Thimbleanna » October Book Group

October Book Group

October 30, 2009 on 1:38 pm | In Books, Recipes | 58 Comments

Last night was my turn for our monthly book group, which means it’s been a busy week in ThimbleannaLand. Our book discussion was The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold. Definitely not a fan favorite. As I heard one member put it, “That’s a few wasted hours of my life that I wish I had back.” I think the general consensus was that her writing was beautiful, but the story was awful.

My table setting was pretty simple. On Barefoot Contessa this week, I heard Ina say that when people start talking about tablescapes it makes her crazy. My sentiments exactly! A pretty centerpiece and nice linens and I’m happy. And for book group, as in previous years, I like to have a little takeaway. This year I gave the ladies some easy-to-make book labels found on this really cool site (spend some time snooping around there — they offer some really nice downloads).

I saw a centerpiece very similar to mine somewhere on the internet, so I asked BigDaddy if he could cut me a board to set the pumpkins on. Isn’t it pretty? I just love it and I’m sure I’ll use it for other centerpieces too. Thanks BigDaddy, the ladies loved your board and there was lots of oohhing and aahhing!

On the menu we had:

Crab Dip
Tossed Salad
White Chicken Chili
Sibley Station Swedish Apple Pie

Years ago, when we lived in Minnesota, the family all came to visit. We went to Pequot Lakes and ate at a restaurant that had wonderful food. They were giving away a few recipes and MyDadLovesMeBestSister wisely kept this Swedish Apple Pie recipe — it’s become a family favorite over the years. (We love it so much, it’s even in MyDadLovesMeBestSister’s section of our family cookbook.) I thought you might like the recipe too (and btw, it’s more like a cake than a pie, imho).

Sibley Station Swedish Apple Pie

1 1/2 cups peeled diced apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix apples and nuts. Set aside. In a separate bowl mix flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add to the apple mixture. In a small bowl, beat egg and vanilla, then mix well with the apple mixture. Spread mixture evenly in a well oiled 8-inch springform pan. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream and top with carmel sauce. Makes 6 servings.

This recipe came with instructions for a carmel sauce, but I’ve never been able to get it to work. It failed again last night, but I just happened to have a jar of carmel ice cream sauce, so I heated it up and no one was the wiser. Just in case you don’t have a favorite carmel sauce, here’s a family favorite sauce that would work well too.

Gorgeous Sauce

1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. whipping cream

Cook over boiling water for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Oh, and big news! I heard on the radio that in the next 4 to 5 years, US book manufacturers are going to start printing all US cookbooks with measurements by weight. That should help with the recipe language conversion problems we have in blogland. ;-)

Have a great weekend!
XOXO,
Anna

58 Comments

I wish I was in your book group. We always have wine and crisps, and twice each year we all bring cheese, bread, cupcakes and so on – but we never have a sit down meal. It’s a lovely idea.

Comment by dottycookie — October 30, 2009 #
what a lovely and simple table setting. i want to be in your book club, too. :)

Comment by amandajean — October 30, 2009 #
Pretty, pretty table Anna! Love the board, too.

I haven’t read the book, although I considered it because I liked The Lovely Bones. But maybe I’ll send it to the back of my ever growing books-to-read list.

Happy Weekend!
XO

Comment by Jill — October 30, 2009 #
Well I am sorry the book was a dud, but gosh, you ate well xoxoxox Clarice

Comment by clarice — October 30, 2009 #
What a pretty table…simple is good! Oh my does that pie ever look yummy…any left? I’m on my way!

Comment by Carol — October 30, 2009 #
Dear Anna
I suppose being in a book-club is really fun.
I would like to have that too, especially with members with great hospitality like you.
Have a great weekend and Happy Halloween
Janine

Comment by Janine — October 30, 2009 #
mmmummm – your menu sounds yummy. Any leftovers? I haven’t had my tea yet!

Comment by jo — October 30, 2009 #
I loved the table setting and the book labels. It looked like such a fun time. Thanks for sharing the recipe for the Swedish Apple Pie. I plan on making it fot tonight!

Comment by Rae Ann — October 30, 2009 #
A beautiful table setting. And that pie/cake sounds divine. I’m not a big fan of pies, but this looks like one that I could love.

Comment by MichelleB — October 30, 2009 #
That swedish apple business looks amazing. To say nothing for that table! *wolf whistle*

Who needs busy table decor – that’s gorgeous.

Comment by finnyknits — October 30, 2009 #
Everything looks so lovely! I’m definitely going to make the Swedish apple pie – it looks delicious.

S.W.A.K.

Comment by Marsha — October 30, 2009 #
Your table setting looks lovely, and the food sounds delicious.

Thanks for the warning about the book because like Jill I would have got it to read because I enjoyed “The lovely Bones,” also by Alice Sebold. Has your group read that? If so what did they think?

