Cooking Light Club Report of Dinner 11-8-03
or
the Total Eclipse of the Moon

Submitted by Nancy

The Pittsburgh Club met at my house on November 8, 2003 we were thrilled with the full moon and total lunar eclipse that started and ended during our dinner. It was a spectacular evening beginning with the excellent appetizer of warm Pumpkin Cheese Dip (November 2003 issue) enhanced with a little cayenne and paprika prepared by Jonie.

We shared several bottle of wine though out the evening, Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani 2002, Chardonnay, Black Opal, 2002, Chardonnay, Hanwood Estate, 2002 and Georges Duboeuf, Merlot, 2001.

The soup course was a really wonderful Cream of Parsnip and Potato (November 2003) brought by Meridee who doubled the recipe, pureed the soup with a blender and used Penzie's chicken stock which she highly recommends and we do too.

Jenni made the Pumpkin Biscuits with Orange-Honey Butter (November 2003) with her own special twist. Instead of cutting the biscuits with a biscuit cutter she used a heart shaped cookie cutter. They were just the perfect size and adorable not to mention delicious. Jenni left out the nutmeg and used low fat buttermilk instead of fat free.

Salad was brought by a guest to our group, my friend Pam. The Field Salad with Tangerines, Roasted Beets and Feta (Internet) was a big hit. Pam substituted Valencia Oranges for the tangerines and grated the Feta, which gave the salad and all over light taste of the cheese. Good work Pam it was wonderful.

The main course was the Molasses-Brined Pork Chops(November 2003) prepared with a flare by Kathy. Kathy marinated the Pork Chops for two days (the recipe only called for 8 hours but hey longer is always better when it comes to marinades) and recommends cooking them longer than the recipe suggested. They were scrumptious.

Mary had the best view of the eclipse while grilling the marinated asparagus on the back porch. Marinated in soy and olive oil the asparagus was done to perfection. Mary followed the recipe, which she said was easy (Internet). The only deviation was she peeled the stalks of the asparagus since they were a little thick.

Creamy Winter Squash Gratin (November 2003) prepared by Vicci, with mystery squash that appeared in her garden apparently reseeding itself from last year, was stupendous. Vicci made a few alterations to the recipe using Jarlsberg instead of Gruyere and whole wheat instead of white bread( go Vicci!!) Vicci used a combo of fat free half and half and non fat milk in place of the 1% low fat milk. Vicci reported that the recipe was easy until she got to the leeks which where a little labor intensive.

Christine had a hard time locating the pearl onions for the Caramelized Pearl Onions (November 2003) but Meridee came to the rescue with Birdseye Frozen Pearl Onions. Christine found the recipe quick and easy. The club said they were great.

The end of the meal came too soon but the dessert came just in time. It was Warm Gingerbread with Lemon Glaze (November 2003). It was the perfect end to a wonder time. Jen followed the recipe exactly and was surprised at how simple it was too make and we all said the presentation was beautiful.

The club had another successful dinner and is looking forward to the Holiday cookie exchange at Jonie's and the Christmas party where we all get together including spouses and significant others at Vicci's. Until then, happy cooking and bon appetite.