Wonderful Time in Friendly Tyler

We were jamming last night in the very scenic and friendly town of Tyler, Minnesota.

We started the program at the Tyler Senior Center by playing a series of songs from the 1950s. From Good Night, Irene, sung by The Weavers, to Elvis' Heartbreak Hotel, the five songs demonstrated the exciting changes through the decade. There were quite a few toes tapping to those memories. Then we really started cooking. Rae finished the last step in cooking up Quick Strawberry Preserves, using the season's best fresh berries from Schumacher's Berry farm. Look for the recipe (coming soon) on our Potluck Paradise Blog.

Then Deb demonstrated How to Conquer Cabbage while Rae read the directions for this handy (and kitchen-safety promoting) cooking tip.

Today we head out for a 2 pm presentation at Dawson and then tonight in Lake Lillian.

This Potluck Paradise Tour of Southwestern Minnesota is fabulous fun. Thanks to all who have worked so hard to make this such a joy.

Hope to see you at our next stops!

On the Great Southwest Minnesota Book Tour

Deb and I had two wonderful events on Tuesday. First stop -- the Heron Lake public library. There Deb "conquered cabbage" and I made a quick cucumber pickle. In the evening we took the show on the road to Slayton. We had hoped to show our Powerpoint, but for the first time in 5 days the sun was shining. The glorious setting sun lit up the lovely meeting room so brightly the images were practically invisible! None of us complained and we had a wonderful time talking, discussing, and demonstrating.

On Wednesday and Thursday we're hoping to make strawberry jam from the fresh berries Garrett picked for us at Schumacher's Nursery and Berry Farm just across the road from downtown Heron Lake.

Friday, we're not sure what we'll be demonstrating and Saturday there is an actual Potluck in Graceville before we talk. Check the schedule in the column on the right and join us!

Potluck Paradise in the Press and on the Road

St. Paul's Pioneer Press columnist Lynda Kochevar used Potluck Paradise to answer a reader's request for an oven-baked spare rib recipe. http://www.twincities.com/ci_15117130.

This quickly and easily made cucumber and onion relish also from Potluck Paradise is the perfect accompaniment. It keeps for days in the refrigerator - perfect to go on top of a sandwich made from the rib leftovers.

Cucumber Salad

(serves 7 to 8)

1 large cucumber (or use 2 cucumbers and leave out onions)

2 medium onions

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Select a cucumber that has not been coated with wax and scrub it well. Slice cucumber and onion as thinly as possible and put into a heatproof bowl. Combine the sugar and vinegar in a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve sugar as you bring it to a boil over medium heat. Pour the boiling mixture over the cucumber and onions. Add salt if desired. Let stand until room temperature, stirring from time to time. Cover and put in refrigerator. Keeps for several days.

If you live in southwestern Minnesota Deb and I will be on the Great Potluck Paradise Book Tour in the middle of June. See dates at column on left. Details to come.

Happy Summer!

Luncheon at Waseca Historical Society-- May 27

Make your reservations for luncheon and program on how Minnesotans acted with "can do" ingenuity and "must do" drive to solve the problems of feeding our soldiers and allies during World War I.

I will be speaking about and reading from Food Will Win the War: Minnesota Crops, Cooks, and Conservation during World War I, my newest book from Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Event will be held at the Historical Society

315 2nd Avenue Northeast

Waseca, MN 56093

Admission is $11 for Waseca County Historical Society members and $16 from non-members.

Reservations must be made by Tuesday, May 25, 2010 and includes the cost of lunch.

Call (507) 835-7700 for more information or to make reservations.

Reading and Chocolate Cookies

I'll be reading from Food Will Win the War: Minnesota Crops, Cooks, and Conservation during World War I at the Merriam Park Public Library. The event is sponsored by Friends of the St. Paul Public Library and Mississippi Market -- our super neighborhood food co-op!

Event starts at 7 pm. Monday, April 26, 2010.

Find the cookie recipe at http://foodwillwinthewar.blogspot.com

Two Book Signings in April

Come and sample World War I "Liberty" bread at either of these two events. Both are in the Twin Cities and are free and open to the public.

Monday, April 19, 2010

4 pm

University Book Store in Coffman Union Minneapolis Campus

A celebration of University of Minnesota Archives and book launch

Author Rae Katherine Eighmey will discuss the important role documents from University of Minnesota Archives played in the research and read from her new book published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Monday, April 26, 2010

7 pm

Merriam Park Library

1831 Marshall Avenue in St. Paul

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library and is part of the Mississippi Market food lecture series.

Eighmey will talk about the challenges and accomplishments during WWI as Minnesotans jumped into significant food conservation efforts with a “can-do spirit” and a “must-do drive.”

Samples of World War I wheat-saving “Liberty” bread developed by the University of Minnesota home economists will be available at both events

Spring Fling Book Signing in Minneapolis

Great 1950s Butterscotch Walnut Ice Box Cookies. Come on over to book signing at Rick Rack and have one! Details below.



The folks at Rick Rack have stocked the store with wonderful new and retro treasures just in time for Spring.

Stop by and pick up a copy of our Spring and Summer Potluck tips and menus ideas. I'll be there ready to share ideas and sign copies of Potluck Paradise. Hope to see you there.

Potluck Paradise Book Signing

Thursday, March 18, 2010

4 to 5 in the afternoon

Rick Rack Living

3413 West 44th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55410