We were able to get together yesterday to discuss our couple months we spent cooking and eating out of the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.  While we discussed, we were able to try these tasty dishes:

KT brought Kale Salad with Cherries and Pecans  

Bev brought the Broccoli Slaw

Meredith brought the Cranberry Crumb Bars with Mulling Spices 

…And in true over achieving fashion, she also brought the Grapefruit Olive Oil Pound Cake.  

I brought Mom’s Apple Cake

Ashley brought Honey and Harissa Farro Salad.

Carol brought the Butternut Squash Galette.   

Randie Brought Rotini with Cauliflower Pesto.  

Joye brought Leek Fitters with Garlic and Lemon

Mostly positive responses to the book.   We all agreed that the photography was fantastic and made us want to try lots of different things.  We also really appreciated her witty banter at the start of each recipe.  Deb, we would love to have you over for a cocktail next time you’re in Seattle.  The recipes were easy to make, didn’t involve hard to find ingredients, and definitely ran the gamete as far as variety.

Knowing that it is impossible to include everything we like- the page turning while trying to cook is still a little bothersome.  (Yes, we recognize we can’t have witty banter, lovely photos, and a full recipe without turning pages) but a girl can dream.  Some people found the recipes hit or miss, and there was also a longing for complete menus or more suggestions on food pairings.

All in all- I really enjoyed the Smitten Kitchen.  I’ve always loved the blog, and now the book has  earned its place on my overcrowded bookshelf.