HaleyWhen my friend Lauren mentioned starting up a book club, you’d think I’d just won the lottery with the giddiness that I felt. What could be better than an excuse to meet with a group of girls each month to discuss a book, socialize and enjoy appetizers? Well, a little wine wouldn’t hurt…but I’ll save that for a year from now, post-baby.
Our kickoff meeting was scant in attendance, but not in book ideas or fresh food. We discussed all the book options submitted, and finally settled on one that seemed interesting, but safe, for our first discussion in a month. I can’t wait to dive in when I’m in Hilton Head for the long Labor Day weekend.
As with any truly memorable gathering, we enjoyed simple, but delicious food. Lauren, who hosted, was gracious enough to prepare us a taco dinner. Tacos are a lot like salads to me: When someone else prepares them, they seem to taste much better than when I prepare them myself.
Lauren, an avid Trader Joe’s shopper, used only the highest quality ingredients. I was a bit jealous, because if my husband didn’t eat twice his weight in protein every day, we could afford to buy only organic meat. But as soon as we have a place that accommodates a deep freezer, we’re buying a farm-raised cow. I can’t wait! Wow, tangent…
Fruit Dip
Ingredients
- 2 8oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (depending on how thick you want it)
Simply blend all ingredients, and voila!
