So in my book group, when you're the host(ess), you also have to make dinner. It's intimidating for some members, though most are quite adept in the kitchen, but not for me. I've been cranking out dinner for guests and weekly Shabbat dinners for 22+ years. Happily, we're not a competitive bunch and there's no judgement . . . we've had members order in pizza, take us all out to dinner, and supplement home-made with store-bought. It's all good.
The real challenge comes when we overachievers try to theme the meal to the book. And here I have nobody to blame but moi-self, for recommending The Bad Girl, by Mario Vargas Llosa, as our June selection. The book takes place in Peru and Paris, with a little Japan, Russia and England thrown in. Great novel, well written and very sexy. I'm already casting it in my head as a movie.
So here's my Peruvian/Parisian Dinner Menu -- recipes upon request. The ceviche turned out fabulously and it's a great summer dish to add to your repertoire...there's no oil in this recipe, just fresh fish marinating in lime juice with lots of cilantro and a healthy splash of Sriracha sauce. For the quinoa salad I mixed 1/2 cup red quinoa and 1/2 cup white quinoa for a prettier looking salad. My potatoes came from my CSA and were sublime mixed with fresh shucked corn off the cobb. We drank wine and we even discussed the book.
Ceviche of Tilapia and Surimi (because I don't do shellfish)
Quinoa Salad with tomatoes, garbanzos and cilantro
Potato salad with fresh shucked corn
French wine
French bread
French dessert
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