EDINA NEWCOMERS

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.