Our November/December book club featuring Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brook was a cup raising time. As ever, Toni never fails to lead a lively discussion. She surprised us with an early holiday present wrapped in shiny silver paper. Fa-la-la- a new mug inscribed with the quote, "Never underestimate a well-read woman." for each of us. Thank You Toni! 

Carol Shepley, author, good friend and fellow bookie gave a fabulous and informative talk on the arrival and influence of the Germans in St. Louis at the St. Louis County Public Library Headquarters on Saturday.

You may have heard of Adolphus Busch. Did you know that he learned of Louis Pasteur's work on pasteurization and traveled to Europe to find out more? He was the first American brewer to use pasteurization and refrigeration on a large scale to keep beer fresh..Or George Engleman, who persuaded Henry Shaw to make the Missouri Botanical Gardens a botanical research center in addition to a pretty garden? The Missouri Botanical Garden's library is considered one of the best in the world. She highlighted many prominent Germans who helped make St. Louis what it is today. 

If you missed this one, check out her website. 

“The tag on her chamomile teabag said, There is no trouble that a good cup of tea can’t solve. It sounded like what a gentleman on Downton Abbey would say right before his wife got an impacted tooth and elegantly perished in bed.”

My latest read is Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes. This romantic novel has lovable, funny but imperfect characters who come to life through Holmes’ storytelling.  

Evvie, the wife of a prominent well-loved physician in a small town in Maine is in the process of leaving her husband when she gets the news he has been in a serious accident. He dies before she arrives at the hospital and she is left with a big house and lots of guilt over her lack of sadness for his death.  She has a secret, her late husband abused her. The year following his death, she rarely leaves her house. Then her best friend, Andy talks her into renting a room of her house to his friend, Dean, a star baseball pitcher who has lost his pitch. Dean is looking for a place to hide out from the media and fans. The two slowly begin to heal and trust each other with their failures. They reluctantly open their hearts and find love. Holmes skilled writing keeps this book from becoming an ordinary sappy love story. Warning: this book has a happy ending!!!  ​

Enjoy this interview with Linda Holmes. . 

We had a wonderful time at Margi to discuss Thirteen Ways of Looking by Colum McCann. Hungry minds need food and Margi never fails to deliver. Here is her recipe for the beet sliders- enjoy!
Sweet Beet Sliders  
 Ingredients 
Burgers: 

• 1/4 c. + 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 

• 1 large, or 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced 
• 2 c. peeled and grated beets (approximately 2 small beets) 
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 
• 2 c. walnuts, lightly toasted and cooled 
• 1 c. golden raisins 

• 3 1/2 tsp. sweet smoked paprika 
• 2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste 
• About 1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste 
• 1 c. cooked green lentils, rinsed and allowed to drain (I sometimes use black beluga lentils, as well) 
• 2 eggs 

• 4 c. cooked short grain brown rice, cooled 
• Regular olive oil or grape seed oil, for frying burgers 
• 16 brioche “dollar-sized” buns, for serving 

Yogurt Sauce: 

• 2 Persian cucumbers, seeded and finely chopped 
• 1 1/2 c. whole milk Greek yogurt 

• 1/4 c. fresh dill sprigs, coarsely chopped 
• 1 1/2 tsp. za’atar 
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced 
• 1 1/2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 
• 1 tsp. coarse kosher salt, plus more to taste 

 
 
Directions 
Burgers: 

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until slightly caramelized.  Add beets, garlic, walnuts, raisins and smoked paprika and continue sautéing for an additional 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let mixture cool for 2 minutes. 

1. Transfer mixture to a food processor bowl (reserve pan) and pulse until contents are coarsely ground. Transfer mixture back to pan and stir in lentils, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 1/2 tsp. pepper; set aside. 

1. Add rice and eggs to food processor bowl and puree. Stir into beet mixture and, using oiled hands, form into 16, 1-inch thick burgers.  

1. Generously coat bottom of 2 large skillets with oil and set over medium heat. Add burgers and fry for 5 minutes. Carefully turn burgers over and fry for an additional 8-10 minutes. 

1. Place burgers onto bottom of sliced rolls, drizzle with yogurt sauce, top with bun and serve. 

 
Yogurt Sauce: 

1. Place chopped cucumbers onto a clean towel and gather towel tightly and squeeze excess liquid over sink.  Place squeezed cucumbers in a medium bowl. 

 

1. Add remaining ingredients and toss to thoroughly combine. Cover and refrigerate sauce until needed. 

 
Makes 16, 1-inch sliders.