November 2008 Host: Nancy

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Summary

In this novel set in India, Balram Halwai writes a series of letters to the Premier of China (in anticipation of his visit) over a week’s time describing his childhood as being desperately poor (in the darkness) and his transformaation into becoming rich or emerging into the light. He writes about his days as a hardworking boy in a small village controlled by crooked and powerful landlords. He comes to Delhi to become a driver for one of those landlord’s westernized sons and eventually sees societal inequities that turn him into a bloodthirsty killer. As a driver, Balram begins to understand the relationship between a master and a servant. When his master’s wife gets drunk and runs over and kills a child, they arrange for Balram to take the blame for the accident. It is shocking to nearly every westernized person that Balram’s family was very proud that he would do such a thing for his master. Millions of people in India are poor and slave for the rich for a pittance. The question posed here is what would happen to one of those that are destined to be poor and a slave all of their lives if they killed his master, took his money, and ran. India is referred to as a rooster coop, Indians are packed tightly and pecking each other, they do not rebel or try to leave the coop. Only a handful of men have taught 99.9 percent to exist in perpetual servitude. This book won the 2008 Man Booker prize.

Discussion

-Everyone enjoyed this book, it was a different experience for most of us in that it was darkly comedic, some parts were sordid, of questionable morality, and we actually rooted for a vicious killer who was a bit of a psychopath. This book put some of us into a world we knew nothing about - an India of light, where few live but are served by many, and an India of darkness, where many toil endlessly and are devoid of any hope.

-Balram was nicknamed the White Tiger because it represents one who is smart and different from the darkness. It is here that we learn the extent of corruption - their primary school teacher sells the school supplies and uniforms on the black market rather than give these items to the children. The teacher justifies this in that he doesn’t get paid enough from the government. Corruption is rife at every level, policemen and even fingerprints for votes can be bought.

-The author did a very good job in making the reader feel as if they were in present day India.- from being bullied by a lizard in school to the conversations of the clusters of chauffeurs waiting for their masters to finish shopping in malls they themselves were not allowed into.

-Balram quotes one of his favorite muslim poets who says this about slavery: “They remain slaves because they can’t see what is beautiful in this world.” Balram claims he can see what is beautiful and that is a predictor for his destiny not to remain a slave.

Menu

Tandoori Chicken
Rice Curry
Saag Paneer
Lemon Love Notes
Couscous
Rice Pudding

Tandoori Chicken

Ingredients

8 boneless skinless chicken breasts (2-3 lb)
½ teaspoon water
¼ teaspoon ground mustard
1 cup plain yogurt
¼ cup lime juice (lemon juice can be used also)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoon paprika
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Optional garnish - lime wedges

1. Place chicken in glass or plastic bowl. In small bowl, mix water and mustard; stir in remaining ingredients. Pour over chicken; turn to coat well with marinade.

2. Cover; refrigerate at least 12 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

2. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade; place chicken in ungreased 13 x 9-inch (3 quart) glass baking dish.

4. Bake uncovered about 45 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170 degrees). Garnish with lime slices if desired. (adapted from Yoplait.com recipes).

Rice Curry

Ingredients

½ cup chopped green onions divided
2 garlic cloves minced
¼ cup butter softened
1 ½ cups uncooked basmati rice
1 teaspoon (or more to taste) curry powder
3 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup golden raisins
½ cup chopped almonds toasted

1. In a large skillet, saute ¼ cup onions and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in rice and curry powder. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until rice is lightly browned.

2. In a saucepan, heat broth and salt. Pour over rice mixture; stir. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from the heat; stir in raisins, almonds and remaining onions.

Tovah’s Saag Paneer

1 tablespoon ghee
1 small onion chopped
2 teaspoons Garam Masala
½ tsp ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
Salt, to taste
1 green chile pepper (mild or hot, according to taste), minced
1 inch fresh ginger root, grated
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 package frozen spinach (10 ounces), thawed
(fresh sautéed spinach can be substituted)
½ cup light cream
¾ cup plain yogurt
1-2 pound paneer cut in ½ inch cubes

1. Heat ghee in a frying pan, and fry chopped onion until translucent. Stir in Garam Masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt-don’t omit the salt! Add spinach and simmer a few minutes.

