Around My French Table by Dorie Greenspan

January in Chicago generally brings cold and snow, but for the women of the Midwest Cookbook Club at our quarterly dining experience, we were surrounded by warm friends and delightful French food. Meeting at our very own "French Bistro" (aka, Carmen's place) we were greeted with flickering candle light, beautiful golden flowers, a bright blue French Provincial table cloth, and a warm fireplace glow. (A special thank you to our co-hosts Carmen and Lynda for making our evening a very special one.)

Our Chefs:    Carol, Carmen, Diane, Lynda, Lois, Lynn, and Mary

And, our very special guest diner: Susie

Our cookbook: Dorie Greenspan's Around My French Table

Mary made a beautiful Gerard's Mustard Tart
 that was almost too pretty to eat!

Lois made the flavorful Paris Mushroom Soup

Other delightful appetizers included Cheez-it-ish Crackers
Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nuts, and
Mustard Batons.

Appetizers in the country kitchen.

Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nuts

Savory Cheese and Chive Bread

The main course looked scrumptious and we were ready to dive in to our main course.
Celery Root Puree, Broth-Braised Potatoes with  a light Sauce,
and a surprisingly tasty Cauliflower-Bacon Gratin...
although even the French know that anything with bacon tastes good.

Quinoa, Fruit, and Nut Salad with Yogurt Dressing

Chard-Stuffed Pork Roast 

Beautifully balanced plate made even more delightful with a blue and golden sunflower tablecloth.

When dinner was finished we all moved into
the family room to talk about the recipes
and to chose our next book...
but no, wait... there's more!

Delectable Desserts

(That is after Diane burned the buns - woops!)

Nutella Tartine

Cocoa Sables

And so goes the Midwest Cookbook Club for January, 2013. 

We look forward to cooking in our new book for our Spring gathering - 

Food 52 Cookbook

 by Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs.

Until next time, 

Happy Cooking!