Maintenance being done

Just wanted to let you all know I am added the old book club lists to the blog. I am sure there is a way for me to do this without actually doing a post. But I don't know how. I tried to google some info and was like "huh" So until I figure that out I am just going to be posting some old stuff. Does anyone want me to post the old Newsletters? I was just going to post last month, just to have a full year. But if anyone wants me to post the old ones, I will. I think I have saved most of them. (not sure why) but they are very entertaining to read....ah, the memories! Thanks Karen!!

The Book List - 2008

2008

THE GATHERING                                                                                               Anne Enright

SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN                                                         Lisa See

THREE CUPS OF TEA                                                                                        Greg Mortenson

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN                                                                       Betty Smith

BODY SURFING                                                                                                 Anita Shreve

I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS                                                         Maya Angelou

DIGGING TO AMERICA                                                                                    Anne Tyler

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS                                                                      Khaled Hosseini

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS                                                                                  Sara Gruen

THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH                                                                            Ken Follett

Prescott Penne with Roasted Vegetables (I took liberties with the name)

Greetings Girls,

Today I am hungry, so I am posting the recipe Nancy made on Saturday night when we were in Prescott. Those of us that were there can attest that it is fabulous! The roasted vegetables were tender and oh so flavorful.

I also wanted to mention that no ones home address, phone number or other personal information will be posted on this blog, so no worries, if there were worries.



"Good books, like good friends are few and chosen, the more selected the more enjoyable"~ Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women

Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Serves 12-15

1 sweet red pepper, chopped

1 sweet yellow pepper, chopped

1 box quartered mushrooms

2 zucchini, diced

1 small eggplant, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

½ cup chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

½ tsp dried rosemary

5 cups penne pasta (1 lb)

2 26-oz jars vodka sauce (or other spaghetti sauce)

3 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cups diced Fontina cheese

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

          In a large shallow pan, toss together the red & yellow peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, garlic and oil; spread out to single layer and roast in 450-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until softened, stirring once during cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1/3 cup of the parsley, basil and rosemary.

          Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta for 8-10 minutes or until tender but firm. Pour in 2 cups cold water; then drain and let cool. Gently combine with vodka sauce, vegetables, mozzarella cheese, Fontina cheese and half of the parmesan. Transfer to a greased 9 x 13” pan.

          Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and parsley. (Pasta can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day, or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before heating.)

          Bake, covered with greased foil, in 375-degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes longer, or until bubbly.

Note: Also good with 4 mild Italian Sausages, sliced, sautéed and added before baking.

Up and Running (kind of)

Hello Everyone!
I am attempted to start this blog for our book club. I wanted to find a way to have all our book club news, past and present available all the time. I am hoping to get this set up where the Newsletter will be published here every month also. I will try to add the past years lists of books we read and of course the current year. I would also like to add some of the yummy recipes we've enjoyed. Of course if there is anything else you'd all like to see just let me know. The only thing I know about blogging is....nothing. Except that I like to read them. I would like this to become a place we can "gather" all our book club fun....well, most of the fun (some things are just not suitable for print!)

So click the link to become a follower and also sign up for the email notifications, so you can get a new post sent right to your email. Also add the blog to your favorites so it will always be handy!