Okay. Here’s a test for book-club members. My four-woman group recently read a newly published book about family relationships that’s been making the rounds lately. (Side note: We were
sort of “meh” about it, but more on that later.) It was my turn to host, and since at our mettings we always try to
outdo and impress each other prepare a meal that ties in to the book we’ve read, I felt as if I’d hit the jackpot because one of the main characters in this book is a chef. Food descriptions are scattered throughout, and, honestly, we all agreed that they were the best part of this book. Anyway, I took my cue from the book and made, among other things, Elvis Cookies (roasted banana ice cream sandwiched between peanut butter cookes and rolled in caramelized bacon) and a spinach frittata. So the question is: What book did we read? If you’ve been keeping up with book-club news, you should get it. Of course, the other question is: Did anybody actually believe I’d made this entire meal myself, all by myself? As a widely known non-cook, I can understand folks’ skepticism. After all, while I worked in the kitchen that day, my husband anxiously kept asking me, “Honey? What are you doing? Do you feel okay?” and my fellow book-club members were stunned into silence when they saw their plates. At least, I think that’s why they didn’t say anything as they were eating.
I must be out of the loop because reader that I am, I have no clue what book the club read. Guess I’ll have to wait for your next post.
Carolyn — More hints: It’s about two half-sisters in Atlanta who are sent to live & grow up with relatives on different coasts after a family tragedy.
I will speak here in praise of my wife’s cooking. She downplayed the leftover frittata but it was very tasty. And the Elvis cookies were a hoot, including the excellent caramelized bacon.
Oh…Ruthie and Julia. Of course, that was quite a hint.
Looks and sounds delicious. The spinach fratata has my mouth watering. You’ve exposed your hidden culinary skills. Congratulations.
Carolyn — Congratulations! You go it! I knew you would.
Jim — Thank you! It’s a cleverly disguised secret, so don’t blow my cover, please.