I know you have a cookbook somewhere in your house. Perhaps you look at it in passing, or dare to crack open the spine and browse, but how magnificent would it be to make those recipes a reality? The Homemade Kitchen wants to make that happen by hosting its six-event cookbook club series. August features Dessert Person by Claire Saffitz.
In quintessential Southern fashion, guests are asked to bring one baked good to Muddy’s Bake Shop in a potluck-style party. Claire Saffitz is a seasoned recipe developer, published author of two cookbooks, and a YouTube personality. Dessert Person came out in 2020 and is best known for its structure, which not only categorizes her recipes by seasonality but also by level of difficulty. Cookies, bread, cakes, tarts, pies, and ice cream creations are just a fraction of the recipes provided. For this event, you can borrow a copy of Saffitz’s book from a friend if you don’t already have it, or purchase it from Novel bookstore and they’ll give a 10 percent discount. Kids under 15 can join as well, with an adult accompanying them.
Choose what you want to make, how you want to transport it, and then bring a serving utensil with you. Then, once you get to the venue, everyone gets a moment to describe what they made as well as any tips or lessons learned about the recipe. The best part is trying what everyone made while chatting with fellow bakers. Founder Kat Gordon says, “The vulnerability of bringing something you’re unsure of is such a gift to the whole group of home cooks.” The recipe might not turn out perfect, but that’s okay. Bakers of all levels are welcome to participate and encourage one another. Setting aside time to meet new people in your community with similar interests can bring joyful change to a busy schedule. Their Cookbook Club can also be used in more creative private-event applications, such as bridal showers, baby showers, and corporate gatherings.
Sadly, they’re sold out this month, but future Cookbook Club meetings will commence this fall. The best way to get tickets before they’re sold out is by following the classes and events calendar on the The Homemade Kitchen website (homemadekitchen.com), subscribing to the Homemade Kitchen newsletter by Kat Gordon, or following Eventbrite, where tickets are sold.
Cookbook Club community potluck, Muddy’s Bake Shop, 2497 Broad Ave., check website for next event, $15.
