How to Start a Cookbook Club
You’ve probably been a member of a book club at some point, and who doesn’t love broadening their horizons with a new book and good discussion? But if you end up attending mainly for the snacks at the end, then perhaps a cookbook club might be better for you! A cookbook club is much like a book club, except instead of reading a book and coming together to share your thoughts, you’re preparing a recipe and sharing it with the group.
Here are some tips for starting your own:
Keep it small. While you can have as many members in your cookbook club as you’d like, they often work better with about 7-10 members. If each club member is preparing a dish for the event, you’ll have quite a feast with ten members! It also makes it more manageable for the person hosting.
Decide on frequency. How often will you meet? Again, it’s up to you, but I’d suggest once monthly. This gives everyone time to plan—to decide on the cookbook and recipes, gather supplies and prepare the food.
Choose a cookbook or theme. The cookbook can be hard copy or online. You could also branch out and make a traditional recipe from your family, desserts only, or create a theme. There are so many fun possibilities!
Choose recipes. Everyone should be able to choose what they want to make, because who wants to cook something they’re not excited about? However, if you want a balanced meal, try to have a couple entrees, sides, salads, or desserts. If your idea of a balanced meal is cookies in one hand and brownies in the other, then by all means, run with that theme! If you find a favorite recipe, jot it down on your Recipes page (pictured below) for future reference.
Break out the fine china. When the time comes to share your finished recipes, the host can go as simple or elaborate as they like, but it makes it even more enjoyable when it feels a little special. Using the Event Planning page (pictured below) can help keep you organized when hosting to keep all the details in one place for executing a special evening. Get out the glassware, the cloth napkins, or that gravy boat you only use once a year!
With busy lives, sitting down for a meal that’s meant to be savored and shared is becoming more and more rare. A freshly prepared meal with friends is a special occasion indeed. Bon appétit!