2. Mash together the chile pepper, ginger, and garlic, then add to pan. Add cream and yogurt. Let simmer while you brown paneeer cubes in a separate pan.

3. Pour spinach mixture into food processor or blender, and puree to desired consistency. Combine spinach puree and browned paneer. Serve hot.

Lemon Love Notes

Ingredients

Crust

½ cup butter
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 cup flour
1 pinch salt

Filling

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon rind grated
¼ teaspoons baking powder

Topping

Powdered sugar

To make crust:

1. Mix butter and powdered sugar.
1. Combine flour and salt.
3. Pour into pan and bake crust at 350 degrees for 18020 minutes.

To make filling:

1. Mix eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon rind and baking powder.
2. Pour over hot crust, bake for 25 minutes.
3. Let it cool. Then drizzle with powdered sugar topping.
4. Cut and shape into squares. Store in tin box lined with wax paper.

Couscous

Rice Pudding

October 2008 Host: Angela

Couldn’t Keep it to Myself by Wally Lamb and the Women of York Correctional Institution

Summary

Best selling author Wally Lamb teaches a writing workshop comprised of a group of women incarcerated at the Correctional Institute in Connecticut. The result is a collection of each of those women’s stories and life experiences with descriptions of their own abuses, rejections, and self destructive behaviors. All of the stories were heart wrenching - most went from bad childhoods to even worse adulthood marriages. Nearly all had been sexually or physically abused at some point in their childhood. These imprisoned women use their writing as a rehabilitating tool; they use their writing to identify and then try to correct their past negative behaviors. There were pictures of the women along with a brief statement of what they were convicted for which helped to relate their past to their current situation.

Discussion

-Only two of us finished the book, most that did not finish the book deemed it too depressing to continue on. The book was at times a harrowing read.

-One point raised was that one of every three or four women have experienced some type of sexual abuse - and that just maybe some of the women in the book subtly MAY have used these experience(s) as a scapegoat for their crimes.

-We found it interesting that one woman developed cancer while she was in prison and was granted an early parole because the state of Connecticut did not want to pay for her chemotherapy.

-Nearly all of the women grew up poor. We discussed how one’s socioeconomic status could be a detriment in getting help for various problems and that the rich simply have more and are aware of more resources available to them.

Menu

Veggie Tray
Macaroni and Cheese
Meatloaf
Cucumber and Sweet Onion Salad
Cheesecake

Vegetable Dish

Cucumber and Sweet Onion Salad (serves 8)

3 English Cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 med. sweet onion, such as Vidalia, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh dill, coarsely chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp white-wine vinegar
coarse salt and ground pepper

In a large bowl, toss together cucumbers, onion, dill, oil, lemon juice and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Macaroni and Cheese

8 tablespoons

(1 stick) butter

2 cups breadcrumbs

salt

1 pound elbow macaroni

1 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dry mustard, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3½ cups whole milk (do not used reduced fat milk)

1¾ cups low sodium chicken broth (can use vegetable broth for vegetarian)

1 pound Colby cheese, shredded (about 4 cups)

8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)

pepper

Make sure the oven rack is in the middle and preheat the oven to 400°F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and mix with the breadcrumbs.Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and add the macaroni. Cook until almost tender, but still firm to the bite. Drain the macaroni, leave in the colander, and set aside.

Dry the pot, add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and melt on medium heat. Stir in the garlic, mustard mixture, and cayenne pepper. Cook about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute. Stir in the milk and broth slowly and simmer, whisking often, until the mixture is slightly thickened. This should take about 6 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and slowly whisk in the cheeses until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the macaroni, until well mixed. Be sure to break up any clumps. Pour into a 9" x 13" baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake until golden brown and bubbling around the edges. this should take about 25-30 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes before serving.

