Cooking enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels – from beginners to advanced –find Fort Bend County Libraries’ monthly Cookbook Book Clubs a great way to share ideas and discover new culinary tips. Different cooking genres are explored each month.
In October, the Cookbook Clubs will take place virtually, so that cooking enthusiasts around the area can enjoy and participate online from the comfort and safety of home. Here is the schedule of Cookbook Clubs, as well as some other how-to videos and book talks for food lovers, courtesy of FBCL’s librarians.
· “Crocktober: Cooking with Crockpots” – Wednesday, October 7 (pre-recorded video)
Kick off crock-pot season with some simple, but delicious crock-pot meal ideas. A link to the review will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time.
· “Spooky No-Bake Treats” – Thursday, October 8 (pre-recorded video)
Learn how to make spooky no-bake treats – an appetizer and two desserts — that do not require an oven. A link to the review will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time.
· “Intro to Mediterranean Dips” – Monday, October 19 (pre-recorded video)
This pre-recorded video will show how to make tzatziki and hummus, dips that are easy to make and that can accompany a variety of dishes. A link to the review will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time.
· University Branch Library’s Culinary Book Club — Wednesday, October 21, 1:30 pm. (live-streamed)
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the theme for this month’s online meeting is “Dia de los Muertos Foods.” Share tips, get ideas, and enjoy the camaraderie of other individuals who have an interest in cooking and good cuisine! This activity will be live-streamed in real time via Zoom/WebEx. Registration is required; an email with a link for the Zoom/WebEx session will be sent to all who register.
· Book Talk: 5 Ingredients: Quick and Easy Food – Wednesday, October 21 (pre-recorded video)
As part of FBCL’s Book Talk series, Cinco Ranch Branch Library staff will review the cookbook, 5 Ingredients: Quick and Easy Food, written by Jamie Oliver. This pre-recorded review will highlight Jamie Oliver — one of the bestselling cookbook authors of all time—and his cookbook, released in 2019. Focusing on incredible combinations of just five ingredients, the cookbook includes 130 brand-new recipes, from salads, pasta, chicken, and fish, to exciting ways with vegetables, rice and noodles, beef, pork, and lamb, plus a bonus chapter of sweet treats. This cookbook is all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss, lots of nutritious options, and loads of epic inspiration. A link to the review will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time.
· “Mason-Jar Meal Challenge: Kool-Aid Pickles” — Friday, October 23 (pre-recorded video)
Learn how to combine Kool Aid and pickles for Koolickles, a sweet and tangy treat! A link to the video will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time.
· Mission Bend Branch Library’s Food for Thought Cookbook Club – Thursday, October 29. (pre-recorded video)
The theme for this month is “cake decorating.” Get tips on creating spooky decorations for a festive cake! A link to the video will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar on the designated date, and it can be viewed at any time.
The meetings are free and open to the public. Registration is required for the Culinary Book Club so that a link to the Zoom/WebEx session can be emailed to participants who register. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling the University Branch Library at 281-633-5100.