Book Club Brunch

I love reading (so do many of my girlfriends), so about a year ago we decided to start a book club.  We try to meet about once a month, although this doesn't always happen due to our busy schedules.  We take turns selecting 3-4 book choices and then each girl votes on the one they would like to read most.  In January the winner was Still Alice by Lisa Genova.  We have been going out to restaurants for our discussions, but recently decided we would take turns hosting book club in our homes.

(photo source) 

Since it was my turn to choose a book, it was also my turn to host.  Being the wannabe party planner that I am, I decided to try and theme the meal to the setting of the book, which in this case was Boston.  I served Boston clam chowder, Boston cream cupcakes and Sam Adams beer. (We also had champagne, because what's a girls brunch without champagne, right?)

Everything turned out really yummy and you can see the links to the recipes I used below.  I had loads of fun using the Kitchen Aid Mixer I received for Christmas.  I also loved setting the table & giving the girls a favor to take with them.  Since the main character's (Alice), favorite drink was tea, I put together little tea pouches for them.

On topic of the book, I strongly recommend this one!  It's sad and a bit of a hard read, due to the topic of early onset Alzheimers, but also made me laugh at times.  I think at some point we will all know someone who either has Alzheimers or a friend who is dealing with a family member with Alzheimers or dementia.  This is a horrible illness & I found the book to provide some good in site on how to cope with this illness or with family members who may have it.  The book also provided some ideas for resources.  Sadly, I have Alzheimers in my family and it concerns me, so that is the reason I wanted to read this book.  Although it's not easy to think about, I would rather be educated and prepared if ever needed.  I actually plan on getting tested for the gene and having my mom tested as well (if you read the book you will know what I mean).

(Vegetables for Emeril's Boston Clam Chowder)

(mmmmm, Bacon)

(Pudding for Boston Cream Cupcakes)

(Using the Kitchen Aid Mixer for the first time)

(Cutting out the centers for the pudding filling)

(Filling the cupcakes)

(Frosting time - I cheated & used store bought, instead of making the kind the recipe called for)

(My decorating skills are courtesy of Cake & Art)

(One of my favorite Champagnes)

(Gotta have a cheese board)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed the post!