Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Summer Book Club

Becker Middle School's newly retired media specialist, Cheryl, always hosts the summer book club at her "cabin" on Mille Lacs Lake.
I love this place. It exudes comfort and welcomes you to a relaxing good time. Even though the structure is unbelievable she has been able to infuse her unpretentious outlook on life in her "cabin" dwelling. This year not only did I enjoy lengthy conversations in the screened in porch and deck area, but I also spent the night in the basement "cave" for the first time. The three moms downstairs who were child-less for the night found themselves sleeping in until 9:45. Amazing! Even though the chosen book - Irreplaceable by Stephen Lovely - was awful, in my opinion, I had a wonderful time.

Cheryl's pantry is always stocked and she makes some of the best food. For supper that night she made an entree that demanded seconds. Try it and you will fall in love too.

The Whitcomb
(Okay, she called it "Tortellini with Peas and Ham" but I adjusted the name to something a bit more memorable.)

Ingredients:
10 oz. meat or cheese tortellini (cooked according to the instructions)
8 0z. sliced mushrooms
2 oz. Prosciutto ham (sliced and chopped)
1/2 cup frozen peas - thawed
1 cup heavy cream
5 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 Tablespoon butter

Directions:
1. Add ham, mushrooms and peas in a hot skillet with butter.
2. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in cream and bring to a boil (it will froth).
4. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir well unit sauce is smooth.
5. Toss in cooked tortellini

2 comments:

LJFEIER said...

So, so fun! I hope this remains a yearly tradition. Loved my roommates, too!

The Hanson Hat Trick said...

Having roommates to chat with before bed was the best! Even if Gretchen was getting a little wild! :)