Cookbook clubs come in various forms, but the Potluck Cookbook Club stands out for its unique blend of exploration and communal dining; good friends, good food and let’s face it – less fuss! While dinner parties and supper clubs often take turns in the hosting spotlight (typically once a month), the Potluck Cookbook Club adds its own flavorful twist to the mix.
How it Works? In short, every club member brings their culinary finesse to the table, crafting a dish either straight from the chosen cookbook’s pages or inspired by its flavors (kudos to those ambitious food aficionados!). The result? A table full of tasty, complementary dishes all made by your nearest and dearest (or just people you like) .
How to start a Potluck Cookbook club?
Select a Theme or Cookbook: Choose a theme or a specific cookbook that will be the focus for the upcoming month’s gathering. This gives your cookclub crew something to work from. If you’re looking for inspiration on cookbooks this article from Refinery29 covers 34 Of The Best Cookbooks That Everyone Should Own.
IDEA : Kick-Start with your Potluck Cookbook Club odyssey with “Ottolenghi Simple,” a cookbook that encapsulates the essence of uncomplicated elegance.
TIP: Buying cookbooks can be expensive, so an alternative is to pick a cookbook author and just google free recipes online e.g there’s a number Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipes available for free on his uk website.
Choose Your (Cookbook Club) People: This might seem like a trivial and very obvious step, but remember this is a club and you’ll need people who will be committed to the cause (while your friends Patrick might be great craic – is he also dependable and not likely to have to work late or flake out on a regular basis). Invite friends, family, or colleagues who share an interest in cooking and exploring new recipes. It’s also nice to aim for a diverse group to bring different perspectives to the table.
Set a Schedule: Decide on a regular meeting schedule, such as the first Thursday of every month. Consistency helps everyone plan ahead and ensures a steady flow of gatherings. A midweek evening serves for an earlier finishes, however it you want your Cook BookClub to be as much about catching up with friends as the food, than weekends might be a better options.
Assign Recipes: As the host, you assign a recipe to each participant from the chosen cookbook. Ensure there’s a mix of appetisers, main courses, sides, and desserts to create a well-rounded meal. We keep our even simpler and just stick to mains / shared plates – that way people can cook to their strengths but also means less admin work for the host!
Share the Recipes Distribute the assigned recipes to each member ahead of time. This gives them time to plan, shop for ingredients, and prepare their dishes. Tip: Having a Whatsapp group or something similar is a handy way to share ideas but also more practical things like carpools.
Select the Next Cookbook: As the event comes to a close, discuss and decide on the theme or cookbook for the next month’s gathering. This keeps the excitement and anticipation alive.
Want to go all out? See below some additional ideas to make your Cookbook Club more of ‘a thing’
Set the Scene: Create a welcoming atmosphere by decorating the space according to the theme or cookbook’s inspiration. Consider matching tableware and decorations to enhance the experience.
Prepare a Welcoming Dish: As the host, you can prepare a welcoming dish or drink to kick off the event. This adds a personal touch and sets a positive tone for the gathering.
Engage in Conversations: Encourage participants to discuss their cooking experiences, challenges, and successes. Share stories about the recipes, ingredients used, and any modifications.
Take Note! Towards the end of the gathering, take a moment for everyone to share their thoughts on the recipes, the cookbook, and the overall experience.
So that’s a wrap, we hope these steps, help you on your way to hosting a successful monthly cookbook club potluck-style!
TP. Did you know that supper clubs, a broader concept encompassing cookbook clubs, have a captivating history? Emerging during the Prohibition era in the United States, these clubs offered a covert way to enjoy dining and drinks during a time of alcohol restrictions. They brought together people seeking social connections and a taste of luxury, with secret passwords and speakeasy-style ambiance.
