Archive for January, 2009

February 2009 Newsletter

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

A Note from our President –
February is the time for love—and who deserves it more than ourselves? So, love the one you’re with 24/7! Indulge, comfort and educate her this month—ENC is here to help.
Cheese and chocolate—what’s not to love! Come dip to your heart’s content on Ladies Night Out here at my home. I still remember the wonderful lemon ricotta pancakes I had for Mother’s Day at Hell’s Kitchen—come try them at this month’s Coffee.
Barb’s lived and traveled all over the world. Here about her trip to Peru on International Night. “Going green” is all the rage. Learn what the U of M is doing to save our planet at the Wanderers lecture. And, Carol’s found us another great neighborhood favorite—Mort’s Deli– for this month’s Luncheon.
See you there!

Sally Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

ACTIVITIES

LADIES NIGHT OUT—-Monday, February 9th, 7:00PM—6th Annual Fondue Party
At the home of a member
Back by popular demand! Come indulge yourself. $12 per perspn. There’ll be wine, vats of hot cheese and chocolate, and everything we’ll need for dipping. RSVP by Thursday, February 5th Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

COFFEE—Wednesday, February 11th, 9:30AM Carpool Departure—Hell’s Kitchen
80 South 9th Street, Mpls. 612-332-4700
This fun, quirky spot has recently moved across the street to the former Rossi’s location. You’ll find many breakfast standards—some with an interesting twist. The lemon ricotta pancakes are to die for! See menu at http://hellskitcheninc.com A carpool will depart at 9:30 from Edina. RSVP by Monday, February 9th to Sally@EdinaNewcomer.org Directions: Hwy. 100 N to #394 E. Take 12th Street exit (9A). Turn Left at Hennepin Ave., Right at 10th Street, Left at Marquette Ave. and Left at 9th Street. Public parking ramp next door.

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT— Thursday, February 26th, 7:00PM—Destination: Peru
At the home of a member
We’ll escape Minnesota’s cold and take a trip through the rain forest—if only vicariously—as Barb shares her photos and experiences from a recent trip to Peru, and a hike up to Machu Picchu. RSVP by Monday, February 23rd to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

WANDERERS—Tuesday, February 10th, 10:00-11:30AM—Lecture at Southdale Library
7001 York Ave., Edina—2nd floor Meeting Room
Wanderers will stay close to home to attend one of the Tuesdays with a Scholar Lectures offered each winter at the Southdale Library..Peter Jordan, Ass. Prof. of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the U of M will discuss “What’s our University Doing about Sustainability and its Environmental Responsibilities.” We’ll meet just outside the meeting room door. Coffee will be served. If there’s interest, we can discuss the topic over lunch afterwards. RSVP by Monday, February 9th to Sally@EdinaNewcomer.org

LUNCHEON—Monday, Feb 23, 11:15AM Carpool Departure—Mort’s Delicatessen
525 Winnetka Ave. N, Golden Valley, 763-544-2900
Deli food is comfort food from Eastern Europe, Lithuania, Russia and Hungary. German and Alsatian immigrants were the first to open delicatessens in the US. Like most traditional delis you’ll find dark ryes, pastrami, beef brisket and frankfurters in the glass case. Lovely dining room, big portions and great service. Great breads and other deli specialties available to take home. A car pool will leave at 11:15AM from Edina. RSVP by Saturday, February 21st to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: from Hwy 100 exit onto Hwy 55 going west. Turn right onto Winnetka. Take the first left into strip mall. Mort’s is at the SE corner (apart from the actual strip mall). From Hwy 169 exit onto Hwy 55 going east. Turn left onto Winnetka and proceed as described above.

COMING UP

READING AHEAD FOR BOOKCLUB:

MARCH DATE TBA: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak was originally published in Australia. The story is told by Death, who is trying to make sense of the horrors of WWII. It relates the story of Liesel – a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors. The construction of the story is unique. It sounds like a very sad story, but the story of Leisel is actually heart-warming and wonderful example of rising above some dire circumstances and finding joy in simple pleasures.

MAY DATE TBA: Until They Bring The Streetcars Back, by Stanley Gordon West, offers a nostalgic journey through the streets of post-war 1949 Saint Paul, those wistful days of ten-cent sodas, big band music, and burning leaves. West weaves rollicking humor, riveting suspense and a bittersweet love story into the fabric of those optimistic times. (West is the author of Finding Laura Buggs which we discussed in 2004)

January 2009 Newsletter

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

A Note from our President –

Happy New Year! Here’s to 2009, and another great year of welcoming women to our group. Make a New Year’s resolution––to get out and treat yourself to all the fun activities our club has to offer!

Don’t miss our Wine and Cheese Open House later this month–specifically for prospective new members to get to know us.

January is all about a whole new beginning. And, it all begins with a celebration of Chinese New Year on International Night at the Tea House.

Check out the new McCormick and Schmick’s Restaurant at this month’sCoffee.

Thankfully, some things never change—including the wonderful popovers at Macy’s Lakeshore Grill—treat yourself on Ladies Night Out.

