Cook Out Time!

One of the many joys of summer is planning and enjoying a meal outside, with or without a BBQ.  One of my favorite dishes is Potato Salad because of the many variations that can be made.  Here is the recipe for Creamy Potato Salad featured in the book “The Great Potluck Cookbook”  from Good Housekeeping.  Come borrow this book or enjoy another one of the many waiting for you at the Gardiner Public Library.   CREAMY POTATO SALAD Makes 10 side-dish servings   4 pounds red potatoes, unpeeled 2 ½ tsp salt 1/3 cup cider vinegar 1 Tbl sugar 1 …

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A 1 Diner

In 2006 a local publisher, Tilbury House, published a book by Sarah Rolph that celebrated a local diner, the A 1 Diner.  The book gives a history of the diner featuring both those who work behind the counter and those in the kitchen.  Many recipes that have become customer favorites are revealed in the book.  Below is one of them.  For more of these wonderful recipes and to enjoy the history of this local institution, visit the library to borrow the book, A 1 Diner: real food, recipes, and recollections by Sarah Rolph. Hazel Newell’s Squash Custard Pie: This pie …

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Picnic Like It’s 1928!

Green grass, blooming buds, and sunny skies all make us want to get outside and savor every minute.  In the Archives, the budding season makes us look at old treasures with new eyes.  This week, a 1928 cookbook compiled by Christ Church Parish Helpers made me wonder what tasty treats might make a perfect step-back-in-time picnic. Here’s a selection of some of the most seasonally appropriate offerings for an outing.  See if anything strikes your fancy and let us know how they turn out (we’d be happy to taste test samples!)   And while we’re on the subject, what are some …

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Salad Time!

 Summer time is salad time . . . . and nothing beats the comfort foods of Maine like those featured in the cookbooks of Marjorie Standish.  Cooking Down East was published in 1969; Keep Cooking – The Maine Way was published in 1973.  Both books are available at the Gardiner Public Library.  Try the recipe that follows for macaroni salad or check out one of the titles to look for other down home comfort foods from Maine. MACARONI SALAD 2 cups elbow macaroni ½ cup mayo 1 tbl lemon juice 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar ¼ tsp diced pimiento …

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Sure Signs that Spring is Coming!

Backyard Grilling: Last weekend, I joyfully cooked hamburgers and hotdogs outside on the grill with friends and family. Of course, the ground was covered with snow, but the food and camaraderie were fantastic. 2.    No Jackets: On Wednesday of this week, we had a delightful taste of Spring weather. I rebelled in the morning by not wearing a jacket as I headed to work, and on the way home I had the windows rolled down in the car as I enjoyed 53 degrees. Okay, so it was only one day, but it was simply gorgeous. 3.    Walking: People are beginning …

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Party Time!

We are coming up to the big party date.  Here are some books to get you in the mood. The Bachelorette Party by Karen McCullah Lutz The Dinner Party by Howard Fast Everybody wins!  Non-competitive party games & activitiesfor children by Jody Blosser Perfect party food by Diane Phillips Party food: small & savory by Barbara Kafka You’re so invited: panic less, play more, and get your partyon by Cheryl Najafi Boston Tea Party by Pamela Duncan Edwards Slumber Party by Judith Caseley The Cocktail Party by T.S. Eliot Lydia’s Party by Margaret Hawkins Luncheon of the Boating Party by …

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