When I moved to Westerly I was not sure I would find a library as wonderful as the one I was leaving behind in Lenox, Massachusetts. A library that not only made your young children feel welcome and excited about reading, but also one that provided excellent family programs as well as something just for the grown ups. If you have visited the Westerly Library you already know I got lucky. Here in Westerly we have a true gem in our library. From a fantastic selection of books to amazing family programs, the true grit of this place are the incredible people that work there. One of those people, Cassie Skobrak, a reference librarian, began the new cookbook club earlier this fall. A fun event where participants not only discuss the recipes they have made from the monthly cookbook selection, but bring one to share and taste test. What could be better than meeting new people and sharing food? We have had two meetings so far and tasted numerous recipes from the selected books.
Starting in October with New York City food blogger Deb Perelman’s Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, the first meeting drew in about eighteen attendees. Some of the stand out recipes included a classic Apple Cake, Crispy Chickpeas, Challa, Red Wine Velvet Cake, and Rosemary Gruyere & Sea Salt Crisps just to name a few. The general consensus about this book was that the stories that accompanied most recipes were an integral part of the reason we enjoyed it. Her recipes were easy to follow and her understated humor kept the reader entertained.
The second meeting featured Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Foolproof cookbook. If you are anything like me you might adore Ina Garten. From her gorgeous, yet not overdone, kitchen to her endearing love of her sweet husband, Jeffery and of course her fabulous over the top friends- she is not only enjoyable to watch on television, she really has delicious, accessible recipes. This month we taste tested Endive, Orange & Roquefort Salad which was fresh and vibrant, Tomato Crustini with Whipped Feta, Israeli Couscous & Tuna Salad, Amelia’s Jambalaya, Crispy Mustard-Roasted Chicken, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Fennel Gratin, Chocolate Cassis Cake, Chocolate Chunk Blondies, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Pecan Sandies, and…wait for it….caramelized bacon… amongst many other delicious selections. Oh my goodness, Westerly, these recipes did not disappoint!
One of the benefits of this club is that you really get a good sampling of the recipes in the books. While the first book was selected by Skobrak, the second was voted on at the end of our first meeting from a small selection of about four books. If, like me, you purchase far too many cookbooks, this is also a great reminder that you can simply borrow them from Westerly Library’s excellent selection of cookbooks. If you still love having the book all to yourself you can decide if there are enough recipes you enjoy in it to warrant a purchase. (On that note a side reminder here that Westerly Library is having their biannual book sale next week where you can stock up on all the cookbooks you could ever want.) The next meeting is taking place on Monday, December 18 from 6-7 pm in the Terrace Room and features a cookie swap. For more information visit Westerly Cooks or contact Cassie Skobrak at the library to reserve your spot at the table.
