems to be a yes for all.
2. Fall (October) is a good time to travel.
3. Long weekend is good.
4. Places suggested:

(If I left some suggestions off, just throw them back in.)


Places we can fly to:

• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (beautiful but hard to get to)


• Las Vegas


• New York (fun, fun, fun, but may be expensive; planning WAY ahead will save money. We can fly Jet Blue and rent efficiency apartments.)


• Spa in Mexico (The one that requires a week long stay.)

Places we can drive to:

• Carmel (suggested by Dakotan Angel)


• Santa Barbara (spa potential)


• Yosemite/Utah (suggested by Entrepreneur Angel, aka Germaphobe Angel)


• Point Reyes/Olema/Petaluma (I can probably arrange a tour of the Cowgirl Creamery -- http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/)


• Sea Ranch


• Seascape


• Cruise to Baja (suggested by Angel in Love)


• Napa (Group cooking class, wine) "

The group appears to be leaning towards a place we can drive to and unfortunately Graphic Artist Angel is, at this time, unable to go. We are hoping that circumstances will change for you, Graphic Artist Angel, and that you will be able to join us!

Please feel free to comment on these and please feel free to use your own pseudonymns!

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog!

In my continual effort to make things simpler, I thought we could try a blog for our group. I know I wished we had a blog those last few frantic days when I was trying to tie up all the loose ends for our New Orleans trip and I bet all of you would have appreciated not having your inbox inundated with hundreds of crossed messages.

I hope I set enough limits to the blog settings so that this is a private blog, where viewers are by invitation only and where all nine of us have authoring privileges.

Enjoy!

My first attempt at blogging

Diana, this is cool!  Nice job!