It was exceptional!
We arrived at The Book Larder on Fremont Avenue in Seattle just before the cooking class/brunch/wedding shower began. Linda and Susan, with the help of the Book Larder staff, had created a beautiful space for our celebration.
A group of extraordinary women attended the event. I am so thankful to each one of them for coming to support me and to celebrate Riley and my engagement and forthcoming nuptials. I feel so blessed to be a part of this community.
The head chef of the Book Larder, Rachael Coyle, used the time that she had with us to share recipes, secrets and tips for creating a wonderful breakfast. We started off learning to make a spring vegetable quiche. Don't spill it as it goes in the oven!!!
While the quiche was baking Rachael made an apple and cherry compote to put atop Greek yogurt with a little pecan streusel. DELICIOUS! Between the bites and dishes I had time to catch up with the ladies in attendance. It was so nice to see each person. I am still overwhelmed by the talent, creativity, kindness, and positive energy that permeated the event. Thank you all so much!
Lastly, we learned to make a nice winter salad with grapefruit, escarole, and chives to go with the quiche. Then on to presents...thank you all again for the wonderful gifts that will make fantastic additions to our kitchen. I love that going into my kitchen now means that I get to remember each of you and this happy happy time in my life!
Just for fun - my favorite moments from the shower...
*warm hugs from each person as they came through the door
*beautiful bouquet of ranunculus and tulips waiting at my seat from Linda
*Evelyne's thoughtful questions that helped us to learn more from Rachael
*the creative and artful presentation of Mari's Oatmeal Shortbread recipe
*spending time talking at the the table with Ana and remembering her kindness and warmth that I cherished while I was growing up next door and alongside her twin daughters
*the wedding shower cookbook tradition of Susan's that she passed on to me through compiled recipes from everyone
*Molly telling me how she envisioned Riley and I using her gift in the future - perfect and true to Riley and I
*the Farm to Table cookbook from Janet that embodies everything that I hope to do with my cooking
*Spending and loving to celebrate this time with my mother
*Ellen racing to her purse to give me a coin with the beautiful knife set! Tradition and folklore live on!
*Katie and Zoe being so helpful throughout the event and so fun to sit next to and enjoy learning and dining with!
*Heidi passing on to me my great grandmother's Borscht recipe in my Grandmother Chiara's handwriting, as well as her own recipes on stylized simple cards...beautiful
Love,
Cait
