Cooking Club 4.0

We almost gave up. Almost. Ben and R. J. talked about scrapping CC 4.0 in favor of going out to a gourmet dinner. Trader's Point Creamery was discussed. Luckily, a IM chat conference changed all that around 4:15 pm (aka Martha made an Excel spreadsheet grocery list. . .even more anal than R. J.?). In Cooking Club, we call that: lucky.

Date: Friday, August 22, 2008

Attendance: Founding Members + Bridget (aka 'the frymaster')

Where: Ben's new place

Cost: $$

Photographic Proof here
Menu: the menu was all but abandoned. But Martha (aka Aunt Martha) came through...
Jalapeno Wonton Poppers
Filet of Pork with Apple-Rosemary Vinaigrette (and also Sea Bass - same sauce)
Basil-Corn Pudding
Molten Lava Cakes (Michael and I did it in 25 minutes)

A few notes:
- CC bylaws were finalized tonight
- Cooking Club 4.0 was all about getting back to basics. After 3.0, we just couldn't risk it.
- Mary Kay broke the decanter. It was $25.00. See? See??
- No measuring cups? No measuing spoons? No problem.
- Lots of extra Chili dipping sauce. "That's lots of sauce."
- The wine lady's favorite? Not our favorite.
- Ben, in spite of recently moving in, got a B+ on the kitchen audit
- White towels over shoulders = Founding or Associate Member

Key Learnings:
- Basics doesn't mean boring.
- (First Name:) "Michael" (Last Name:) "AndIsaid": Don't be afraid of small messes
- When you pull a skillet out of the oven, you should use a hotpad. However, if you don't, you should pop the blister (according to Cha Cha)
- Despite celebrity status (he was quoted in the NY Times today), RJ's loyalty remains with the CC

The Grand Finale (drum roll please) :
- Bridget became our first Associate Member (initiation ceremony remains confidential)
- Cooking Club members will be getting matching towels and wine glasses