To make ahead:

Follow steps 2-5. Cover dish and put in fridge for up to three days or freezer for up to three months. If frozen, defrost for 24 hours before setting out at room temperature for an hour. If refrigerated, set the dish out at room temperature for an hour before cooking. Mix the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over dish just before baking.

Meat Loaf

Cheese Cake

September 2008 Host: Emily (in the center)

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Piccoult

Summary

This is a powerful and emotional story about a high school shooting presented through the eyes of the shooter, his victims, fellow students, parents, lawyers, and law enforcement officials. Within a nineteen minute time frame, ten students are dead and many are wounded both physically and psychologically. The shooter has been bullied since kindergarten and was always treated like a freak by the popular students. The author portrays the insecurities of the unpopular students as well as the insecurities of the popular students. The author explores why something like this could happen and even manages to elicit sympathy from the reader for the shooter. There is a twist at the end that emphasizes the primal need to strike back at those who continually oppress.
Discussion

-Overall this is a very good novel and difficult to put down, even though it a very sad story.

-Peter, the shooter, was often bulled in the locker room. We talked about teachers supervising more in areas such as the locker room, however, having a teacher always present in the locker room raises other issues so that this solution would simply not work. Also, teachers are only human and they themselves just don’t like certain students. This may affect which incidents they decide to follow up on.

-Another question raised was could something like this be prevented if the parents were more involved in their children’s lives. Where do you draw the line, do you search your children’s rooms or give them the privacy they crave as teenagers. When do you trust them completely? Are there different degrees of parental involvement?

-We all agreed that a parent needs to act in that role rather than as a friend.

-There are varying degrees of parental involvement. Peter’s mother was a good mother, however, there are certain instances where the parent could be more involved. Peter felt loved and worthy the one time he was late from school and his father hugged him. For a brief moment, Peter thought his father had been worried about him, but of course, that turned out not to be the reason for the hug.

-The other main character, Josie, has a single mom who works full time as a judge. There is a lot lacking in their relationship which could partially be the result of the mom working full time and oftentimes late into the evening. Both Josie and her mother often find themselves living within self imposed boundaries, e.g., Josie wanting her boyfriend to stop picking on Peter but does nothing herself to stop it because she doesn‘t want to lose her popularity status, and the mother refraining from chastising her child as she is viewed as a judge even when she goes to the grocery store. Not only does Peter, but Josie herself ends up being on the receiving end of her boyfriend’s verbal and physical abuse.

-Even though Peter’s shooting spree, regardless of him having been bullied for twelve years, was wrong, we all felt empathy towards him in different parts of the story.

Menu

Pizza / Beer / Appetizers/ Desert

Some of our group.

August 2008 Host: Jaci

Echo Park by Michael Connelly

Summary

This is Michael Connelly’s eleventh novel featuring Detective Harry Bosch who now works in the open-unsolved unit in the LAPD. In this story, the aging detective continues to be haunted by a case where a woman, Marie Gesto, disappeared in 1993. After thirteen years, Harry still keeps this file on his desk. The case appears to be solved when police randomly stop a van and find trash bags filled with women’s body parts. The driver confesses to killing nine women in addition to Marie Gesto. Politics play a large role in the case and the ever serious Harry lightens up through a romantic interest.

Discussion

-Everyone enjoyed the book, it was a good and fast read. There was some lack of character development probably due to certain characters appearing in prior Harry Bosch novels.

Menu

Assorted brunch items

June 2008 Host: Karen (with her faithfull companion Mojo)

The Devil in the Junior League by Linda Francis Lee

Summary

This is the story of a Texas socialite named Frede Ware who is dedicated and spends a large part of her time with the local Junior League. To become a member of the Junior League, one must be rich and without reproach. Her husband betrays her by having numerous affairs, but that’s not what really upsets the main character, it is that he stole all her money. In order to keep up appearances and not let anyone know that her husband and her money are hers no longer, she agrees to let a classless yet successful lawyer help her find her husband in exchange for getting his tacky white trash wife into the Junior League. From here, the author weaves a humorous tale about Southern society and how Frede learns lessons about love, money, and friendship.

