What should I serve at book club?!
What should I serve at book club?
I'm hosting book club for 7-10 woman at the end of January. We read Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler. It's nice to have a few appetizers sitting out that don't need to be kept hot and won't go bad after 2 hours. I love to cook and would like something more unique than artichoke dip :) Also, any drink suggestions (I'm pregnant as is one other member, but the others love an alcoholic drink).
Answers:
From what you said, you like to cook and you want something unusual. Probably not a cheese tray. Here are some great appetizers I've fixed and love. Something sweet and something salty! I would just pick up red and white wine to go with it. Have fun!
1. Gougères -- the best cheese puffs you've ever tasted. Gougères are best served warm, so pipe them at the last minute and bake them just before your guests arrive. They're also good at room temp.
2. Goat Cheese, Roasted Pepper and Basil Appetizers --The combination of marinated goat cheese, roasted peppers and fresh basil is perfect in its simplicity. Served on baguettes.
3. Ginger-Mascarpone Icebox Cake - make this the day before - it's a cheesecake with an unusual twist. The ginger will be good for the pregnant women - good for nauseous
Source(s):
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/app...
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/app...
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/des...
It is always nice to see veggie trays along with finger sandwiches. Those are pretty standard.
But you can also cut up cheese or set up a nice cheese tray with diffrent types of cheeses and maybe some meat.
Arrange crackers/bread on another platter this will look nice as well.
Keep it simple so you don't become over worried about the food and aren't able to enjoy your guests! Simple is more Elegant!
I think you should bake banana bread, bring in some bananas, maybe some banana cream. Have a Banana Bonanza Book club!!! if someone doesn't like bananas, choose a different fruit! and always bring in a healthy cereal or oatmeal. I hope this helps, and I hope it get chose for the best answer!!!
C YA!!!!! OH!! drinks... bring in some Tropicana or milk. Some kidda drink, that will keep them healthy and in shape.
Make cucumber sandwiches. Have some crackers, cheese and meat available. You could also try making some devilled eggs. Olives and pickles are good too.
Finger sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, Rolled ham and cheese slices, meatballs in sauce, chilli.. You could make punch, one spiked and one plain.
Is Breathing Lessons the book set in Baltimore? If so, how about Baltimore food? Crab cakes, a Lady Baltimore cake (white cake with fruit and nut filling, frosted with whipped cream.) Our book club has had fun trying to fit the food to the book we've read. There are six of us; we each bring something (appetizer, desserts, etc., with the hostess supplying the entree and beverages. We've done Chinese food for Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Afghani food for The Bookseller of Kabul, etc, etc.
Don't you just love the mental stimulus of being in a book club? It
is the highlight of my month.
Finger sandwitched, tea, and petit fours.
Tea, whether cold or hot, biscotti or breakfast cookies, for the health aspect of it all go to whole foods, get little finger sandwiches, stay basic, salmon spread, with crackers, I say tea and biscotti
Here are a few appetizers
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sugar-coate...
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-c...
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/anytime-alm...
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/anytime-fru...
Here are a few drinks/Liqueur
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/anytime-pun...
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/homemade-cr...
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/tom-and-jer...
Hope these help
Definitely finger-type foods that aren't greasy. Fruit/veggie trays are always good. Maybe cheese and crackers partnered up with a good wine. Maybe some baby quiches you find in the freezer section.
Sangria is a fun alcoholic drink. Or look up some of the girly cocktails. Maybe mimosas (OJ and champagne) or bellinis (champagne and peach schnaups, often with pureed frozen peaches - use sparking grape juice for a non-alcoholic version)
Scones and tea sandwiches are classic. (Cucumber sandwiches, beet and soft cheese, ham, PBJ)
Cookies maybe. Crab rangoons. Pigs in blankets ( I love those guys).
Hope this helps