Comment by Ali Honey — October 30, 2009 #
Thanks for the recipe. It looks yummy. Too bad about the book. I read The Lovely Bones and liked it. And your table setting looks great to me!

Comment by Elaine/MuddlingThrough — October 30, 2009 #
Beautiful as usual Miss Anna. The apple desert….yummy. I’m reading The Help now and I am loving it. I am not a book reader you know but I’m all into this one.
Hugs

Comment by Sharon — October 30, 2009 #
Hi Anna,

I also lived in MN (for many years), and I know exactly where Pequot Lakes is! Lovely town to spend a day in, in fact, I did just that last summer when I was back to visit. I can’t wait to try that apple pie recipe-thanks for sharing. I hope that your group’s next book is much better! My book group is reading “A Wedding in December” by Anita Shreve, and its pretty good.

Comment by Linda — October 30, 2009 #
must know how big daddy cut that board. want one! what kind of wood? what color stain? you know. ;o) gorgeous table setting. awesome take aways. wish you lived closer. I’m surprised i didn’t see thimbles or something on those pumpkin stems. ;o)

Comment by Jodi — October 30, 2009 #
Classy table setting Anna – the pumpkin display is gorgeous! I didn’t really enjoy that book either!

Comment by Lisa — October 30, 2009 #
Love the pumpkin display! (And I also wish I could join your book group!)

Comment by Andrea Q — October 30, 2009 #
i think i have a crush on bigdaddy.
i love the board he made for you.
perfect little party favor for a book group!
lovely table setting.
menu sounds grand.
dessert looks amazing.
i still have a crush on bigdaddy

Comment by brigette — October 30, 2009 #
Your table looks very lovely. The board is terrific with the pumkins, what a good idea. Mmm, yummy on the apple pie.

Comment by Janet — October 31, 2009 #
BigDaddy did great. The table looked so pretty and the menu sounded wonderful. I don’t want to be in your book group, just your Quilt Group lol Loving,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Comment by Jewels — October 31, 2009 #
lovely,lovely table. Where did you hear that interesting bit of info about cookbooks? That would be a big adjustment, but we would finally be able to use UK recipes easily.

Comment by Niki — October 31, 2009 #
Beautiful table Anna! I think your table looks more elegant than if you had really went wild. That would be a big help if they did that with the cook books.

Comment by Judy — October 31, 2009 #
Well, heck, why can’t I be living near you to be part of your book group? Your table is lovely- simple and elegant. I so agree with you on the whole tablescape trend. Once you get all that crap on the table, there’s no room for food!
Thanks for the tip on the book. I won’t even bother.

Comment by Karin — October 31, 2009 #
I keep seeing white chicken chili around and I still need to try it. Can’t wait to try the pie. Thanks a bunch.

Comment by Cindy — October 31, 2009 #
Move over Martha, now we’ve got Anna! Your table is very elegant and festive looking!

Thanks for the warning on Sebold’s latest. I enjoyed The Lovely Bones, and Lucky, so would have put it on my list. There’s enough on there already, so I’ll give this one a miss.

Comment by molly — October 31, 2009 #
I’m not an Alice Sebold fan although I did read every word of The Lovely Bones. When I was younger, depressing books were appealing to me, but, now if I wanted to be depressed, I could always find real reasons; I don’t need a book for that. I don’t mind sad books, but there’s kind of a hopelessness to her books that I can do without.

I wish I were in your book club too. The table looks wonderful!

Comment by Caroline — October 31, 2009 #
Oh my, what a gorgeous way for your book group to celebrate October. Everything looks truly beautiful and I’m loving every single detail. The pumpkin display board is a stroke of pure brilliance. The party favors, menu, recipes — I’m just crazy about it all. I wish I was a member of your book group and could have attended.

Comment by Junie Moon — October 31, 2009 #
The book might have been a dud – but I think you more than made up for it with your beautiful dinner for your book club friends!

Comment by Kristy — October 31, 2009 #
I didn’t realize Alice Sebold had a new book out. I read The Lovely Bones and her memoir– her subject matter does tend to be dark. Your table looks so gorgeous– I love the centerpiece– and I am drooling over the Swedish apple pie. Happy Halloween, Anna!

Comment by Stacy — October 31, 2009 #
your table setting is just lovely,hope you had a lovely Halloween :-)

Comment by periwinkle — October 31, 2009 #
I love your centerpiece and will copy the idea with great gusto. It now gives me ideas for Christmas as well. The recipes sound yummy. Sorry the book was not great, I am really bad – if a book is not good, I don’t read on because I have so little time to read books that I want to use that time to read what I enjoy.

Comment by raina — October 31, 2009 #
Just so you know – dinner at Thimbleanna’s is on my list of things to do before I die!! Such a simple and elegant table and as usual a delicious menu. Lovely!!

