Tuesday, December 1, 2015

December 2015: Brown Eggs and Jam Jars by Aimee Wimbush-Bourque

Meeting Details: 
Erica's house
Tuesday, December 15th, 2015
We plan to begin our meal and discussion at 8:00pm or as close to that time as possible. 
* Check email for address and phone number.

NOTE: If you need the oven to prepare your dish, you are welcome to come as early as 7:30pm.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you like the book? Do you have a favourite recipe?
  2. Is there an age-old custom in which you participate? Is there one in which you'd like to participate? (p. viii)
  3. What values about food culture are you passing on to your family? (p. x) Is there anything you'd like to change?
  4. Aimee shares some tips for 'Building a Greener Kitchen'. What are some steps you'd like to take towards your own kitchen 'greenover'?
  5. What appeal does homesteading have for you? What might hinder you from pursuing homesteading?
  6. Have you ever had to talk to your kids about meat? And from where it comes? How did your children respond?
  7. In chapter 3, Aimee talks about the importance of picnicking and states that '[a]nytime we bring food outdoors, it's a picnic.' (p. 45) Do you picnic with your family? Share your most memorable picnic story.
  8. On page 64, Aimee shares a story about her son, Mateo, planting and caring for a small plot of peas. These peas were ready for picking when Mateo discovered that 'every single little plant had been nibbled down to a stub, barely visible in the earth.' Though he is upset, Mateo wants to plant the remaining seeds. Aimee uses this situation to talk about 'prevention, faith and perseverance for both gardening and life'. She also tells the story about the tornado that swept through their area, knocking over their willow tree which flattened their raised-bed gardens. The willow crushed her son Noah's little bean patch and another important discussion ensues. Can you thinking of a time where basic chores helped teach a life lesson? 
  9. Discuss the quote, "It's not always easy to see the hidden blessings in life's hardships ..." 
  10. How much does your past/upbringing affect how you raise(d) your own children? What are you doing similarly? Differently?
  11. To those in our midst who garden, have you noticed that growing their own vegetables has helped curb the fear of new foods in your children?
  12. How do you deal with ensuring your children eat when you are in a big crowd? Aimee says, 'Lastly, from what I've observed, eating plays second fiddle to games when our kids get together with their friends, so why not let them have fun? They can always eat a square meal tomorrow, but summer is fleeting; let them enjoy it while they can.' Do you agree?
  13. '_________ is a powerful connection to the past - to culture, family and heritage.' Aimee says that canning is a powerful connection to the past. What other words could we use to fill in the blank?
  14. 'Praise is invaluable, as is plenty of patience on your part.' (p. 190) Aimee offers this advice when cooking with your children. Do you agree? Any good stories to share about your joys and frustrations while cooking with children? 
  15. What homemade gifts have you given or received? What was the best one you've received?
  16. Aimee hosts Sunday dinners every week in the winter months, inviting friends and family. Hosting can make people nervous and anxious. What advice would you offer to someone who struggles with this? 
  17. After reading the book, have you been inspired to try anything new? 
  18. Would you recommend this book to anyone? Why or why not? 

Menu:
Please bring a dish you have tried or would like to try from the cookbook. 
I would love to add specific parameters (ie. appetizers, main and dessert, or a selection from each season) BUT there is such a wide variety of recipes and I don't want to stop you from bringing the dish you want to share. 

Please comment and let us all know what you plan to bring so we can avoid doubles.

Oh, and I'll take care of drinks :) Any requests from the book?

15 comments:

  1. I will bring the Mushroom, Bacon and Broccoli Rabe Fall Pizza! Will use her dough and pizza sauce recipe!!!

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  2. I will bring the Chicken/Leek Shepherd's Pie!

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  3. Yogurt - made from her recipe - with Strawberry Orange jam spooned on top - also from the cookbook!

    If someone wants to make her granola, then that would go well with this too, and you can join me in this dessert/breakfast!

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  4. I'll bring her granola! I've been wanting to try it:)

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  5. I will bring the Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake!

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  6. I'm going to have to do the Kale, Pomegranate, and Pine nut Salad... I think she would approve that I'm using kale from my garden.
    For drinks, I do really like the Mexican Hot Chocolate, but I'd also be interested in trying the spritzer

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    1. I'll take a look and make sure I have the ingredients on hand for those two :)

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  7. I am going to try and make the Summer Squash and Parmesan Galette :)

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  8. I'm also going to try the pumpkin soup! I've been wanting to add to my soup recipes and it looks so very good. And I'll bring the granola for the yogurt:)

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  9. I will bring the Brussels Sprouts with honey (minus the hazelnuts due to allergy). :)

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  10. Hoping to bring the chocolate bread pudding!

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  11. Hoping to bring the chocolate bread pudding!

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  12. I am hoping to come, and will be going simple, bringing some of my crabapple applesauce canned this fall. :)

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  13. I am hoping to come, and will be going simple, bringing some of my crabapple applesauce canned this fall. :)

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