How to Start a Memorable Cookbook Club

Cookbooks have always been a part of my life. My mom’s kitchen was filled with the classics: Joy of Cooking, Mastering French Cooking, Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart Entertaining. Flipping through the pages of these classics as a young girl is what helped me develop my curiosity about cooking and cookbook clubs.

Years ago, my husband and I participated in a cookbook club with a few couples on the street where we purchased our first home. It was a great way to meet our neighbors and connect with others who were equally passionate about food and cookbooks. We structured the club so that the host would create that evening’s menu and the other couples attending made dishes that complemented the entree. Our cookbook club continued for many years, even after my husband and I moved into a new neighborhood.

I’ve been in an array of cookbook clubs over the course of my life, and I think they’re an excellent opportunity to learn new recipes, connect with others, and have an excuse to host! Below are some of my top tips for starting a cookbook club of your own. 

1. Pick your book. This is of course the most obvious first step! You and your fellow cookbook club members can structure this a few different ways. Maybe you’ll come up with a list of 12 cookbooks (one for each month, if you meet monthly) when kicking off the cookbook club, and whoever is hosting will pick one off that list (or choose one at random from a hat prior to the first meeting). You could also set things up so that the person who is hosting chooses any cookbook that has been speaking to them. Need some help thinking of titles? Head to the bookstore or browse online to get a sense of current bestsellers. You may wish to cater the book you choose to the season to make the club feel even more festive. 

2. Have each attendee choose a recipe. An easy way to do this is by creating a Google document that allows everyone to sign up for something different to ensure there aren’t any duplicates. You want to create as well-rounded menu as possible, after all! 

3. Weave in a dessert cookbook if you’d like. No one really wants to skip dessert. If the cookbook you’ve chosen doesn’t feature any dessert recipes, the host may wish to select a dessert from another cookbook to make and serve.  Or even better, start a dessert cookbook club as a spin off.

4. Stock up on the basics. As the host, you’ll also be responsible for providing napkins, plates, flatware, and the like. 

5. Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Encourage your guests to bring Tupperware containers to bring leftover food home to enjoy later in the week. There will be lots on hand, and you likely don’t have room to store it all in your own fridge. Cookbook club members are generous, never be shy to ask for leftovers.

6. Top it off with vino. Don’t forget to serve wine (as well as some fun non-alcoholic beverages) with dinner. You could even try your hand at making a signature cocktail or mocktail for the group.  You may even want to ask a local expert to speak at your cookbook club, how fun would that be.