There’s always something new to discover at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, so come along with the Wanderers for a tour.

Nothing beats the January cold like a steaming bowl of homemade soup—enjoy some at our Luncheon at Betty’s cozy home!

See you there!

Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

JANUARY 2009 ACTIVITIES

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT—Tuesday, January 6th, 5:30PM Departure—Dinner at Tea House, 88 Nathan Lane, Plymouthymouth 763-544-3422
The Year of the Ox will soon be here! You’ll find all your traditional favorites here, as we enjoy an early celebration of Chinese New Year. A carpool will leave Edina at 5:30PM RSVP by Sunday, January 4th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: #169 North to Betty Crocker Drive. West approx. 3 blocks to restaurant located near Willow Creek Theater.

COFFEE—Wednesday, January, 14th, 10:00AM––McCormick and Schmicks Restaurant, Westin Hotel, Galleria, 952-920-1142
Come check out the newest addition to Edina’s breakfast scene. We can even take a tour of the pricey condo models upstairs. RSVP by Sunday, January 11th to Sally@Edinanewcomers.org

LADIES NIGHT OUT––Monday, January 12th, 6:30PM—-Dinner at Macy’s Lakeshore Grill, Southdale Center, 6066 France Avenue South, Edina (952) 924-6727
The department store and restaurant has changed names, but the restaurant still has great food, including their warm popovers. RSVP by Saturday, January 10th, to Brenda@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: Enter Southdale through main entrance doors between Ruby Tuesday and Macy’s. Take the escalator down to the restaurant located near ladies intimates, etc.

WANDERERS––Thursday, January 15th, 12:15pm Carpool Departure—Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55404 612-870-3131

We’re so fortunate to live in a city with fabulous public institutions like the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. This month we’ll take advantage of their free docent-led tours. We have a choice of two 1PM tours. The first features part of the permanent collection of modern art to 1950. The second high-lights the current exhibit on India: public places, private spaces, photography and video art. Admis-sion and tours are free–the India exhibit has an $8 admission fee. A carpool will leave at Edina at 12:15pm–or meet us at the information desk at the MIA at !2:50pm. RSVP by Wednesday, January 14th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Parking is free. Directions at www.artsmia.org

LUNCHEON—Monday, January 19th, 11:30AM—SOUP’S ON! at the home of a member.
Join us for some tummy warming soup and accompaniments. Bring your favorite soup bowl or mug and be thinking about a story to share centered around your family/friends and food! Cost: $7.00, payable at the door, includes lunch and recipes (checks payable to Betty Hanson). RSVP by Thursday, January 15th to Sally@Edinanewcomers.org

NEW MEMBER WINE AND CHEESE OPEN HOUSE—Tuesday, January 20th, 7:00-9:30PM––at the home of a member
We’d love to get to know you! Come check us out, meet some of our members and learn more about what Edina Newcomers and Friends is all about. RSVP by Sunday, January 18th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

BOOKCLUB–READING AHEAD FOR MARCH: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak was originally published in Australia. The story is told by Death, who is trying to make sense of the horrors of WWII. It relates the story of Liesel – a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors. The construction of the story is unique. It sounds like a very sad story, but the story of Leisel is actually heart-warming and wonderful example of rising above some dire circumstances and finding joy in simple pleasures. HCLib.org has 52 copies and currently about 175 requests.

RECIPES–Our annual Holiday Luncheon was a wonderful sucess. The
recipes as requested, follow below:

Winter Salad
Bottled Raspberry Vinaigrette
Mixed spring greens
Red Grapes–halved
Red onions—thinly sliced
Red apple—chopped with peels on
Dried mixed tropical fruit–chopped
Sunkist Buttered Up Almond Munchies

Betty’s Gourmet Chicken
6 chicken breasts – split (12 halves) boneless and skinless

2 – 4 oz. cans mushrooms – drained

2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup dry white wine
6 oz. grated Swiss cheese (or more)
========================
1 cup seasoned croutons (I used bread crumbs)
1/4 cup melted butter

Place chicken breasts in slightly greased 9 x 12 casserole.
Mix together the mushroom, soup, and wine.
Pour over breasts that have been salt and peppered.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and top with grated Swiss cheese.
Toss croutons with melted butter, sprinkle over chicken and bake another 15
minutes, or until tender.

Wild Rice Pilaf
2 cups long grain wild rice
1 cup wild rice
chicken broth
1 bay leaf
2-3 stalks celery–sliced
1 small onion—chopped
2-3 T. butter
8 oz. mushrooms—sliced
1/2 Tsp. thyme
1 small package sliced almonds

Cook white rice and wild rice separately, according to package directions–using broth instead of water. Add bay leaf to wild rice while simmering. Meanwhile, saute celery and onion in butter for 5-10 minutes. Add mushrooms and thyme and continue to sauté until celery is softened. Combine all the ingredients and serve immediately. Or, refrigerate, add a little more broth or water and reheat in covered casserole while the chicken bakes.