Discussion

-We all enjoyed the book even though we felt the main character wasn’t the brightest and was way too trusting. This was an enjoyable light summer read. As a matter of fact, it was such a light read that we really didn’t discuss the book that much. Of course, we were all entranced with Molly…..

Menu

Grilled Chicken

Mountain Man Rendezvous Snack Mix

Layered Summer Salad

We all welcomed the newest future member of our book club, Molly.

Mountain Man Rendezvous Snack Mix

Rick's Grilled Chicken

It was great, don't forget to send me the recipe when you can Karen.

Layered Summer Salad

Ingredients

4 cups torn spinach
1 ½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small red onion, sliced, separated into rings
2 tomatoes chopped
1 package (10 oz.) frozen green peas, cooked, drained and cooled
½ cup real mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled

Layer spinach, 1 cup of the cheese, the mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and peas in a 3-quart serving bowl. Mix mayo, sour cream and basil. Spread over salad, completely covering top of salad. Cover, refrigerate at least 5 hours. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese and the bacon just before serving. Makes 12 servings.

Our host Sarah, on the left, with Angela. Sorry Sarah, I didn't get an individual photograph of you.

May 2008 Host: Sarah

The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer

Summary

This is the memoir of a boy growing into manhood in Manhasset, New York. He was abandoned by his father and his search for male role models is fulfilled in a bar where his uncle works. Each man at the bar Moehringer became close with (e.g. the owner of the bar, a cop, a Vietnam vet, other bartenders) seems to fill a particular void in him. He truly feels accepted and comfortable at the bar. His mother who is portrayed as strong and loving was the center of his life and she was also a major force in shaping Moehringer. She often had difficulties making ends meet which is why they lived with her extended family in an old house held partially together with duct tape. His father was a radio announcer and Moehringer spent many hours trying to locate his voice on the radio. He was alternatively awed and disappointed by his father. The author tells of his struggles such as when he is failing out of Yale, when he tries to get promoted from a copyboy position at the New York times, problems with his girlfriend, and his unpublished novel. The Tender Bar is rich in detail, heartfelt, at times funny, and captivating. The author breathes life into his colorful characters. This memoir gives us insight into the importance of the union of men and some of the passages in the book have to be reread to fully grasp their meaning or to remind yourself as to why you are grinning such as the line: “…bars full of pickled people marinating in regret.” J.R. Moehringer is a winner of the Pulitzer prize.

Discussion

-Everyone enjoyed this book, it was a memoir that we would not soon forget and it was very well written.

-Moehringer seamlessly and skillfully weaves together a number of themes such as working single mothers, the pervasiveness of alcohol in certain sects of society, a poor kid in an ivy league setting, a son’s yearning for his absent father, first love, male bonding, and the struggles in writing his first book.

-It was agreed that Moehringer did not appreciate all of what seemed to be lucky breaks for him, e.g. getting into Yale and obtaining (albeit a copyboy) a position at the New York Times. He would go through stages where he would drink every night and then feel sorry for himself such as when he was on the verge of failing out of college.

Menu

For the first time, our group met at a restaurant. It was a vegetarian restaurant called WaterCourse Foods. We dined on tempeh burgers, tofu, and salad.

April 2008 Host: Colleen

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Summary

This is a journey of self discovery of a woman in her early thirties who decides to shed the accouterments of a suburban housewife (a husband, home, and future children) and then travel for a year, through Italy, India, and Indonesia. In Italy she makes friends, indulges in the gastrointestinal delights that only Italy can offer, and hones her Italian language skills. In India she lives in the ashram of her guru and spends hours each day in meditation, yoga, and prayer. In Indonesia, she spends time with a medicine man and befriends a healer who she raises funds for to buy a house. She also finds a fulfilling relationship. The author raises many good points in the book and throughout she is funny, self-deprecating, and clever.

