I don't know why but it seems like a long time since our last meeting. I guess summer is winding down, the days are getting shorter and there is a coolness in the air.....
I digress; tonight we meet at Alice's and share news of the past month, some good, some not so good. Alice has prepared a wonderful summer meal for us and we toast to our good health. We reviewed some of the clubs guidelines for our new member -- Nancy Miller. I will also email the list of members information to be checked for errors and changes. Grace announced that the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence will be held at Shepherd University on September 24 through 28 and will feature "Building Bridges, Past and Present" with West Virginia Storyteller, Gretchen Moran Laskas. Our very first book "Queen of the Big Time" by Adriana Trigiani back in 2008 was the recipient of this award. Louisa gave us the title of the book to be read for our September 20th meeting - "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. And for some reason we reviewed "50 Shades of Grey", I guess we just can't get that book our of our minds.
Alice then started the discussion of "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith. She is reading the book series and had the DVD of the BBC television comedy-drama series. We found it hard to believe that this book was written by a man. I enjoyed the main character, Precious Ramotswe. Mma. Ramotswe's cases are amusing - they range from imposters, missing
husbands, lost children, to stolen property and more. What is
interesting is the way the premier lady detective solves her cases and
handles herself in particular situations and with others. Grace couldn't find the alligator episode plausible and I'll admit , it was a stretch - Mma finding the missing husband's watch in the ONE alligator? Edna thought Mma's handling of the stolen magical items very clever. It was an enjoyable and easy read, plus there are more adventures with Mma Precious Ramotswe in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series - 14 in all.
Sharon will post her doughnut muffin recipe in the comments on the blog.
Sharon will post her doughnut muffin recipe in the comments on the blog.
I had a thought, maybe next year each member could take turns writing the review of the meeting. The person who hosts the meeting could do the write up of the next meeting. I thought it would give a different perspective of our meetings. I LIKE the idea!! how about you?
Enjoy the rest of the summer and "see you in September, see you when the summer through"
Bye bye, so long, farewell
KAthy G 
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Doughnut Muffins
adapted from kingarthurflour.com; makes 12 muffins
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, preferably unbleached
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoons nutmeg, freshly ground
pinch ground mace (optional)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
for the topping:
2-3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a muffin tin with 12 paper or foil liners. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, oil and sugars on medium speed until fluffy. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, mace and salt. Set aside.
Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla. Beat on medium until it creates a smooth batter, scraping down the sides if needed. On low, add a third of the flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Add half the milk and mix until just incorporated; repeat until you’ve used all the milk and flour.
Use an ice cream scoop or a spoon to transfer the batter evenly among the prepared liners. (They’ll be nearly full.) Bake on the middle rack for 15-17 minutes, until pale golden. Let cool a bit. Use a pastry brush to baste one muffin with the butter; sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat with the rest. Follow by dunking each muffin into the remaining cinnamon-sugar, and serve at room temperature or just barely warm.
Sharon
Kathy
Could you add birthdays to the membership list -- then we can plan LUNCHES!
Sharon
Please think about what your book selection will be for next year's book club meetings. I'll start a list at the September's meeting.
KAthy G
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