Comment by Louise — October 31, 2009 #
Hmm, good idea. Dinner at Thimbleanna’s for all your fans. Hope you’ve got a big table…

Comment by Isabelle — October 31, 2009 #
I liked the Lovely Bones, but felt she lot the plot at the end of the book.
Gom is going to just love this apple recipe!

Comment by meggie — October 31, 2009 #
SNAP! Can’t wait to make this! Do you have a special crab dip recipe?

Comment by Beth — October 31, 2009 #
I totally need to be in this book group. Your table looks amazing, Anna. I’m jealous of those pumpkins. I waited until the last minute to buy a pumpkin this year. Guess what? I waited too long. There wasn’t a pumpkin to be had. Turns out that the cold snap (4*F) we had in early October turned many a pumpkin to mush. We had to make due with Halloween luminarious this year. They’re ok. I hope they don’t catch our house on fire, though. It seem sketchy to me…tea lights in paper bags…Hmmmm….

Comment by Cassie — October 31, 2009 #
I love your board, and I am sure you WILL get lots of use out of it! But I like tablescapes, too. :-O

Comment by Karen — November 1, 2009 #
Wish I could find pumpkins like that here. They look absolutely stunning. Looks like we have a few book group books in common. I like the idea of keeping a list of them. One of the more organised girls in our group has the list going back 9 years. Some good ones in there for sure.

Comment by Kristine — November 1, 2009 #
I think your table looks stunning. Very simple and elegant.

Comment by Gina — November 1, 2009 #
When I think of “tablescapes” I only think of, “Where does the food go when there’s all the shtuff on the table?” I really like your pun’kins and candles and the simple linens. Nice, nice.

I’m going to try out that apple pie/cake too. I have lotsa apples ya know.

Jody

Comment by Jody — November 1, 2009 #
Hi Anna,
I love your table (and Ina too, I wish she had a blog!) your centerpiece is so simple and pretty, I may have to use that idea at Thanksgiving. And thanks for the recipes, the chicken chili sounds like a good idea for this week!

Comment by Shawn ; ) — November 1, 2009 #
lovely table…sorry about the book. i’m passing the recipe on to my mom…my dad will LOVE it!

Comment by jacquie — November 1, 2009 #
Is that the MOST AWESOMEST Thimbleanna BANNER I’ve SEEN YET ?!?!?!?! I do believe so. ;o) Absolutely LOVE it. ;o)

Comment by Jodi — November 1, 2009 #
and you’ve dont it again. added about 2 inches to my hips with that picture! I cannot wait to try this one!
p.s. love the acorn thimbles in your header. You are a real photoshop whiz!

Comment by Penny — November 2, 2009 #
BEST BANNER YET!!!! Love it, love it, love it!

Comment by Joni — November 2, 2009 #
Simply elegant! Your table is a beautiful setting for that wonderful menu. Must try that apple dessert now. And love your new header.

Comment by Susan — November 2, 2009 #
Anna, I just love your centerpiece … simple, yet elegant! :-)

Comment by MJ Smith — November 2, 2009 #
It all looks fantastic! But why, oh why, don’t you live just round the corner from me so I could be in your book group too? (even if the book was rubbish!!!)

Lucy xxx

Comment by Lucy Locket-Pocket — November 2, 2009 #
Anna you have class. Plain and simple. Everything is done well and done simply elegant. No fru fru on the table. I love that. It is all so beautiful and I’m sure incredibly delicious.

Comment by nanette — November 2, 2009 #
oh I forgot to say I love the header for fall

Comment by nanette — November 2, 2009 #
Very pretty table setting, love the pumpkins and the tray as well. The menu is fantastic…next time I’m coming over too!

Comment by wendy — November 2, 2009 #
OH.MY.GOODNESS. Just lovely!!! You soooo inspire me.

Comment by Anne — November 3, 2009 #
looks beautiful!! i like making tables look special.. but you can go over the top quickly! i think you did very well here.. beautiful but simple! {love the new blog header pic too!}

Comment by jaybird — November 3, 2009 #
I want to be in your book club!! Your table is just beautiful :) I forgot about your great book list until I saw this post and spent lots of time looking at it and using it to help me remember titles that I want to read next year, so thanks for taking the time to put it up there :)

Comment by Tammy — November 5, 2009 #
OH! I missed this post! Your table look so lovely! I love the centerpiece and everything! I’ll bet your book group is a blast!

Comment by tattingchic — November 7, 2009 #
Your table is so simple and so beautiful.

Comment by May Kristin — November 9, 2009 #
Anna, your table always looks so pretty. I have to admit that I love a table that is set in such a pretty way, but I’ve never quite understood the cooking shows that have tables set with things turned upside down, on different levels and all the rest. I’d be afraid of knocking something over. I do love party favors though! You always come up with lovely ideas for those.

Comment by Lena — November 11, 2009 #