ReadEatCook Book Club August Selection: Garlic and Sapphires

Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the ReadEatCook Book Club - and the introduction of our August selection! (Yes, yes - I'm aware we're still in July, but this way we have plenty of time to read, cook and eat!) As I'm sure the photo gives away, this month we will be focussing on Ruth Reichl's latest memoir of restaurant reviewing in Garlic and Sapphires ( US Link -- Canada Link). I'm not going to give much more in the way of introduction to the book itself as I'd love for each of us to approach the book in our own way and be able to read it without any preconceived notions.

Having said that, I think some explanation as to how the club works is in order. First, go buy or borrow the book. Its been out long enough that most bookshops should carry it and your local libraries will probably have it. Then, read the book (laughing out loud as necessary!). Pick one recipe from the list below and comment or email me on which one you'd like to prepare (I'll update the list with whomever is making each dish so that we don't have too many duplications). Make the dish, photograph it (if possible - if not, that's fine just write your comments) and email it to me. Once we get all the submissions for the recipes made we'll get the conversation rolling with our impressions, both good and bad, and most importantly - how the food turned out!

Here's the list of recipes (thanks Christine!) :

* Aushak (Christine)
* Roasted brussel sprouts (kt)
* Last-minute chocolate cake (kt)
* Nicky's vanilla cake (Nikol)
* Roast chicken with potatoes, onions, and garlic (Arilyne)
* Gougeres (Christine)
* Hash browns (Melanie)
* Roast leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary (Nikol)
* Matzo brei
* Moules marinieres (Connie)
* New York cheesecake (Susan)
* Sort-of Thai noodles (Eric)
* Scalloped potatoes (Arilyne)
* Roasted rhubarb (Eric)
* Risotto Primavera (Lucas)
* Spaghetti Carbonara (Susan)
* Pureed watercress

Have fun and let's get the cooking started!!!