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
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
"Justine Cooks" Annual Holiday Party & White Elephant
Lauren's House , 98033, Kirkland , WA, USThe tradition continues....Lauren and Nancy's Annual Holiday Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange! This year's book was suggested by Katy, and it's Justine Cooks by Justine Doiron.
Justine is known for her focus on plant-forward cooking, as well as her unique take on seasonal and simple ingredients. She has established herself as a resource for creative, inventive, yet approachable cooking, sharing recipes that are accessible enough for the average home but still bring something unique and special to each meal.
The book is a NY Times Best Seller and loaded with mostly plant-based recipes that look scrumptious. Please choose a recipe from the book, if at all possible. The book is readily available in hardcover and e-book format through all our local library systems and, if you decide to buy the book, please think about supporting one of our small, local book sellers. :0)
If you're unable to get a copy of the book, feel free to ping Nancy for copies of some of the recipes or choose one of the recipes from Justine's Instagram account.
RSVP’s will open at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 23rd, three weeks before the event. There is often a waitlist for events, so we’re asking that everyone post their dish no later than Saturday, December 6th after they've RSVP'ed. Set your phone with a reminder for these two dates, if you'd like to join us. Those who RSVP but do not post their dish by December 6th will be moved to the “Not Going” column, if there is a waitlist. Everyone (including waitlisted members) needs time to plan ahead during the the busy holiday season and last minute RSVP changes and no-shows are not conducive to this group's events. Also, one dish is required per person, so if you have a +1 please bring two dishes or double your recipe.
If you would like to participate in the group’s oh-so-fun-and-festive White Elephant Gift Exchange, bring a wrapped kitchen, cooking/baking, foodie-related item. It can be new or gently used but in good condition and something a food fanatic would be happy to receive, pls. Gifts are typically in the $15+ range. Gift exchange participation is optional, but it's always a lot of fun!
This event will be held at Lauren's house in Kirkland, and the address will be sent to confirmed attendees a few days before the event. Please do not RSVP if you are not committed to coming and posting your dish by the due date. If your plans change or you're sick and you can't make it, please update your RSVP as soon as possible, preferably at least 3-4 days before the event. 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.
* If you're under the weather, please stay home and take care of yourself and we'll catch up with you another time.
* 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. (Although reheating is available, if necessary.)
* Please bring a few dollars to help cover the Meetup fees that Katy graciously pays for hosting this group ($300+/year) – give your cash contribution to Katy at the event or ask her about contributing via Venmo or PayPal. THX!Looking forward to seeing you at this festive event!
2 attendees
Past events
195
