Visitors to the Prior Lake Library on Feb. 4 may have been surprised to encounter delicious smells wafting through the building and crock pots lined up, all filled with yummy soups and stews.
Welcome to the quarterly meeting of the “Cook Book Club,” hosted by Katy Relling, library staff member and organizer of the quarterly events since November of 2024.
The group gathers with a food item they have prepared for the assigned theme that features a cookbook author, cuisine or special ingredient. Attendees discuss the recipe they have prepared, share what they have learned along with the dish prepared, and talk about their successes (or failures!) experienced through cooking and baking.
The most recent event included samplings of black bean stew with purple sweet potatoes, crock pot creamy chicken parmesan soup, squash soup and other tasty offerings. Former themes have included “farmer’s market,” favorite chefs and family favorites.
One woman commented that she had always wanted to join a book club but didn’t like to read, adding “so now I have a book club I can join.”
“It’s been great to share the love of cooking and a different kind of book club,” Relling said. “It’s a fun feature during the doldrums of the winter months.”
The next event will be held in May with participants testing some of the favorite recipes promoted by TV cooking show host Rachael Ray.
Those who are interested in joining the Cook Book Club should email Relling at [email protected] or call (952) 447-3375.