Discussion

-All of us enjoyed the book - some more than others. It read like a friend’s journal.

-It was felt that at times, the author was a bit too self absorbed. The widespread poverty in Italy and India were never mentioned.

-It was also felt that the section in India was drawn out, there were pages and pages of her trying to meditate and the conversations she had with herself..

-The author did not seem to be fazed by anything during her travels (e.g., she arrives in Bali with no plan at all as to where she would stay). It was noted that perhaps a large part of her success was due to sheer persistence and courage.

-She does experience being one with God - and it is interesting how she describes it. She talks about understanding the universe completely, she steps through time and enters a void which was a place of limitless peace and wisdom. The void was God and she was part of it.

What we all thought of the book.

5 1/2 thumbs up

Menu

Various appetizers

Garlic Bread

Cannellini Beans with Herbs and Prosciutto

Baked Ziti

Tiramisu Cake

Various Appetizers

Garlic Bread

Ingredients

2 French baguettes
1 small minced onion
8 cloves minced garlic
¼ cup butter
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonnaise

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Combine the onions and garlic in the skillet. Cook and stir until tender. Set aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise. Slice the baguettes in half, length wise. Spread the onion and garlic mixture on the bread. Spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture over the onion and garlic mixture on the bread. Place on cookie sheet and broil about five minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Slice in one to two inch segments. Serve immediately.

Cannellini Beans with Herbs and Prosciutto

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 14 ½ ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
2 15 ounce cans cannelloni beans, rinsed, drained
2 ounces prosciutto, coarsely chopped
1 bunch kale
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sage and thyme. Add the tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the beans. Simmer until the tomatoes are tender and the juices evaporate by half, about 5 minutes.
Boil Kale in salted water until tender, 4-5 minutes. Drain and chop into bite sized pieces. Add to bean mixture. Turn off heat and stir in the prosciutto, being careful not to overcook the prosciutto. Season the beans, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Baked Ziti

Ingredients

1 pound dried ziti pasta
Kosher salt
3 ½ cups quick tomato sauce (recipe follows)
1 pound fresh mozzarella, half cut into ½ inch cubes and half thinly sliced
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously, and boil the pasta until al dente, tender but still slightly firm. Drain.
Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, cubed mozzarella, half the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and pepper flakes. Transfer the pasta to an oiled 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover the top of the pasta with the sliced mozzarella, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake at 400 degrees until lightly browned and hot, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Quick Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sweet and or spicy Italian sausages, casing removed and crumbled
¼ medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 ½ cups whole, peeled, canned tomatoes in puree (one 28 ounce can), roughly chopped
Sprig fresh thyme
Sprig fresh basil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in the salt and season with pepper, to taste. Use now or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

Copyright 2004 Television Food Network

Tiramisu Cake

February 2008 Host: Nancy

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Summary

“I have a story that will make you believe in God.,” we are told at the beginning of this book. This is the story of Pi Patel, the sixteen year old son of a zookeeper who grew up in India. Pi enthusiastically (and to everyone’s concern) studies and begins practicing three different religions, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. It is this precociousness that will eventually serve to Pi’s advantage. The father decides to pick up and start a new life in Canada. The family and all of the zoo animals are loaded onto a giant freighter, which later sinks. Pi, the sole human survivor, ends up in a lifeboat with a 450 pound Bengal tiger, a hyena, an orangutan and a zebra. Pi Patel must use all his strength, wits, and faith to survive 227 days adrift at sea in a 26 foot raft - with one of the most deadliest animals on earth - the Bengal tiger. This book won the 2002 Man Booker Prize.

Discussion

-Everyone enjoyed the book, even though some had already read the book, it was read again - and enjoyed a second time. This is one of those rare books where a second reading is pleasurable and different reflections, metaphors, symbolism, and allegories, come to light.

