What we’re about
I always have a long list of cookbooks I want to check out and there's nothing like a group of people to share the meal with that will inspire me to dive in to new recipes. The idea is simple: we pick a cookbook, everyone picks a recipe from the cookbook and makes it, we all get together for a delicious potluck, and then we pick a new book and do it again! All it takes is a group of people willing to cook one dish and bring it to share, and we'll get to try a variety of dishes, and connect with new friends.
I eat everything, but have a soft spot for vegetarian cuisine. I prefer creative vegetable focused dishes to heavier meat centered meals, so you'll see my cookbook suggestions reflect that. Feel free to chime in and recommend any next book that inspires you, no dietary restrictions.
Everyone is welcome, this is a friendly group, not a competition! Also, anyone is welcome to host events, that's how we can keep having events - just message me and I'll set you up. There is a lot of enthusiasm in the group and not enough events today for everyone that wants to participate so I encourage anyone to host, and it can be a group as big or small as you want :). Hosts makes the rules, so if there is a specific book you want to use the best way to do it is to host a meetup, or find a friend who is willing to! It can be in your home, a community center, the park, etc.
Treat the group and, especially the hosts, with gratitude and respect by taking your RSVPs seriously. Hosts spend time preparing, open up their home, and the group waits for most people to arrive before eating, so if you are not committed to coming, please leave the spot for someone else. Our events often have waitlists, please don't be a no-show. Of course life happens and there is nothing wrong with updating your RSVP if you can't make it, just please keep your RSVP up to date.
If you are bringing a guest, you have to RSVP with a +1 to respect the waitlist. Bring one dish per person, or double the dish you are making if you are bringing a guest.
Also, if you don't mind, please use your real name so that we know who you are when we see you on the guest list, commenting, and finally meet you in person. It helps people connect and stay in touch to know who you are!
Lastly, Meetup costs me as the host of the group about $330/year (prices went up significantly at the end of 2024). If you're enjoying the group please throw a few dollars my way to help cover this. You can give cash to any event host, sent me a venmo at katy-ionis anytime, use Pledge right through Meetup - that one takes a small fee, or message me for PayPal or Zelle info.
Welcome! We look forward to seeing you at a potluck soon!
-Katy
Upcoming events
2
The Ineffableness of Cooking
Phinneywood, 8000 Greenwood Avenue N, Seattle, wa, USSamin Nosrat's Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love is her second cookbook, following the bestselling Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. This collection is intended to be a source of go-to dishes, emphasizing simple, reliable recipes and the joy of sharing food and creating rituals around the table.
I was touched and captivated by Samin's recent interview on Fresh Air about herself and making this cookbook, and knew this needed to be a potluck. Turning the pages through Good Things reveals editor's let Samin put this together her way. It is more surprising and intriguing than orderly, more organic and meandering.
For our potluck, please choose a recipe from Samin Nosrat's Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love.
Let us know what dish or dishes you plan to bring in the comments for this event. Please take your time, but be aware that, approaching the week of the potluck, waitlist members may ask to bump the undecided.
[Please do read more!]
If your RSVP includes +1 guest, please plan to bring at least two dishes from the cookbook. The target number of attendees and dishes is 12.
We love welcoming new folks to the group, and ask that you only RSVP for this event if you fully plan to show up. If fate deems you must change your plans, please update your RSVP ASAP, so other members have time to join and to prepare for the potluck.
The Seattle Public Library received and loaned out 72 copies of Good Things, and has 45 more on order. Newly requested holds will get the cookbook sometime in 2026. Please, only RSVP if you will have access before November 1, 2025. That's the bumping date.
You can, of course, purchase the book or photograph it at your favorite bookstore!
Please, please do not join the waitlist unless you plan to be ready to take up the opportunity to join us when it arises. A half-hearted choice to sign up but expect it "won't happen anyway" only ruins things for the next up.
You need to be able to receive Meetup emails or you will miss important messages. Please send a direct message if you have specific questions or concerns.
I ask that guests to my home have their true identity in their member profile - a photograph that looks like you and a name you prefer to be called.
13 attendees
Rambutan by Cynthia Shanmugalingam
Brighton, Seattle, WA, USAt some point I put this book on hold at the library and when my turn came I was putting sticky flags onto so many pages I knew I had to host a meetup based on this book - my not secret at all ploy to try so many of the dishes! The photos of the food and the island, the stories of Cynthia's family and descriptions of each recipe really give a sense of place to these mouth watering dishes, and the recipes seem to me quite accessible with a few key ingredients repeating in slightly different combinations to create so many options without much special equipment - unless you heed her call to grate your coconuts fresh :).
Please choose a recipe from the Rambutan cookbook - on sale at Amazon right now, support local Book Larder if you can, and the Seattle Library has multiple copies available. If you can't get your hands on the book you may find some of Cynthia's recipes republished online, please stick to her Sri Lankan recipes. One dish is required per person, so if you have a +1 please bring two dishes or double a recipe. Please post what you will be making in the comments so we have a balanced menu.
This event will be held at Katy and Cebron's house in South Seattle. This is a limited attendee event, so please do not RSVP if you are not committed to coming. If something changes and you can't make it, please update your RSVP as soon as possible, preferably at least 3-4 days in advance. We usually have a waitlist and people need time to plan for a recipe, so no-shows, "place holder" RSVPs and last minute RSVP changes aren't groovy for an event like this. If you're not feeling well, please stay home. If you don't post what you are bringing by 11/10 or respond to messages we will move you to "not going" to make room for waitlist attendees. Thanks for your cooperation.
Additional reminders:
- Make sure your Meetup settings allow event updates from organizers. If you don't get the emails, check your spam, or social folders (for those on gmail).
- Bring serving utensils for your dish - and remember to take them home.
- Feel free to bring a beverage to share, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
- Your dish must be prepared in advance and ready to serve when you arrive. (if you need to reheat please message host to confirm space)
- Please bring a few dollars to help cover the Meetup fees that I pay for hosting this group ($330+/year), Venmo (@katy-ionis) or PayPal equally appreciated. Thanks!
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
13 attendees
Past events
194
