About us
If you're anything like us, you have an overwhelming number of cookbooks sitting nice + pretty on your shelves — yet there are volumes of recipes just waiting to be discovered + experienced. Such an undertaking must never be done alone.
Feast was launched by the extraordinary mind of Jessica Brand, a creative visionary who said, "Why not gather new + old friends together to start a cookbook club? Better yet, create a local Meetup Group!" Together we’ve shared a culinary adventure since the fall of 2015!
Once a month, we'll dive into a chosen cookbook, prepare a variety of recipes, and get together to taste + discuss. Think of it as a gourmet potluck. Each month we'll feature a different cookbook or blog, or author, and the group will meet for the most delicious gatherings throughout the North Shore.
Hear an Intro Video created by the founder of the Feast Cookbook Club and many of the original members — https://youtu.be/CAChqM-WzOY. Starting in the fall of 2024, Jessica has asked long-time members Brenda and Jim to continue the tradition.
All cooking levels are welcome . . . so don't be shy! Get ready to explore all sorts of new flavors while making new foodie friends.
Can’t wait to prepare + share,
Brenda + Jim
p.s. If you're single looking to mingle, then sadly, our group is not for you. We aim to keep our focus on the food + recipes while maintaining a friendly social environment. So, if you make more than one person feel uncomfortable, we'll have to respectfully block you from the group.
If you reserve a seat at our events and not show up (without prior notice), we will be bummed. If you do it again, you will respectfully be removed from the group. Thanks for your understanding!
Upcoming events
1
- $10.00
Martha vs. Snoop
Pickering House, 18 Broad Street, Salem, MA, USMartha Stewart and Snoop Dogg first bonded in the kitchen back in 2008, whipping up mashed potatoes together on her cooking show — and somehow that odd pairing has turned into one of the longest-running friendships in food and pop culture. They're still cooking, hosting, and showing up for each other.
Speaking of pairings - turns out there’s a lot they have in common including their own Martha’s Mac and cheese recipes vs Snoop's, for comparison), and they're both the face of their own 19 Crimes wine (Martha's Chard and Snoop's Cali Red). Apparently, we aren’t the first to tackle this “like for like” idea, here’s a blog where they compare each of their waffles!
We Double Dogg Dare You!
An optional idea, either:- partner with someone and create the head-to-head versions of a recipe
- or watch the recipes posted and you can create other chef's version
You can also just dig into either of Martha’s refined recipes or Snoop's comfort favorites. Pick from anything online, blogs, or cookbooks.
And a few titles available through the library:- Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen
- Goon with the Spoon
- From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen
- The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook
As it happens, the idea for this month came from my good pal and someone who makes all ideas better - Melissa, a longtime friend and member, suggested Martha. In my mind, one of the early times we met , she'd brought a summer corn salad from one of Martha's books. I'm honestly not sure if that's even true, but that recipe has become my picture of the perfect picnic — so let's eke out one last summer Sunday and celebrate on the Pickering House lawn.
WHAT TO PACK
1 Your recipe
2 Your plate, bowl, and silverware
3 Small containers to take home leftovers
WHAT'S INCLUDED
1 Tables + Chairs + Linen
2 Serving Utensils
3 Non-Alcoholic Beverages + DrinkwareTIPS + IDEAS
1. Go out of your comfort zone. Try a new technique or work with ingredients you've never used before.
2. There's no guarantee your dish will remain HOT by the time we are ready to eat. Consider recipes that not only travel well but can also be served at room temperature. Either way, you're welcome to bring a heating element, crock-pot, or warmer. Check with us first to see if there's an available outlet at the venue.
3. Be sure to read through ALL of the recipe instructions beforehand to make sure you have the proper tools, dishes, and ingredients. (We’ve made that mistake and wound up empty-handed.)FIRST TIME HERE?
Welcome! Keep reading...
INSTRUCTIONS : How our Cookbook Club works
1. RSVP via Meetup. The event fee (paid online) secures your seat. This automatically removes the cumbersome waitlist and maintains a consistent level of participation. All funds go toward venue rental fees and Meetup costs. If you would prefer to pay in cash, message me and I'll manually add you to the list. Thank you!
2. Get your hands on the cookbook to flip through and pull a recipe. You can ask your library to retrieve it from their network, borrow from a friend, or purchase from a local retailer. If you're in a pinch, let me know, and I'll email you some snapshots of recipes to choose from.
3. Pick at least 1 recipe to make for the event. Note: To avoid recipe duplication, take a moment to check the comments section and see which recipes have already been posted. Just in case, have a backup recipe selected in case your first choice is already taken.
4. In the comments section below (not in the chat box), share which recipe you (and your guests, if any), will be bringing. Please do this at least 48 hours before our event, as we will print menus.
5. Day of the event (or the day before). Prepare your recipe according to the directions provided in the cookbook. As tempting as it might be to alter the recipe or make a substitution, please follow the instructions as closely as possible. This will allow the group to truly experience the author's array of recipes. Note: No need to double the recipe. There will be more than enough food to enjoy!
6. Packing your own place settings is one of the ways we hope to keep costs low. Make your plate, bowl, and silverware part of our story. Tell us about your vintage store finds or your aunt's wedding china you never use. There are endless variety and incredible backstories.
7. Don't forget to bring some small containers to take home leftovers. You'll have the best lunch the following day, guaranteed.Can’t wait to prepare + share,
Brenda + Jim14 attendees
Past events
136