-There was a lot of gore in the book, the author did not leave out any details, especially when some of the animals ripped each other apart. There was a flesh eating forest as well as descriptions of meals consisting of things such as fish eyes, cigarettes, or turtle innards.
It was felt that some of the gory descriptions were necessary to understand what lengths humans (or animals) will go to for survival.

-Certain parts of the bible are alluded to in the book such as the anti-Eden island and blindness and despair (that appears frequently in the new testament). There were many metaphors in the book - one being Pi’s struggle with his faith.

-It was a relief to read a book with absolutely no romance involved.

-There was a lot of detail put into the section on how zoos are run, however, this was necessary for understanding the eventual training of the tiger.

-This was a long book club meeting - we talked until midnight about various things besides the book - and we all wondered where the perogies were.

Menu

Vegetable Tray w/Dill Dip

Salsa Meatloaf

Broccoli Salad/Dinner Rolls

German Chocolate Cake

Dill Dip

Ingredients

½ cup sour cream
¼ cup real mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped or dried dill weed
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Chill a few hours before serving. This dip is versatile and can be served with any appetizer.

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

Four cups small broccoli florets
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
¼ cup plain fat free yogurt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Four slices of bacon, fried and crumbled
¼ cup salted sunflower seed kernels

Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar and vinegar. Pour dressing over broccoli and raisin mixture. Chill for one hour. Add bacon and sunflower seeds before serving.

Salsa Meatloaf

1 pound each ground veal, beef, pork
½ cup thick salsa (hot or mild)
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped green peppers
1/3 cup dried bread crumbs
¼ cup finely chopped shallots
¼ cup chopped green onion (white & green parts)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. With your hands mix well, but don’t over handle the mixture or meatloaf will turn out heavy. Spread evenly in a lightly oiled 9 by 5 loaf pan. Place on baking sheet and cook in middle of oven at 350 degrees for approximately 1 ½ hours. Cool for five minutes. Drain fat and move to serving platter. Serve with more salsa.

German Chocolate Cake

January 2008 Host: Rachel

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Summary

Love in the Time of Cholera is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in a coastal Columbian town and is the story of a tortured and obsessive love (a love that is much like cholera). Fermina Daza and Florentino Ariza meet and fall in love as they communicate through letters, which goes on for a few years. When Florentino first speaks to Fermina, (years after meeting her) she rejects him and eventually marries a wealthy, well-born doctor. Florentino is devastated as he had sworn to love her forever and tries to fill the void through the decades with 622 affairs. More than fifty years later, Fermina’s husband dies as he tries to rescue a wayward parrot from a tree. Florentino again approaches Fermina to profess his undying love for her. Intertwined throughout the main plot are stories of various loves that are platonic, dangerous, geriatric, adulterous, etc. This was an Oprah’s book club selection and the author is a winner of the Nobel Prize.

Discussion

-Marquez is an excellent writer, his prose is rich in detail with just the right amount of humor mixed in.

-After agreeing upon the previous point, we spent the rest of the evening trashing the book. We felt that the book “lacked” - perhaps that ‘something’ was missed in the translation.

-We had trouble liking or even caring about any of the characters. Florentino Ariza has over 600 affairs and is unscathed by any one of them. One such example is that he molests a fourteen year old who later commits suicide - we understand that the author was trying to get across that older men can love. (Florentino was in his 70s when this happened) but, yuck He had mental issues and it was agreed that his character was disgusting.

-One of the characters was brutally raped when she was very young and never married because she was waiting to again meet and then marry her attacker. Yuck again.

-Florintino Ariza was portrayed as being an expert in writing romantic prose and letters, yet the author did not include one of them in the book, which was disappointing.

-There was much ado about Fermina’s husband’s chess partner dying. There was a buildup to the opening of a secret letter….which revealed only hat he had been having an affair. We were led to believe there would be something more significant in the letter.