Books, Volume 2

Sunday, May 3, 2015
By the book table with one of my own books (The Witch of Bloor Street) and one
of my favourite recommendations (If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things)
Photo Credit: A Novel Spot
Last week I told you I'd be supporting Authors for Indies Day by appearing at my wonderful local bookstore, A Novel Spot. What an amazing experience! I made four new author friends, talked to some loyal customers, and had an awesome excuse to spend two hours in one of my favourite places. I came home with some new books, too.

Here are some of the highlights:

With fellow writers Mary Rose Donnelly and Kim Echlin

Joined by Sarah Pietroski, owner of A Novel Spot
My books!
A Novel Spot - an awesome bookstore
And fittingly, I have one more recipe from my book club meeting left to post today. These appetizers are a delicious addition to any appetizer tray!


Baked Asparagus, Leek and Goat Cheese Bites

2 1/2 tsp unsalted butter (plus butter for greasing muffin tins)
6 spears asparagus, tough ends trimmed
1 leek, halved lengthwise, white and light green parts finely chopped
2 ounces fresh goat cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Generously coat the cups of a 12-cup miniature muffin pan with butter.

Thinly slice the asparagus spears crosswise, keeping the tips whole. Set the asparagus tips aside.

In a saut̩ pan oven medium-low heat, melt 2 tsp butter. Add sliced asparagus and leek and cook gently, stirring often, until softened slightly, about 2 Р3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.

Crumble the goat cheese into a bowl. Add the ricotta cheese and egg, and mash together with a fork until well combined. Mix in the cooled vegetables. Divide the filling evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake until puffed and lightly golden on top, 20 – 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the remaining 1/2 tsp butter in a small frying pan over low heat. Add asparagus tips and sauté just until tender, about 1 minute. Slice each tip in half lengthwise and set aside.

When the bites are done, transfer the pan to a wire rack. Run a table knife around the inside of each cup to loosen the edges and then let cool slightly. Invert a large plate or tray over the muffin pan, invert the pan and plate together, and lift off the pan.

Arrange the bites on a platter and top each with an asparagus-tip half. Serve warm or at room temperature.






21 comments:

Deb said...

It's nice to see A Novel Spot is still up and running!!! Nice to see you too Beth!

Marcela said...

It's so nice to see you! You have a wonderful smile! Thanks for sharing all these moments with us!

Julie said...

What a great picture!! Those appetizers look delicious. I just bought the most beautiful asparagus at the first Farmers Market of the season today.

Beth said...

Thanks! And yes, Deb, it's still there! Isn't that great?

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

So fun to see your books! I just love indie book stores (though my favorite in town just went out of business :(). And another yummy appetizer for me to try on MY book club!

Daniela Grimburg said...

Looks like you had a great time and I enjoyed very much meeting you and your books in person.
Thanks for sharing these special moments with us.

Valerie Gamine said...

How exciting to see your name on a published book (books!). Scrumptious apps, too. And here I thought book clubs were only for imbibing. ;-)

Bonnie said...

It sounds like a wonderful event. I love attending author events and meeting those who write....I could easily be a "groupie".i hope you have something wonderful planned for the week. Enjoy!

Natalie Aguirre said...

So fun to see you with your books. You look so happy!

Inger @ Art of Natural Living said...

Sounds like a wonderful event! And isn't book club great for finding new recipes!

grace said...

you're such a smiley person--you positively beam!! what a fun event, and what a tray of tasty nibbles. :)

Angie's Recipes said...

It looks like a great event, Beth. And you glow so beautifully!!

Joanne said...

Such a fun event!! And you bring the tastiest things to your book club!

Tricia Buice said...

You are so beautiful Beth! Congratulations on a great event. You should be very proud. Love the recipe too - asparagus is a favorite!

Kayte said...

This whole post was just beautiful. You are so lovely...and such fun to see you in your realm...even the appetizers were spot on gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this day with us, it truly was wonderful to see it all. xo

Juliana said...

Oh Beth! Thanks for sharing all these wonderful pictures...I enjoyed them all...what a great and fun event...the appetizers look awesome!
Have a great week :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

What a fun time that must have been! Wonderful pictures -- glad you shared them. And such a nice appetizer, too -- really looks excellent. Fun post -- thanks.

Unknown said...

Such a great day! Those appetisers sound delicious.

Monica said...

Looks like a great event! Cheers to authors and local book stores, which are real gems. That's a lovely appetizer too. Have a great Mother's Day!

Vanessa Morgan said...

Wow, that must have been an amazing day. Congratulations. And I love the recipe.

Nadya Dwi said...

What did the author do during the event at A Novel Spot? Regard Telkom University

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